TCEB’s new president wants to network

A fresh new face in travel, TCEB president, Akapol Sorasuchart, announce a plan to push MICE promotion up the government’s national agenda.

Last year, the government declared tourism was a national agenda item, which means government agencies and departments declare a commitment to a work together to build economic benefits through the chosen sector.

He held his first press conference, earlier this week, along with TCEB chairman of the board, Anusak Inthrapuvasak.

According to Mr Akapol, the national agenda covers three years touching on strategy and building cooperation between government units to expand the events business

“TCEB’s past weakness was always the lack of support from related government units,” he said. “ By adopting the objectives of the national agenda for tourism we can change this perception.”

He added that TCEB would have to study return on investment in the MICE industry and demonstrate to the government the real value of events in terms of the national economy.

Apart from the national agenda, the bureau is now working on three-year and seven-year master plans, which are expected to be ready by the end of this month.

The three-year plan covers government cooperation and personnel development, while the seven-year strategy targets mega-events and an effort to boost relations with the private sector and facilitate an investment in new MICE facilities.

TCEB has a budget of Bt749 million, which will support the Royal Initiative Discovery Projects to the tune of Bt200 million.

The budget also covers bids for major events at Bt145 million, promotions and advertising Bt240 million, development Bt55 million and operational costs Bt100 million.

Under the government’s stimulus package it received an additional Bt185 million to promote events in the domestic market, public relations, and creative economy projects.

TCEB expects the country will welcome 636,000 MICE visitors, down from an estimated 785,816 and earn Bt45,100 million in revenue.

Mr Akapol, 50, is a career politician. He has held positions such as deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and is a member of the Chart Thai Pattana Party. He earns Bt200,000 a month as the TCEB president.