TCEB to engage with the Government and private players to recover from the flood damage before the third quarter of 2012

In order to ensure a strong and speedy recovery from the recent flood damage that have impacted the country’s MICE industry, the Government of Thailand is working closely with the private sector in implementing a cleanup plan and aims to regain its international confidence through Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) market promotion campaign, ‘Believe in Thailand – Thailand: Destination of choices’. These measures are expected to see Thailand back on track before the third quarter of 2012. By that time the number of global business travellers to Thailand is expected to increase by approximately 5 per cent to 7,50,000 visitors, with revenues of Euro 1.43 billion and over 1,02,000 visitors from Europe are estimated to come to Thailand

TCEB is working closely with other government agencies in the ‘Team Thailand’ and also with the private sector itself to employ remedial measures which will be implemented in three phases until March 2012. The short-term measures will focus on setting up a one-stop-centre to assist MICE travellers and facilitate provision of daily updates and fact-sheets to the industry and all the stakeholders. In the second phase, TCEB will launch confidence-boosting activities through the ‘Believe in Thailand’ market promotion campaign. It will also invite national leaders to join key events and issue statements personally or through a video message. It has also arranged to inject additional funds to promote MICE events, enhance market promotion and give financial support for events that have not been cancelled or postponed.

As per the long term plans TCEB has proposed a ‘Recovery Plan’ to stimulate both the international and domestic MICE market. This includes a proposal to give 300 per cent tax relief on MICE expenditures, provide regular updates on the progress of the industry’s recovery and cooperation with the Federation of Thai Industries to provide counselling and encourage domestic tourism among those affected by the floods.

Akapol Sorasuchart, President, TCEB divulged the impact of the flood situation on the MICE industry. Overall, 24 MICE events have been affected, with the revenue losses estimated at Baht 3.32 billion (Euro 79 million) and MICE visitors are down by over 2,50,000.

He however also mentioned that many scheduled events such as, the Asia Pacific Golf Summit 2011 held in Pattaya from October 31-November 6, remained completely unaffected. Also, it was confirmed that the 2012 Rotary International Convention with around 30,000 visitors will be held during May 6-9, 2012.