Chiang Mai to Be Promoted as a MICE Industrial Hub in ASEAN

Chiang Mai province in the North is joining hands with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in developing the province into a “MICE City” in Thailand and a MICE industrial hub in the ASEAN region.

Thailand has hosted meetings, incentive travels, conventions, and exhibitions, or MICE, over the last 30 years. The Government and the private sector now place greater emphasis on attracting MICE visitors, thanks to a rapid growth in facilities of international standard.

chiangmai convention center — A master plan has been worked out to make Chiang Mai a MICE center in ASEAN

After the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, also known in short as the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center, began operations in 2013, the province has welcomed more visitors and its tourism has been expanding.

A master plan has been worked out to make Chiang Mai a MICE center in ASEAN

The master plan is divided into three phases. In the first phase in 2013, emphasis is placed on domestic MICE and the establishment of a foundation for the MICE industry. In the second phase, to be carried out from 2014 to 2015, regional marketing will be promoted through the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation, or GMS, and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC. In the third phase, from 2016 to 2017, Chiang Mai will be upgraded as a destination for international conferences.

After the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center opened in May 2013, it hosted several major events, such as the Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit and the Thailand Rice Convention 2013. The Thailand-Malaysia World Halal Expo 2013 will be held at this center from 24 to 27 October 2013.

Located in Mueang district, the center covers an area of 521,600 square meters and can seat up to 10,000 participants. It is a 10-minute drive from the city of Chiang Mai. Various facilities have been offered, such as WiFi Internet, a business center, a post-office, a prayer room for Muslims, a food center, restaurants, VIP rooms, a first-aid room, convenience stores, souvenir shops, and ATM booths.

Recognized as a regional aviation hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion, Chiang Mai is now a popular long-stay destination, a medical tourism center, and an education hub. It is rich in culture and traditions and boasts numerous tourist attractions that have become a magnet for both local and international visitors.

The General Manager of Chiang Mai International Airport, Wing Commander Lakchai Chaloeyprat, said that the airport now accommodates 110-120 flights a day. During the tourism season, the number will increase to 130. With the ASEAN Community on the horizon, the province has set up a working group to study a project to build its second airport to cope with the expected growing number of visitors.

via ASEAN Corner — Chiang Mai to Be Developed as a MICE Industrial Hub in ASEAN.