The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has just completed its annual Knowledge and Experience famil – Thailand Incentive Meeting Exchange (TIME) – a flagship exchange platform aimed at expanding Thailand’s business beyond Asia which currently accounts for 54% of its MICE revenue.
TCEB invited its in-country representatives from key long-haul markets including Clockwise Consulting in Australia to each host a contingent of buyers and an industry expert who presented at the ‘knowledge exchange’ component of the event.
Commencing in Bangkok, TIME opened with a focus on knowledge transfer with local Thai suppliers attending sessions with speakers from the invited countries to assist them in gaining an insight and understanding of the guests they may host. The event buyer famil participants then joined in a ‘Business Exchange’ where Thai suppliers were able to present to them with not only their own product knowledge, but with the benefit of having had the earlier sessions with the guest speakers giving them an insight into how to present in the most appealing manner.
Beyond the meeting rooms, site visits to Marriot Surawongse, Park Hyatt Bangkok, the Anatara Riverside Hotel and Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotels highlighted some of the top end options available before the famil guests headed out to explore their host city.
Team building touring and activities in Bangkok saw delegates embark on a fun filled challenge race around the culturally rich areas of Rattanakosin and Chinatown on its most famous mode of transport the Tuk Tuk. With the challenge over, a sumptuous dinner at Vertigo 2 with its views overlooking the bright city lights provided time to reflect and regale with fun stories of the day’s adventures.
Bangkok’s itinerary was rounded out with a series of experiences close to the local’s heart including an exciting visit to a Muay Thai Boxing match at the Rajadamnern Stadium and a luncheon at Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar riverside venue with its stunning views across the Chao Phraya River and the iconic Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun. An opportunity to explore the lesser known side of Bangkok that stood in contrast to its fast paced hustle and bustle saw guests board a long tail boat a motor up the canals to a riverside artisan village and monk blessing. A fabulous bike tour far from the beaten path of what visitors to the city usually experience provided a glimpse of the fascinating live of everyday Thai culture – all of which made for fascinating incentive experience options.
Guests then moved on to the grand finale of the Experience component of TIME to soak up and enjoy what Thailand is most famous for – warm hospitality and magnificent island beaches – and perhaps there’s none more famous than Koh Samui, one of the most sought-after destinations for smaller yet exclusive events.
TCEB certainly afforded delegates the best of the magnificent island. A welcome reception with cool cocktails on a warm evening watching the sunset aboard a the Red Baron Cruise (a traditional Sailing Junk Yacht), the biggest Sailing Yacht in the Gulf of Thailand followed by dinner at the uber- luxurious Six Senses Hideaway certainly left no-one in doubt they were at one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
The Koh Samui activities highlighted the diversity of the island and included site visits to a number of luxury hotels including the Ritz-Carlton and W Hotel, a walking tour of Fishermen Village (Bophut area) which is fast gaining a reputation of being the most cultural and well-preserved place on the island. A talk with a marine biologist and CSR & Team Building Beach Cleaning activity with Trash Heroes – the world- wide movement sweeping across the globe (they waste as little as possible, reuses as much as possible, and work to preserve and improve the spaces they are in, wherever they may be). After a stay of warmth & luxury, a magnificent farewell at the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort with a fun filled Full Moon Beach Party, BBQ and dancing ensured everyone left the beautiful island of Koh Samui with lasting memories and experiences that are as varied as Thailand itself, new insights and knowledge about their host destination, big smiles and new friends.
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