mice | CHIANG MAI
Splendid Incentives Chiang Mai captivates MICE planners with a panorama of culture and beauty. BY ELLEN CLARK THAI TRANQUILITY: Wat Kate PHOTO: © ELLEN CLARK
50
LOVELY CHIANG MAI, with its elaborate temples, luxurious spas, legendary food and ever-interesting night market, has called to tourists for decades. Sometimes referred to as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai offers a place to chill and rejuvenate in beautiful surroundings. But wait, there’s more. In the last few years, Chiang Mai built an impressive reputation as a prime MICE destination. According to a study conducted by the International Congress and Convention Association, in 2016 Chiang Mai hosted 20 international association meetings. In 2017 the city hosted more than 50,000 international MICE travelers, and in 2018 events such as Chiang Mai Bloom (183,589 visitors) and Lanna Expo (253,504 visitors) upgraded Chiang Mai’s MICE activities to an international level. Since 2004 the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau — a
globaltravelerusa.com
MAY 2019
public organization dedicated to promoting and developing business events — worked toward establishing Thailand as a premier MICE destination. Of Chiang Mai’s MICE potential, Khun Chirut Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president, TCEB, said, “Chiang Mai provides a unique ‘Lanna’ culture and ecological setting for events.” Under the initiative “Chiang Mai The Splendid City of Culture and Destination for MICE in Asia,” TCEB established several strategies for expanding MICE development in the city. It has promoted public relations and marketing activities targeting the Asian MICE markets, upgraded services and tourism products, developed human resource support for MICE activities and upgraded infrastructures to support MICE activities in Chiang Mai. In an area as scenic and historic as Chiang Mai, it seems a shame if business travelers only see the inside of convention centers and meeting rooms. To round out Chiang Mai’s MICE appeal, TCEB developed a series of post-tour activities for corporate travelers. Ecotourism trips to places like Mae Taeng Cooperative,
