Bangkok (VNA)♕ – In an effort to promote the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) industry, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) kicked off the 5-day CLMV Media Familiarization Trip 2019 under the theme “Honor Your Creation”.

From June 10-14, the press from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) were provided with a first-hand experience of the latest developments in Bangkok and Pattaya and an overview of Thailand as a destination for MICE.  “The ‘Honor Your Creation’ is part of TCEB’s strategy to maintain Thailand’s strong appeal among MICE travelers from CLMV market following the remarkable 206-percent increase in their arrival number in 2018,” said TCEB Senior Vice President Nichapa Yoswee. The number of MICE travelers from CLMV to Thailand totaled 151,087 in 2018, up a substantial 206 percent year-on-year from 49,270 in the previous year. In the first and second quarters of the fiscal year 2019, Thailand recorded 46,352 MICE travelers from CLMV, including 18,352 from Vietnam, 16,530 from Laos, 8,750 from Myanmar and 2,680 from Cambodia. Senior Vice President Nichapa said TCEB has selected Bangkok and Pattaya to showcase the two destinations’ varied array of new products for international MICE. Bangkok and Pattaya are selected for the trip as they have significantly expanded their MICE infrastructure and facilities, with upgraded function spaces and new venues and attractions that will inspire MICE planners to design fresh, captivating programmes that combine modern luxuries with Thailand’s unique cultural heritage. “The cities are excellent examples of the continuous renewal and diversification that have earned Thailand the accolade of being the top MICE destination in the region,” Mrs. Nichapa added. The 2019 fam trip is guided by TCEB’s new branding called “Thailand Redefine Your Business Events”, which emphasizes better return-on-investment and better return-on-time for the MICE travelers through new partnerships and creative solutions. In this regard, TCEB has partnered Bangkok Airways for the “Fly and Meet Double Bonus – Redefined” campaign, which offers a range of exclusive privileges for CLMV MICE travelers. These privileges include financial rewards, use of the special MICE Lane at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and cultural performances courtesy of TCEB, Senior Vice President Nichapa elaborated. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, Vice President – Sales of Bangkok Airways, said: “As our network covers CLMV, we provide the most convenient access to Thailand for CLMV travelers.” Over the last decade, Thailand has grown to become a destination for world-class trade shows. Entrepreneurs and corporations from CLMV will find many opportunities to connect with the world when they participate in a trade show in Thailand, added Mrs. Nichapa.-VNA