Tourism leaders plan ‘domestic MICE mart’

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Representatives from more than 20 tourism organizations brainstormed ideas on how to revive the business-convention business in Pattaya following May’s military coup.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau director, Nopparat Methawikulchai, opened the July 4 workshop at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center left) and Nopparat Methawikulchai (center right) director if the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau preside over the opening ceremony.Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center left) and Nopparat Methawikulchai (center right) director if the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau preside over the opening ceremony.

Associations covering Thai hotels, airlines, event management, conventions and more attended the session, reviewing plans to bring meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition buyers to Pattaya for a “domestic MICE mart.”

The market would distribute information on MICE services and organize activities for travel buyers and sellers in hopes of bringing conventions and meetings to Pattaya.

TCEB officials said any MICE strategy should cover five objectives: restoring confidence, promoting the Thai market, increasing international competitiveness, public sponsorship and international marketing.

Plans for restoration of the MICE industry and the domestic MICE mart will be presented to the National Council for Peace and Order which had made the meeting sector a cornerstone of its plans to revive tourism in the kingdom.