Thailand’s tourism industry has faced tough challenges over the past 18 months, but business travellers can still expect a warm welcome from the land of smiles.
In July, CMW was part of a delegation of journalists invited to hear the latest about Bangkok’s meetings venues, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) newest welcome package, the city’s up-and-coming river precinct and Khao Yai, an out-of-town conference option winning over organisers.
One month after our return, news filtered through of the attack at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine. Our hearts went out to the injured as well as the staff from surrounding hotels who had welcomed us so warmly.
Demonstrating the resilience Thailand is renowned for, TCEB president Nopparat Maythaveekulchai acted quickly to offer support to organisers, confirming the city’s 72 registered MICE events, scheduled from August to October, would all go ahead.
Among the events expected to attract 76,000 delegates was the FDI Annual World Dental Congress (9,300 delegates), World Congress of Surgery (2,000 delegates) and TBEX Asia 2015 (900 delegates).
To reassure organisers of the city’s focus on safety, the bureau’s six-point plan includes: priority immigration clearance through a dedicated MICE lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport complemented by a 24-hour information counter; regular information updates; an optional police escort for groups of more than 200 delegates (5,000 baht/US$140); security services for delegations that include high-level executives or VIPs (1,500baht per staff member daily/US$42); and liaison for extra security support as needed.
Thailand tourism officials say the country is on track to welcome 1.036 million business travellers in 2015, generating US$3.5bn for the economy, as it focuses on winning ‘high quality’ MICE business.
Plans to expand Suvarnabhumi Airport by 2020, introduce high-speed rail, and new exhibition and convention centre facilities by 2016 are pushing the city ahead.
TCEB figures show Thailand has already attracted 726,280 MICE visitors during the first three quarters of 2015, with an in-country spend of about US$1.76bn.
When it comes to inbound business travellers, China leads the way with 120,684 delegates making the trip to Thailand in 2014, followed by 83,351 travellers from India, 69,034 from Malaysia and 66,956 from Singapore.
The country is also climbing the World Bank Group’s ease of doing business rankings, moving up two positions to 26th place behind Portugal, in 2015.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) spokesman Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya declared “we are bouncing back strong”.
Thailand connect
If more than 1,000 retail outlets and some of the city’s best Thai restaurants, such as Paste, aren’t enough to entice business travellers to explore the Ratchaprasong central business district, TCEB has an added incentive.
The bureau’s latest Thailand Connect welcome package offers food and beverage and spa treatment discounts, VIP check-in and breakfast at downtown hotels including the Anatara Siam Bangkok (formerly Four Seasons Bangkok), Centara Grand, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam and The St Regis Bangkok.
Pre-paid Wi-Fi, a BTS skytrain travel card and additional hotel benefits are also on offer for qualifying groups that register through TCEB.
Chair Srivikorn, president of Ratchaprasong Square Traders Association (RSTA) said members had renewed their commitment to the welcome programme for a second year.
“We are certain the number of MICE travellers is likely to surge this year,” Srivikorn said of the precinct, which attracts 300,000 visitors daily.
With more than 1,500 hotel rooms – and a further 3,900 under construction over the next three years – organisers can find just the right meetings venue to make delegates feel at home. And all within easy reach of an abundance of retail therapy at centre’s including Amarin Plaza, CentralWorld, Erawan Bangkok and Gaysorn.
From the studious atmosphere of the Grand Hyatt Erawan’s meetings zone, The Campus, to the InterContinental’s 860sqm grand ballroom, which doubles as exhibition space, there are options to suit a variety of budgets.
The ‘real’ Bangkok
The rising star of Thailand’s MICE sector is Bangkok’s waterfront precinct, where a visit to the banks of the Chao Phraya River is a chance to experience the ‘real’ Bangkok.
The 372km waterway, that winds lazily through the capital to the Gulf of Thailand, welcomed the country’s first traders, according to Bangkok River Partners (BRP) director David Robinson.
“The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok, it’s the history of Bangkok, it’s where you find the temples and palaces and government buildings,” Robinson says. “It’s where the earliest communities settled.”
Watching over the longboats criss-crossing the river are many of the city’s leading hotels, including BRP’s eight founding members.
It’s here that meetings delegates can watch the sun set from The Peninsula Bangkok’s 37th-floor aviation-themed Paribatra room and marvel at traditional dancers at the Mandarin Oriental, which celebrates 140 years next year.
For anyone searching for authentic Thai markets, eclectic bars and shopping it’s the place to be, Robinson says.
Bargain hunters have six markets to choose from: Klongsan, Yannawa, Flower, Tha Tien, Buddha, and China Town. Meanwhile, light festivals, food fairs, music festivals and creative districts create a unique experience for event delegates after hours.
“It’s a great melting pot,” Robinson says. “The staff at (BRP) hotels really know how to offer world class service.”
A tranquil alternative
The lush district of Khao Yai, best known for its national park, is a relaxing alternative for organisers considering venues outside the capital.
About 2.5 hours by coach north-east of Bangkok, the area is proving popular with organisers, particularly from the pharmaceutical industry, who want an alternative to Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.
Surrounded by acres of rolling grounds, Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa features detached four-apartment villas overlooking beautiful mountain ranges. The largest of the venue’s four conference rooms can accommodate up to 150-seats theatre style, while guests have easy access to the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
