New Thai support for site visits for events for 80-plus from Australia

Australian event buyers with upwards of 80 delegates are now eligible to apply for financial support from Thailand’s Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), thanks to a major policy shift. TCEB has decided to provide financial support for site inspections for Australian meeting and incentive organisers, provided they have a minimum of 80 guests. The support can be for DMC services and ground transport to conduct an inspection, support that was previously only available to organisers of large conventions. TCEB representative Nicole Tingey, Director of Clockwise Consulting, describes the move as “a major gamechanger for buyers of outbound meetings and incentives”. “With this policy change, Thailand have significantly increased their competitive advantage. When organisers can see, feel and experience the destination they are recommending for their events, it makes a huge difference to the destination being chosen.” “The business event industry of Thailand headed by TCEB, knows that when decision-makers can see the quality and diversity of the product available, they buy. We expect this to have a major impact on the number of events that take place in Thailand over the next few years. The Thai MICE sector is mature and contains a deep understanding of the needs of Australian business events – built from experience. That experience combined with incredible value-for-money means it is a great destination for Australian buyers.” Australian buyers will be able to find out more about the initiative and apply for site inspections at the upcoming TCEB-sponsored roadshow in which 14 Thai products will be revealed next month in Sydney (2 April) and Melbourne (4 April). More information: www.businesseventsthailand.com