More Indian corporates are looking to hold their MICE events directly with a local partner, a trend being noticed by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
At present about 5-6 per cent of the Indian outbound MICE business to Thailand is going the direct way. This share is expected to grow further with corporates getting educated about destinations and making local contacts.
“Corporates have raised their education level of a destination and this is leading to direct business. So, the onus is on the agency partners how they can redefine their services and cater to the evolving needs of a corporate client. It is important for travel consultants to sell a concept and not just a destination,” said Nitin Sachdeva, Director, India Representative Office, TCEB on the sidelines of its annual partnership network event in New Delhi.
The trend is a warning sign for Indian professional conference organizers (PCOs) and Travel Management Companies (TMCs) as corporate clients are surpassing the need of an intermediary.
“We have about 150 travel agency partners with whom we work closely on data sharing, information sharing and understanding needs of their clients. We are also talking to corporates why they should have a particular product in their itinerary,” added Sachdeva. He also shared that monetary incentives have taken a backseat for the corporate clients in India who are now more concerned about the unique ideas that can implement in their itineraries.
Thailand recorded a growth of 18 per cent in MICE visitors from India in 2018. India at present contributes 12 per cent to overall MICE tourist arrivals in Thailand. Corporate meetings and incentive segments are leading the demand with a share of 70 per cent of overall MICE arrivals from India.
“Thailand is a preferred destination for the Indian corporates as we offer a host of quality products and also value for money. We are also working closely with small and medium enterprises in tier-II cities and educating them how incentive travel can help them grow their respective businesses,” said Nooch Homossukhon, Director, Meetings and Incentives Department, TCEB. Currently, 70 per cent of MICE business in India for Thailand comes from groups ranging from 50-100 pax.
TCEB is also planning to hold its maiden global edition of Thailand Incentives & Meetings Exchange (TIME) programme next year. TIME is a country and region specific annual educational and networking event that aims to promote incentives and meetings travel into Thailand. TCEB had organized TIME programme for the India market in 2017.