Since 2019, the Thai MICE Connect has attracted more than 10,000 MICE entrepreneurs providing local business event planning details. Photo Credit: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
As part of Thailand's reopening strategy, Thailand Convention and
Exhibition Bureau has announced a deeper digitising of operations for
the MICE industry, "which has proved more significant as the heart of
survival in the face of disruption".
This includes the 2019-launched Thai MICE Connect, where more than
10,000 local MICE entrepreneurs have since joined the one-stop
e-marketplace for buyers and sellers in search of venues,
accommodations, organisers, excursions, food and beverage, shopping, and
ancillary services across 12 categories.
Recently upgraded functions include chat, video call and quotation
requests, to better facilitate "direct business contacts and dealings,
which will help save time and enable the clients to estimate and manage
their budget," added Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The bureau's chief added that local MICE players — "especially
venues, accommodations and service providers with international profile,
are ready for overseas clients".
With a majority of its registrants falling into the meetings and
incentive segment, Thai MICE Connect has also integrated into its system
the new 10 creative MICE routes, highlighting each individual city's
capability, readiness, attractions and uniqueness to local and global
planners.
According
to Chiruit, TCEB received approximately 400 quotation requests in 2021
on Thai MICE Connect, and are expecting more from domestic and
international users in 2022.
Thailand recently restarted quarantine-free travel for international
travellers on 1 February, including an expanded Sandbox programme for
entry into a total of six destinations including Phuket.