BANGKOK, 16 September 2019: China remains the key market for drawing mega incentive travel groups to Thailand according to The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
In a review of its annual performance for the fiscal year ending 30 September, TCEB noted that China fuels the growth in incentive travel bookings.
In the highly coveted ‘Mega’ sized incentives segment (1,000 or more delegates), Thailand welcomed 37 groups from China. They represented 99,967 delegates who generated an estimated revenue of THB7.2 billion.
TCEB said success in driving mega incentives to Thailand from the China market was in part “attributed to TCEB’s “Meet Mega” campaign that offers financial rewards for mega-size groups.”
TCEB’s senior vice president – business, Nichapa Yoswee said: “Thailand’s popularity as a preferred destination for incentive groups from China and TCEB’s “Thailand Redefine Your Business Events” branding helped drive this outstanding performance. More campaigns will be considered for incentives market during the next fiscal year 2020.”
Providing performance snapshots from fiscal year October 2018 to September 2019, TCEB noted that Thailand attracted 70 Chinese incentive groups up until July. They delivered 169,215 delegates who spent on average THB 72,297 during the incentive trips. Overall the events generated THB 12.23 billion in revenue for the Thai economy.
The majority of the incentive groups came from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen mainly incentive movements organised by large Chinese corporations that have sales reward schemes offering trip prizes.
Bangkok and Pattaya remain the top destinations for Chinese incentive groups.
“Thailand’s strength in attracting Chinese incentives includes visa-on-arrival fee waiver scheme, modern MICE infrastructure, the convenience of access, famous Thai hospitality, renowned Thai cuisine and incredible value for money,” said Nichapa.
The government has announced that the visa-on-arrival fee waiver will be extended for another six months from October to the end of March 2020.
