MICE Boosts Optimism on Thailand's Tourism

17th Feb 2020

Thailand is confident about its tourism industry, with optimism boosted by meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) events that would proceed as scheduled.

Despite the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said on Friday that 18 key MICE events, both global and regional, will proceed as planned in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket from February to April 2020. A total of 17,800 delegates are to be expected during the period.

In addition, Thailand is set to host six international exhibitions until March and some of 24,546 visitors are targeted to attend.
The events are a testament to the organizers’ trust in Thailand despite the deadly virus outbreak that has since killed 1,770 and infected 70,500 others in China.

“The Covid-19 only reminds us that we have tackled the spread of other viruses before so we are again working closely with all relevant parties to manage this situation,” Na Ayuthaya said. “We are aware of WHO's recommendations - to control the spark before it becomes a fire. So we are taking measures to control both the outbreak and the panic to achieve that goal,” he added.

Intensified screenings were also imposed at Thai airports to ensure that the virus will stop spreading in Thailand, especially for passengers arriving from Hong Kong and Singapore. The same level of screening will also be imposed on passengers leaving Thailand.

In Thailand alone, infected patients remained at 34, with 15 already treated and released.