BANGKOK: Thailand Convention and Exhibitions Bureau has launched “Thailand CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success” campaign targeting Europe’s meeting planners. The campaign aims to attract more business events from Europe to Thailand. It was officially launched at IBTM World, Barcelona 2016, late last month, to international MICE delegates and media representatives.
TCEB president, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, said Europe’s meetings, incentives and conventions market was important for Thailand as it delivers high revenue events. In the 2016 fiscal year (October 2015 to September 2016), Thailand’s business events industry earned 2.56 billion euros (THB102.5 billion) and welcomed 1,268,560 business event travellers. Of that total, 106,000 visitors came from EU member states, with France, United Kingdom and Germany topping the list, he said. To boost the industry, TCEB offers direct financial support of up to 50,000 euros (THB2 million) for overseas groups under three promotional programmes tailored to the needs of Europe’s meetings and incentives.
“Thailand Big Thanks” for large meetings, or incentive events held in Thailand, offers a financial subsidy up to 50,000 euros (THB2 million) for eligible events with at least 2,000 overseas delegates per group, staying a minimum three nights in Thailand. “Meet Double Cities”: A subsidy of 2,500 euros (THB100,000) is available to groups of at least 100 delegates who stay in Thailand for a minimum five nights in more than one destination. “Meet Sustainable”: A Subsidy of 2,500 euros (THB100,000) is available for groups of 100 delegates, or more, who stay in Thailand for a minimum of four nights, and include a CSR activity in their event programme, or hold their event at a certified “Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS)” venue. The three campaign offers must be confirmed by 30 September, next year, for events hosted in Thailand by 31 December 2017.
TCEB also offers a Convene in Paradise campaign. In features 25,000 euros (THB1 million) support for conventions with a minimum attendance of 1,000 international delegates. A 25,000 euros (THB1 million) support for conventions in five focus industries with a minimum attendance of 500 international delegates. The five industries comprise: health and wellness, energy, food and agribusiness, infrastructure and logistics, and automotive and electronics. A 7,500 euros (THB300,000) support for offshore conventions with a minimum attendance of 200 international delegates, where 80% of the delegates originate from the same country. Convene Paradise applications are open until 30 September 2017, and the event must take place by 31 December 2017.
