The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) has appointed veteran hotelier and Dusit executive, Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, as its new president for the 2025-2026 term.

With a forward-looking agenda for the industry, Prachoom is set to lead TICA in a strategic push to reinforce the country’s standing as a leading business events hub.

In June, Prachoom unveiled seven strategic proposals that TICA will be submitting at its next major tourism industry meeting with the government.

The comprehensive roadmap addresses core challenges around infrastructure, sustainability, talent, digitalisation, policy reform, and brand protection, all aimed at positioning Thailand for long-term growth and competitiveness in the global business events market.

At the heart of the plan is a call for embracing sustainable and responsible tourism that considers the environment, local communities, and local culture.

“We already have local sustainability certifications, but they lack global recognition. If we can raise them to meet international benchmarks, it will significantly enhance our credibility with global MICE buyers,” Prachoom said.

Infrastructure remains another pressing issue, and TICA is pushing for targeted investment in transport, technology, and amenities to support secondary and burgeoning destinations.

“Infrastructure is vital, especially when hosting events outside Bangkok. We need adequate access, venues, and accommodation,” she added.

In a move to reflect the growing shift towards purpose-driven travel, TICA is urging for policies that better serve visitors attending conferences, study tours, and social impact programmes.

“MICE travellers aren’t typical tourists – they come with intent, whether for learning, business, or collaboration,” noted Prachoom.

Workforce development is another top priority, and TICA is seeking government support to upskill talent and meet the expectations of clients.

“We need skilled professionals who understand the distinct needs of business event travellers,” she stressed.

To boost competitiveness, TICA is also calling for stronger adoption of digital tools, such as platforms that connect suppliers and buyers.

“Technology can dramatically reduce costs and increase productivity across the value chain,” said Prachoom.

On the policy front, TICA highlights the need to modernise outdated regulations and streamline event approvals.

“Some rules no longer reflect today’s realities. Securing permits for large-scale events often involves too many agencies. A one-stop service would simplify this,” she elaborated.

Finally, the association is advocating for clearer anti-scam measures to protect travellers and preserve Thailand’s image.

“Fraud against tourists and MICE visitors hurts our reputation. We need robust enforcement and systems to address this,” she said.

All these proposals will be submitted later this year, and TICA will be working closely with public agencies to secure cross-sector support.

“Ultimately, these proposals will need to be discussed with relevant agencies because they cover many dimensions, not just tourism. TICA is ready to act as a bridge between the private and public sectors to drive these proposals forward,” Prachoom acknowledged.