MESSAGE FROM

Sumate Sudasna, August 2020

We are in a position of privilege as Thailand has largely contained the COVID-19 outbreak, due in part to our infrastructure, our comprehensive healthcare systems, and the countless medical professionals and volunteers who have stepped in on the front lines to battle the illness and implement contract tracing. There is no doubt that our success is a reflection of our nation’s community-centric values, which have allowed the Kingdom to stay resilient while many countries around the world continue struggling to stem the pandemic.

But although we have seen success, it is imperative to remember that a second wave is always imminent. As a result, it is fathomable that the TAT has announced that international travel to the nation is expected to be on hold until 2021. The loss of 40 million inbound travellers will undeniably have an enormous impact on the economy across all sectors, with particular burden on tourism and MICE. However, a silver lining of an otherwise dark cloud, is that all attention is now shifting towards the ever-evolving domestic MICE market.

To boost morale across the industry, several government bureaus, associations, and organisations have launched initiatives to cushion the impact of no foreign travellers. For example, TCEB has announced that more than US$ 3.03 billion has been approved to help companies combat the temporary suspension of businesses. Drafted by the Ministry of Finance, and aligning with the principles of ‘time, targeted, and temporary as necessary,’ this will be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises.

TCEB has also announced their partnership with 54 hotels and eight DMCs for a campaign titled ‘Ease Up,’ which offers financial grants, free airport transfers, sightseeing opportunities, and free hotel rooms for event organisers. In cooperation with TCEB, TICA is also continuing in its pursuit to support stakeholders by providing educational webinars and digital resources, and organising fam-trips to promote various destinations. A most recent example is our destination showcase of Pattaya and Rayong, highlighted in this newsletter, which features insight from professionals who make up the dynamic hospitality sphere of Thailand’s popular East coast.

This newsletter also includes stories that demonstrate the way in which business events are evolving, not just on a local scale but worldwide. From the introduction of virtual marketplaces to contactless meeting experiences, real-time monitoring, crowd management, safer workplaces, and improved hygiene. It is evident that we all must embrace the ‘new normal’ in order to fully grasp MICE’s digital transformation.

Finally, although the current situation is one that none of us have anticipated, it would be disadvantageous to view it as negative. Rather, these difficult times can act as a valuable period of gestation for all professionals to better understand ourselves, our communities, and our consumers. There have been many occasions in which crisis has brought out the best in Thai people, and I do believe that this is the time we take on unprecedented challenges and transform them into unparalleled opportunities.

Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association