TCEB rolls out subsidy scheme for local event planners

BANGKOK — The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently unveiled a new subsidy scheme to encourage more domestic meetings and incentives. The new 'Thailand a Safer Place for Meetings' scheme is aimed at assisting MICE operators currently facing the loss of overseas business, and stimulating the national economy.

TCEB director, Central and Eastern Region, Salanroj Sutaschuto, stated that the government has a policy to encourage state agencies and the private sector to hold meetings, seminars and incentive trips across the Kingdom in order to restore the economy.

“We are encouraging DMCs, tour agents, organisers, hotels and venues to apply for the scheme," he said. "The applicants must be members of associations working under the supervision of Tourism Council of Thailand. Hotels and venues certified with Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) or ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (AMVS) are also qualified. Other qualified applicants are organisations registered under Thai law, such as juristic persons, associations, limited partnership, limited companies or private universities.”

The scheme is offered to events with a minimum of 30 delegates and is  divided into two options: the first is a voucher of no less than 15,000 baht (US$480) per group conducting activities for one day (no less than 6 hours). The second is a voucher of 30,000 baht (US$960) for events that last at least two days and one night.

Applications for support can be made from now until 31 October 2020 and at least 10 days before the event commences. The approved meetings or activities must be completed by 31 December 2020.

"It is projected that the number of attendees will total 534 groups from various organisations, which can inject more than 235 million baht (US$7.5 million) of income into the national economy,” Saranroj said.

For more information, visit: www.thaimiceconnect.com