MICE operators pin hopes on martial law review

Thailand hoping for a MICE revival later this year

Ever aware of their circumstances, the TAT has initiated its own special online insurance scheme known as the “Thailand Travel Shield”. It aims to help visitors who wish to travel to Thailand but are unable to get insurance coverage in their own countries due to travel advisories imposed by various foreign governments.

Martial law continues to impact Thailand 's MICE market which has seen events relocated elsewhere.

Mark Simmons, vice president, sales and marketing Asia Pacific, Outrigger Resorts, said, “MICE has good potential later in 2015 and into 2016 given that the key issue of political stability has been realised. We do, of course, see the lifting of martial law as very important. We see strong potential from regional meetings and incentives, particularly from Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Australia.”

Added Samir Wildemann, general manager, Okura Prestige Hotel Bangkok, “There should be the lifting of martial law in Thailand so that MICE and conventions can return. As travel to a country run by martial law is not covered by insurance, the MICE market has suffered. 

“Implementation of martial law since 2014 has seen the relocation of MICE events and conventions. Meeting planners are very cautious and looking at the re-election schedule they are still wary of coming back.” 

Ever aware of their circumstances, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has initiated its own special online insurance scheme known as the “Thailand Travel Shield”. It aims to help visitors who wish to travel to Thailand but are unable to get insurance coverage in their own countries due to travel advisories imposed by various foreign governments.

Commenting on Thailand’s general tourism outlook, Simmons said, “From Outrigger’s portfolio in Thailand that covers three high-end resorts in Phuket and Phi Phi, we do expect downturns, however given our positioning and product we feel confident that our market share will be in line. 

“Despite the currency and economic crisis currently in Russia, many are predicting that the number of overseas travellers from Russia will continue to rise globally, even if at a slower rate than in previous years. 

"The reason for this may lie in the fact that many upper class Russians do not keep their money in rouble-based accounts. They have U.S.-dollar bank accounts, charge cards, etc. so they have actually been profiting from the rise in the value of the dollar. These Russians are still travelling.”