Thailand Helps Adventurous Meeting Planners “Get off the Beaten Track”
Meetings in second cities, such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai, can provide plenty of wonder and ease
Thailand is looking to attract meetings and exhibitions to locations not exactly on the “beaten track.” At this week’s IMEX, or the formidable International Meetings and Exhibitions conference underway in Las Vegas, locations like Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Rai are in the spotlight for what wowing meeting events are possible for planners who can think beyond Bangkok.
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) representatives are busy promoting alternative destinations through its new campaign: Meet Now.
According to the campaign message, these alternate locations are fully equipped with meetings facilities, often stunning accommodations and a range of compelling attractions for MICE groups, in addition to adventurous food and cultural experiences.
For instance, Hua Hin, a seaside resort located just over two hour’s drive south of Bangkok, has more than 10 four- and five-star hotel, a world class destinations spa (Chiva-Som), a winery, palm sugar production plant, herbal treatment manufacturers and other off the path places worth discovering – not to mention uncrowded beaches and revered palaces.
Other worthy Thai destinations for consideration are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the North, Rayong in the East, and Phuket and Samui in the South. Chiang Rai offers a particular expertise in premium coffee and tea production in Thailand.
TCEB’s “Meet Now” campaign puts the spotlight on varied conferences and events facilities suitable for groups of at least 30 people who are staying a minimum of three nights. The Bureau offers assistance and dedicated support schemes to match needs.
“While we enjoy success in our major cities, we’re keen to promote alternative locations that are not as widely known to global business event planners,” said Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB senior vice president for business. “There’s plenty for planners to discover in these destinations – from cruises to luxury spas to indigenous textiles …”
Thailand is ready to redefine business events with new ideas, she added.
