Page 5 - TICA Membership Directory 2016-2017

Message from

the President

of TICA

We are delighted to be bringing you TICA’s MICE Guide to Thailand.
We hope it will prove to be an indispensible guide for both MICE
planning professionals and those seeking comprehensive information
on the world-class infrastructure, services and famous hospitality
Thailand has to offer.
The kingdom of Thailand has long been a preferred destination for
MICE events, thanks to its excellent connectivity, breathtaking landscapes,
and warm service style. However, its appeal is due to increase even
more in the years to come, now that the ASEAN Economic Community
(AEC) has been set in motion — for which the government has allocated
significant funds for future development, including increased roadways,
railways, and convenient regional links and ports. And, as ever, there has
been a sustained increase in the number of hotels, event venues and
activity options available to MICE planners and organisers.
The years ahead are also the time to take advantage of Thailand’s
unique position as the gateway to ASEAN. Thailand’s infrastructure is
superb, and it’s easy to conduct business here, which makes our nation a
leader among the ASEAN nations. As the entire region opens up further,
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is poised to be an ASEAN
gateway, undergoing major upgrades to boost its capacity. By the end
of the initial expansion phase in 2017, which includes a new passenger
terminal and a new runway, Suvarnabhumi will be able to handle as many
as 60 million passengers per year.
Prime destinations throughout the country, such as Pattaya, Phuket,
Samui and Chiang Mai, continue to greatly increase Thailand’s numbers Sumate Sudasna
of visitors as well. Against this background, the MICE industry is flourishing, President
thanks in large part to the Thai government’s strategy of prioritising Thailand Incentive and Convention Association
high-value, high-yield tourism to ensure that the industry grows in a
sustainable way.
As for TICA’s role, our training and networking efforts continue to ensure
that Thai MICE professionals, hospitality managers and staff are all
equipped to help organisations and companies achieve the objectives and
goals of their particular event. In addition to an updated version of this
exhaustive TICA Guide and Membership Directory, we are also launching
a brand new app for major smartphone and tablet platforms, with useful
search features and information. A digital version of the guide is also
available for download through our website.
In this publication you will find exhaustive listings for world-class
venues and convention centres suited for events of all styles and sizes,
as well as information on Thailand’s highly professional DMCs and other
service providers. You might also enjoy perusing overviews of Thailand’s
many geographical and cultural points of interest, as well as helpful
information for doing business in the kingdom.
Thailand is poised to become a leading MICE destination not only in
Asia, but across the globe. We have a strong, cohesive industry, and we
know the importance of marketing the destination first. With a combination
of professionalism and readiness — responding to customers’ needs and
helping them reach their objectives in organising business events — we
are showing the world that we are open for business. We have the whole
package right here.
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TICA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2016 - 2017