The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently combined two familiarization trips, one for media members and the other for corporate executives worldwide known as “Connections Plus 2013”, into a special trip called “Connecting Asia’s Diversity of Dynamic Destinations”, to showcase Krabi southern province as an adventurous destination of the Andaman.
TCEB is a public organization in operation since 2004 with main objectives to promote meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions, known by the acronym “MICE”, and to strongly develop this collective industry in order to make Thailand a regional hub for MICE events. TCEB aims to promote three key dynamic elements which consist of world class business events on infrastructure and facilities, the promotion of Thailand and its variety of vibrant cities and recreation programs for business events.
During 20-23 June 2013, TCEB invited over 70 members of the international press and delegates from 16 countries to experience the gem of the Andaman Coast in Krabi, Thailand. As Krabi has been chosen to showcase the vibrancy of Thailand under a unique scheme — Adventure MICE of the Andaman, TCEB aims to push forward the adventurous side of Krabi to be globally promoted to the world along with the official MICE cities in Thailand which are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and lastly Khon Kaen, which will soon be appointed.
For the new campaign, TCEB plans to target on primary corporate markets as the frequency and concentration for conventions and meetings are a good match for Thailand. Moreover, to allow delegates to experience, first hand, the charms of Krabi as a MICE hub, TCEB has organized adventure packed activities for the delegates as well as CSR activities. With its geographical diversity, Krabi has many options for outdoor and adventurous activities such as diving, rock climbing with a scene of Krabi’s island scenery on natural cliffs or kayaking in the beautiful Krabi waters. For those not so keen on full throttle activities, a Thai aromatherapy spa was also available.
Another highlight of the trip was the table top session on the last day. Sixteen businesses including resorts, hotels and travel related businesses in Krabi came together to present their businesses in front of delegates or the trade buyers , opening up opportunities for business expansion and showcasing the facilities that Krabi has to offer as a MICE hub. TCEB expects a growth of around 10-15% in the number of arrivals from the MICE industry this year, attracting 940,000 business travelers boosting revenues by 88 billion baht.
Krabi reflects a perfect connection between business and leisure. Its wide range of activities on offer can be creatively adapted to team building activities, theme parties, or pre post tour programmes for delegates. Krabi, thus, is globally named to be Adventure MICE of the Andaman.
