TCEB opens up new destinations to Indonesian MICE

THE THAILAND Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is aiming to boost Indonesian meeting and incentive arrivals by 13 per cent this year, as it introduces new destinations and targets new source markets for its Believe in Thailand campaign.

At a TCEB roadshow in Jakarta yesterday, acting director, Meetings & Incentives, Puripan Bunnag, said: “Indonesia is an important market for us. Despite the political situation in Thailand last year, the market performed positively. The figure has been on the increase, but it is still small compared to the leisure market.”

In 2010, Indonesian MICE arrivals totalled 18,730, contributing a revenue of 1.17 billion baht (US$39.12 million). This year, TCEB projects that the number should increase to 21,247 arrivals with 1.33 billion baht in spending.

“Destination-wise, we are promoting Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and introducing new destinations like Hua Hin, Hat Yai and Samui. In terms of source markets, we are starting to look at Medan and Surabaya,” said Bunnag.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin director of sales and marketing Maria Sitanggang said: “Very few Indonesians know Hua Hin, which is actually only two-and-a-half hours from Bangkok. It is a family as well as a golfing destination with 12 golf courses. I’m here to try and attract both these markets.”

Multi Holiday managing director Rudy Techrisna said: “I’m going to ask Garuda Indonesia, who is increasing Jakarta-Bangkok services (from daily to double daily) in June, to do a familiarisation trip to Hua Hin and see how we can promote golfing (for leisure and incentive) there.”

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