In a sign that the world is returning to Thailand for MICE, Thai exhibitors at the first in-person edition of IT&CMA in 2 years clinched 94 leads with an estimated 10,362 potential overseas attendees.
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimated that the leads will bring into Thailand 683 million baht in revenue.
IT&CMA 2022 adopted a hybrid format, taking place physically at Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld from September 20–22 and digitally for another additional six days. It attracted exhibitors from nine destinations – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Monaco, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. There were 1,003 onsite participants and 224 online buyers.
This year TCEB-supported Thailand Pavilion housed a representative from Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) and a total of 34 exhibitors from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin and Khao Lak, consisting of 26 hotels, 4 convention centres and 4 DMCs. Meanwhile, the three MICE Cities in the northeastern region set up ISAN MICE booth, featuring suppliers from Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima.
At the end of the physical event, Thai suppliers gained a total of 94 leads and 10,362 pax which is estimated to produce 683 million baht in revenue. The leads are from India, Singapore, US and Europe, such as Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Belgium. The industries represented are pharmaceutical, IT, automotive and insurance.
TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “The fact that Thailand was able to secure 94 leads during IT&CMA this year shows that the world is very keen to return to Thailand for MICE. Thailand remains a strong choice for overseas clients. The three MICE Cities in the Northeast, on the other hand, are expected to attract around 60 groups by the end of next year. It is a proof that TCEB is on the right track in developing destinations in a different cultural and geographical region, offering more locations and generating revenue for more regions of the country”.
“Besides, we are particularly heartened that our efforts in championing MICE among local and international stakeholders over the past two years did not go unnoticed. We thank TTG Travel Awards and readers of TTG’s stable of publications for voting us ‘Best Convention and Exhibition Bureau’. We believe in what we do, and we will help you realise the magic of MICE in Thailand.”, concluded Mr. Chiruit.
TCEB was voted Best Convention and Exhibition Bureau by readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTGassociations, and TTG Asia Luxury at this year’s TTG Travel Awards.
The responses of Thai exhibitors are positive with the prospects. Mrs. Naruemol Sukhum, Director of Sales & Marketing, Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, said: “The appointments with buyers produce satisfactory responses. We met a total of 18 buyers, most of which are travel agents and DMCs from India. Others are from Germany and Singapore, representing various business sectors. The corporate buyers are mainly interested in meeting and incentive travel.”
Mr. Phanlop (Addy) Ritthrong, Managing Director, Eventage (Thailand), said: “Eventage participates in IT&CMA every year. It is a platform of opportunities to meet clients from all over the world and attract events to Thailand. We receive good responses from most of the clients. They are likely to bring business groups from many countries for our company. But most of them or 80% are from India. The others are from Asia Pacific. The business sectors of potential buyers are automobile and pharmaceutical”.
Ms. Arunroj Pittayapruek, Sales Manager, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC), said: “We received great responses at IT&CMA and would like to thank TCEB for giving us the opportunity to join Thailand Pavilion. We are very satisfied with the chance to connect with buyers from Destination Management Company (DMC), who are a significant driver of incentive travel groups, and event organisers, who are interested in making Thailand a destination for their events. We have many appointments with plenty of buyers. Clients from large market are the United States, clients from Asia are the Philippines and India, while clients from Europe are Italy.”
