The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has played a major role in strengthening Pattaya as a regional hub for international MICE events.

Pattaya, a world-famous beach resort city, has hosted many world meetings conventions and exhibitions, such as the 46th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This reflects the fact that the island resort has good recognition and readiness to take on the competition.

Natwut Amornvivat, president of TCEB, said that besides Bangkok, the bureau plans to boost the MICE industry in high-potential cities like Pattaya.

Previously, TCEB participated in a joint Pattaya public and private sector panel to discuss a strategic marketing plan to expand the MICE market in the city. “The opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport can drive the market, due to more convenient access for international business travelers,” said Natwut.

TCEB is now preparing to organize a workshop, which will gather together the public and private sectors with a view to establishing a comprehensive plan for sustainable development of the local sector. This could also enable Pattaya to step up as a world-class MICE destination.

Chatchawan Supachayanon, president of the Thai Hotels Association – Eastern Chapter, said many international companies had selected Pattaya as a venue for their meetings. Besides its convention hall, Pattaya has an advantage over neighboring countries with its plentiful draws such as theme parks and various other attractions. However, he acknowledged that Singapore is an attractive option with its more advanced technology.

Jumroon Visavachaiyaphant, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, said Pattaya has sufficient accommodation with more than 70,000 hotel rooms available at a wide range of prices.

“Currently, the MICE market is relatively small, accounting for only 10-20 per cent of total visitors to Pattaya, but there is the potential to grow,” said Jumroon.

In addition, Panga Vathanakul, managing director of Royal Cliff Beach Resort, the operator of the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), is optimistic that its earlier expansion of PEACH space from 30,000 to 50,000 square meters to accommodate as many as 8,000 delegates is good preparation for the growing industry.