The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, after months with a leadership vacuum, yesterday introduced two top executives and a seven-year plan to build the country's competitiveness to the level of a regional MICE hub.
New chairman Anusak Inthraphuvasak and new president Akapol Sorasuchart presented their long-term plan, divided into two phases of implementation as seven- and three-year plans.
Under the seven-year strategic plan, the TCEB will sharpen the country's edge through the "Thai Team" initiative, as a collaborative public-private effort that is expected to generate practical and long-term benefits and enhance confidence.
The priority task of the three-year plan is to study available documentation and interview operators in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) business about the status of the industry and its competitive situation.
The study is expected to be completed this month and the results made available by year-end.
The TCEB will not only develop the domestic MICE industry, but also strengthen international alliances. It will also try to promote the agency to be better recognised in Thailand.
The government has made the MICE industry one of the lynchpins for economic recovery. The domestic MICE business is now firmly on the national agenda and receives strong support. Public and private organisations can hold their conferences locally and enjoy a 200-per-cent tax deduction for expenses.
Anusak said Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, who oversees the TCEB, had proposed him for the post, mainly to restore and develop the MICE industry in the wake of both domestic and external challenges since late 2008.
Akapol, who started his new role on Sunday, said the selection process had been managed by a headhunting firm that submitted a shortlist for the TCEB's consideration. The's board then made its final selection from the top three candidates.
"Looking at current global trends, I feel this is an emerging business with the potential to generate up to 25-per-cent growth annually," he said.
"With more than 10 years' experience in marketing administration with multinational corporations, and a further 15 years serving in the public sector, I am confident that I can be an asset to the TCEB, leading the organisation to fulfil its mandate.
"However, the TCEB will certainly need cooperation from all parties, including MICE operators and all Thais who can help support and warmly welcome our guests from around the world," he said.
The TCEB expects almost 629,000 business visitors this year, dropping Bt45 billion into the economy. That is down drastically from almost 728,000 business visitors and Bt52 billion last year.
Next year, it envisions 785,000 business travellers and Bt56 billion in income.
The government has granted a budget of Bt749 million to drive the MICE business - both in visitor numbers and revenue - to expand 25 per cent next year.