Thailand MICE Visa prepaid card launched to boost business tourism
Asean News Published 2 months ago on 13 September 2024 |
Author TIN Media
THAILAND:
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) joins hands with Visa International (Thailand), and two Thai establishments – T2P Co. Ltd, and Central Group – in launching the “Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card”. Targeting MICE travelers, businesspersons and SME operators, the card entitles the holders to special privileges in accommodation, shopping, dining, transport, meeting package, etc. in Thailand.
The launch of Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card by the four entities took place on September 11 at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel. The card is part of their marketing campaign “Thailand MICE Privileges” designed to boost the growth of the Thai MICE industry.
Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card offers privileges such as discount shopping vouchers at Central and Robinson Department Stores in Thailand, discounted accommodation at Centara Hotels & Resorts, as well as benefits including reduced rates on limousine services, dining at participating restaurants, transport services, complimentary airport luggage storage twice a year, one free luggage delivery annually, and additional discounts on hotel stays, shopping, spa packages, and meeting packages at participating venues.
Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB President, stated that TCEB aims to drive Thailand to become a high value-added destination for MICE and business travelers. Towards this end, the bureau has formed business partnership with private sector entities in developing new MICE product under Thailand MICE Privileges marketing campaign. With Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card offering special benefits for a variety of services, TCEB aims to deliver return on investment (ROI) and return on experiences (ROE) for MICE and business travelers during their stay in Thailand. The bureau believes ROI and ROE are key performance indicators when business sector is facing challenges in their operations.
The participation of VISA, Central Group, Central Department Stores and Robinson Department Stores, Centara Hotels & Resorts and T2P, which are all notable establishments, shows that the private sector in Thailand places importance on MICE industry and realizes its marketing potential. It is a good sign for Thai MICE industry to welcome new partners, which can enhance the scope of benefits for clients staging events and/or attending events in Thailand, added Mr. Chiruit.
It is targeted that by 2025 there will be 30,000 holders of Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card, boosting spending per head per trip of MICE travelers by 5%. With the target of 34 million MICE travelers, combining both domestic and overseas ones, it is expected that revenue from their spending will reach 200 billion baht.
Mr. Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, Country Manager for Visa Thailand, stated: ‘We are thrilled to partner for the first time with a government agency like TCEB in launching the prepaid commercial card. This financial solution comes at an appropriate time, as commercial card payments in Thailand have grown by double digits compared to last year, highlighting the need for businesses of all sizes to adapt and digitize their payments. At Visa, we are dedicated to empowering businesses through our global network, cutting-edge innovations, and over 30 years of expertise in commercial payments. Our collaboration with TCEB underscores our commitment to enhancing the access to financial solution for B2B operation and driving sustainable economic growth in Thailand.”
