TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya provided an update of new developments in Thailand at IBTM World.
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) showcased the destination’s low carbon initiatives and enhanced accessibility at this year’s IBTM World.
TCEB was joined by 25 other exhibitors from Thailand at the trade show which took place last week in Barcelona. Accessibility developments include an increase in flight handling capacity with the operation of a third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport, while its biometric system and Thailand’s visa-free policy for travellers from 93 countries and territories will increase efficiency levels. In addition, MICE groups can benefit from fast-track immigration on arrival.
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On the sustainability front, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) has developed a number of low carbon MICE routes in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, where groups can experience activities focused on the local way of life. At the show, TCEB referenced the Bangkok Protocol for Sustainable Gastronomy, an initiative developed with ICCA, which serves as a guideline for sustainable food management for future ICCA events and other business events in Thailand.
Thailand also focused on its credentials to host large groups, citing new developments such as One Bangkok, which has an event space catering up to 6,000 alongside 190,000 sqm of retail space and five luxury hotels in the pipeline. The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok recently reopened following a full-scale renovation and offers 5,000sqm of meeting and event space, including one of Bangkok’s largest grand ballrooms.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB president said: “I am confident that a series of new developments in Thailand will deliver higher return on experience for overseas MICE travellers. We are aware of the evolving needs and requirements of business travel amidst the challenging economic landscape. For this reason, we are always working in partnership with stakeholders in crafting new and high-value choices for planners and travellers.”