The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced that its drive to increase the number of European MICE travellers has been a success thanks to new initiatives.
Thailand welcomed 1,086,229 visitors to business events during the 2015 fiscal year, generating US$2,673m (94,966m baht) in revenue.
In total, 118,436 MICE travellers arrived from Europe, up from 106,014 in 2014, delivering US$309.38m (10,992.29m baht) in revenue, an 11.26 per cent increase over the amount spent in 2014.
The top 10 European markets were: France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, and Norway.
Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of the TCEB, said: “Europe remains an important market for Thailand’s MICE sector and as our infrastructure improves, we want to grow it further by accommodating a greater number of visitors. By integrating new CSR initiatives into our business events portfolio, visitors can make a genuine and lasting connection with our destination.
‘‘Additionally, we’ve launched a Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package for 2016, offering special privileges for MICE visitors to make the most of their trips and enjoy some of the many experiences that Thailand has to offer.”
TCEB’s ‘Thailand; the CSR destination: Sustainable & Soulful’ initiative engages organisers and participants by combining pre- and post-programme activities with social, cultural and natural diversity.
For 2016, Thailand’s MICE industry has attracted a host of events from Europe, including the 130-pax EBP Incentive group from Belgium in February and the 220-pax Fidelidate from Portugal in April and May.
