THAI MICE industry projecting huge growth

Thailand’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is doing well. In the first six months of 2006, Thailand saw a growth of 70.54% in visitor arrivals for conventions and a 27.95% increase in business travellers.

The highest numbers for convention delegates were from the ASEAN region, led by Malaysia followed by Singapore and Indonesia. Delegates from Japan were up by 112.44% and Korea 358.50%.

According to the estimated figures for 2007 conducted by the Thailand Conventional and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand will receive a total of 814,000 MICE delegates, generating about 56 billion baht foreign exchange revenue for the Thai economy.

TCEB plans to build itself into an agile and professional organisation that will harness the power of marketing intelligence and databases and bolster industry knowledge and skills development.

TCEB also has profiled the local trade and industry associations, especially the medical fraternity which holds the biggest annual conventions. In the field of exhibitions, particular attention will be paid to the top global industries: jewellery, automotive, agriculture and fashion.

Facilities for international incentive travel, meetings, conferences, and exhibitions are being strongly promoted.

Currently, Thailand offers five high-class convention and exhibition centres including the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok Convention Centre (BCC) at Central Plaza, and Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH).

Medium-sized convention halls are also available at the Siam Paragon complex and the Central World Trade Centre right in downtown Bangkok, surrounded by dozens of hotel facilities all within walking distance.

In addition, new centres are emerging in regional destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Several major events are to be held in Thailand this year, such as the World International Islamic Conference & Exhibition Thailand 2007, IT&CMA / CTW Asia-Pacific, ICCA 2007, Media Asia Expo 2007, Proud Asia 2007, and Worlddidac Asia 2007.

THAI MICE industry projecting huge growth

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Joining the ranks of big-name brands such as Banyan Tree, Sukhothai and ‘The Met’, development of the prestegious St. Regis Hotel & Residences is now underway in Bangkok.

The development will be located on Rajadamri Road, and comprises 198 guestrooms, 22 serviced apartments and 71 exclusive residential units. Upon completion in early 2010, the St. Regis Hotel & Residences, Bangkok is expected to set new standards for urban luxury living in Thailand.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced it has entered into an agreement with Rajadamri Residence Company Limited, a subsidiary of Minor International PCL., in which Starwood will manage the St. Regis Hotel & Residences, Bangkok.

“We are thrilled with the landmark entry of the St. Regis brand into Thailand. The luxury hotel market in Bangkok has not seen any recent additions of internationally branded hotels yet the growth of international arrivals has remained strong through the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s efforts at promoting Bangkok as a destination for business, leisure and meetings. The sustained demand for luxury accommodation, the renowned Thai hospitality combined with the legendary bespoke service of the St. Regis brand, and the unrivaled location of this hotel in the Rajadamri area, will make this property an extremely attractive choice for travelers to Bangkok, arguably the ‘tourism capital of Asia’,” commented Mr. Miguel Ko, President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

Located opposite the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the St. Regis Hotel & Residences, Bangkok offers hotel guests and residence owners views over the club’s race track,  18-hole golf course and Lumpini Park. In addition, the St. Regis Hotel & Residences offers direct entrance to the Rajadamri BTS station, providing convenient and timely access to key commercial, residential and shopping districts in the city.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work together with Starwood to introduce the St. Regis brand to Thailand. As one of the world’s premier luxury hotel brands, St. Regis will be an exciting addition to the Thai market and is sure to become one of Bangkok’s finest and best managed hotels. It is particularly gratifying to be in partnership with such an experienced global operator and Starwood shares our ambition and vision for the St. Regis brand here,” said Mr. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and CEO of Minor International PCL.

Facilities at the St. Regis Hotel & Residences, Bangkok include an all-day dining outlet, a specialty restaurant, a decanter wine cellar, lobby bar and lounge, a Remède Spa, close to 10,000 square feet of function space, and a well-equipped fitness center and swimming pool.

Following in the tradition of the legendary St. Regis New York, St. Regis Hotel & Residences, Bangkok will feature the famed hallmark of St. Regis hotels – butler service and luxury accommodations for worldly travelers. The St. Regis Butler Service offers round-the-clock personal attention to every guest. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

St Regis makes its way to Bangkok

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