Thailand unveils two new MICE cities

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will officially unveil two new MICE Cities, Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla, at the ‘Thailand MICE United’ event on 2 September 2020. The event, which aims to create business opportunities and stimulate the domestic meetings market, will be chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, said that the two new MICE Cities are part of the bureau’s policy commitment to developing more destinations in different regions. The two destinations are a result of TCEB’s collaboration with the provinces and related organisation networks, which is an emulation of the previous five MICE Cities: Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen.

“The success of the five MICE Cities is proven by the fact that they can attract more business events, creating trade, jobs and revenue and contributing to the development of the infrastructure, workforce and facilities in each destination. Such positive results have become the inspiration for other potential provinces across the country to attain the same status, which TCEB considers a good and encouraging sign for the MICE industry and the regional and national economy.”

Mr Chiruit added that Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla provinces have met the criteria and are now officially certified as MICE Cities of Thailand. The attained criteria are the convenience of accessibility and MICE venues; support of local administration; activities; accommodation and facilities; public image and reputation; city environment; and risks involving cancellation of events and security service.

Bringing success to the two new destinations

TCEB will collaborate with the local provincial administration and relevant networks from the private sector to develop the four major strategies:

1. Development of market channel and promotional activities, including the city’s image.
2. Development of creative activities by incorporating local culture into MICE activities and upgrading them to serve the international market.
3. Enhancing the capabilities of local MICE personnel to provide quality service that meets international standards.
4. Development of an efficient administrative system.

Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla will make a debut at Thailand MICE United, the event that TCEB will hold on 2 September at Royal Paragon Hall to stimulate the stakeholders to unite and propel the domestic market as a driver of the economic recovery in response to the government’s policy.

The event will be graced by the presence of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who will chair the opening ceremony and deliver a speech on the government’s policy and the MICE industry and witness the debut of the two new MICE Cities. Other key activities include seminars, panel discussions, exhibitions and, most importantly, the MICE Mart, where special deals are on offer for clients from numerous suppliers, including convention venues, airlines, hotels and DMCs.

Nakhon Ratchasima has termed its unique selling point (USP) as ‘MICE City and The World Heritage, The Heart of the Northeast’s Economy and Tourism’. These USPs are based on the province’s five distinctive features:

1. The centre of manufacturing and agricultural product processing
2. A wide variety of natural attractions
3. A great number of man-made tourist spots
4. The centre of the region’s commerce and shopping
5. Unique culture, tradition and archaeological sites.

Another key attraction, according to the governor, is the wealth of nature, which is considered the best in the northeast. They include Khao Yai World Heritage Site, Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve and Korat Geopark. All that the province has to offer aims to impress MICE travellers with unforgettable experiences.

Songkhla’s unique selling point, termed ‘Multicultural MICE City, A Driver of Economic Growth with Border Trade, Services and Investment of the South’, is crafted from the province’s five key features: multicultural city consisting of Buddhist Thai, Buddhist Chinese and Thai Muslim; the centre of government administration of the South; the centre of business; the centre of commerce and shopping; and the centre of southern educational institutions.

Mr Jaruwat Kliangklao, Songkhla Governor, expressed sincere gratitude to a network of the local government sector, educational sector, and the private sector in the province for their collective forces that enables Songkhla to be selected as MICE City. He emphasised that the province is not only the centre of commerce, investment, services and transportation in the lower southern region. It is also a well-known economic gateway to the neighbouring country, earning the province the title ‘the centre of southern border trade and multicultural diversity’.

“From now on, Songkhla will serve as the destination for meetings, exhibition, events, and incentives, thanks to the readiness of local facilities, as well as the potential venues, including convention centres and large event venues within the compound of the hotels. The province is committed to becoming a preferred destination for MICE events of regional, national and international levels.”

Featured image: Phimai Historical Park at Nakhon Ratchasima

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