Bangkok, Thailand Fuels Country’s Ranking as Top MICE Destination
by Marsha Mowers
Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
After seeing a tourism boost from set-jetting – a term used to describe travellers who visit a location after seeing it in a TV show or movie – Bangkok, Thailand has taken 7th spot as a city destination in the ASEAN region for international conventions.
It’s a big jump from 2023 when the city took 15th place in ICCA Country & City Rankings for 2024 (International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ASEAN region stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
A total of 13 Thai cities made the ranking table, the highest number the country has ever achieved. Thailand has seen a boost in tourism after the Netflix hit series “White Lotus” Season 3 was filmed there.
“We are delighted with the overall performance of Thailand, especially Bangkok which made a noticeable rise in the ranking,” said Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President and Acting President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
“In this respect, we feel grateful for international professional associations for their trust and confidence in Bangkok. It will further inspire the city and Thai MICE industry to deliver their best to maintain or upgrade their operating standards to meet the evolving needs of the market.”
According to the report, Thailand hosted a total of 158 international conventions, an increase from 143 in 2023. The number resulted in Thailand moving from the world’s 26th spot in 2023 to the 25th place in 2024, clinching the 5th place in Asia Pacific and claiming the number one spot in the ASEAN or Southeast Asian region.
TCEB says the listing is a “strong sign of Thailand’s enhanced capacities for conferences. International associations and bodies can now maximize richer choices of locations in Thailand. Each city has their unique cultural setting, which can be crafted to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for delegates.”
“The establishment of TCEB regional offices in all key regions has now played a part in driving the cities in each region to tap into MICE market and inspiring them to have a position in the map of MICE industry. TCEB believes the result in the ICCA ranking table will be a substantial push factor for Thai cities to elevate themselves to another height,” said Mr. Puripan.
