TCEB joins hands with TICA for expat executives to discover the splendors of UNESCO World Heritage site Sukhothai as a MICE destination

AN ELITE GROUP of Asia-based international executives will be hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) to experience Splendid Sukhothai’s UNESCO World Heritage, an exclusive tailor made itinerary to explore the ancient Thai capital on the weekend of February 20-22. The program – one of eight such outings of the Meet in Thailand, prosperous Thailand campaign – was designed for corporate expatriates who can influence the decision for Multinational companies to opt for holding meetings in Thailand instead of taking events overseas.

The hosts have seized the opportunity to bring the group to a less-visited business travel destination, instead looking to the strong incentive attractions, by taking advantage of Sukhothai’s rich history in order to demonstrate the city as a capable and well-equipped MICE destination, especially for small to mid-sized groups.

Sukhothai (literally: “Dawn of Happiness”) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, the pioneering monarch credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The activity packed journey encompassed visits to the superb, lovingly restored temples and monuments aptly showcased in Sukhothai Historical Park, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as glorious Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Other endeavors included alms giving with local Buddhist monks, a trip to an underprivileged school, plus the chance to experience organic farming, enjoy an exceptional Loy Krathong night dining experience and more.

This unique tour enjoys the full support of the Thai government under the “Meet in Thailand Prosperous Thailand” cabinet resolution. According to Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of Government and Corporate Affairs at TCEB, “Since 2004, TCEB has been striving to build cooperation between the Thai government and private sector regarding MICE. Not only do we aim to demonstrate the cultural richness and exotic diversity of the Kingdom of Thailand to multinational executives, but prove that Thailand is more than capable of hosting modern business networking events and cooperative seminars to international standards – in unusual, inspiring and thought-provoking locations. This is why Sukhothai was carefully selected for this event. Our former royal capital is also famed locally as one of the most enchanting locations to visit during the Loy Krathong festival, and as part of the special activities we will be putting on a special Loy Krathong Night for the guests.”

Ms. Vanida Tulalamba, TICA Secretary General added that: “Promoting Incentives and Conventions in Thailand is one of the key objectives of TICA, and every year we work with both the private and public sectors, especially TCEB and TAT. Having hosted clients on such trips from leading companies for 25 years now (since 1984), I can say that the success has not only stimulated the Thai economy and generated domestic income, but has also become an inspiration for Thais and people from around the world to choose Thailand as their preferred business event destination be it for company incentives reward trips, meetings, conventions, exhibitions and any and all business related events.

While places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket are perhaps better-known for their MICE facilities and capabilities, it is truly refreshing to discover that travel, heritage and business can be combined in a setting as enchanting as Sukhothai. Many of the participants joining the trip admit not having considered the region as a potential seminar destination – until now.

ABOUT TCEB
Established in 2004, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is a public organization dedicated to promoting Thailand as the destination of choice for MICE, offering services and resources for training Thai MICE personnel to internationally accepted standards, and to develop Thailand’s MICE industry potential in international markets (www.tceb.or.th).

ABOUT “Meet in Thailand Prosperous Thailand”
This cabinet resolution made on January 20, 2009 confirms the government's commitment to both government and private sector meetings and seminars in Thailand. (This promotion has ended last year ka, we are now studying what else can motivate people to so MICE in Thailand) It aims to encourage government and private sector agencies to host seminars, incentive travel and exhibitions, to prepare MICE facilities, and to introduce new tourist attractions, activities, domestic incentive travel, fairs and exhibitions as an attractive choice for MICE travelers.