TCEB Reports MICE Arrivals up 5% in Q1

March 9, 2014

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently released 2014 first quarter results of Thailand’s MICE industry. Covering the period from October to December 2013, the country received 186,864 MICE visitors who contributed US$491.8 million to the local economy – that is up 5% and 6% respectively compared with the same quarter in 2013.

Highlighting the Oceania market, TCEB revealed a growth of 13% and 14% respectively in the number of MICE visitor arrivals and revenues generated during the quarter. In particular, TCEB noted visitor arrivals from China recorded significant growth during quarter – up 177% over the same period in 2013.

According to TCEB, the international convention business accounted for the largest share of Thailand’s MICE market, measured by both visitor arrivals (58,682) and revenues generated (US$178 million). Looking ahead, TCEB projects an overall 5% growth in visitor arrivals and a 10% growth in revenues for the full year in 2014.

Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of TCEB, remarked, “In 2013 we welcomed more than one million MICE travellers from all over the world, including 26,173 from Oceania, a number we expect to grow by 10% in 2014. I am confident that the combined efforts of the ‘Thai Team’, our MICE recovery programme and the Thailand CONNECT campaign, as well as our many other market promotions, will help drive further MICE sector growth. In 2014, TCEB forecasts growth in MICE visitor numbers of 5% to a total of 987,000 visitors by year-end, with revenues up 10% to Baht 96.9 billion (US$3 billion).”

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