In a strategic move to elevate Thailand’s position as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has partnered with Visa International (Thailand), T2P Co. Ltd, and Central Group to launch the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card. Unveiled on September 11, 2024, at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel, this innovative card offers a suite of exclusive benefits designed to enhance the experience of MICE travelers, businesspersons, and SME operators.
The card is a key component of the “Thailand MICE Privileges” marketing campaign, which aims to drive growth in the MICE sector by providing added value and convenience for both travelers and businesses. This initiative not only seeks to increase spending by MICE visitors but also to solidify Thailand’s reputation as a high-value destination for business events, fostering sustainable economic growth.
The Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card provides a range of benefits across multiple sectors, creating a more rewarding travel experience for MICE visitors. Cardholders can enjoy special privileges such as:
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Shopping Discounts:
Benefit from discount shopping vouchers at Central Department Stores and Robinson Department Stores across Thailand.*
Accommodation Savings:
Enjoy a 17% discount on accommodation at Centara Hotels & Resorts in Thailand.*
Transportation Convenience:
Get 15% off limousine services and 10% off dining at participating restaurants. Take advantage of up to 60% off transport services, ensuring easy and affordable travel across the country.*
Luggage Perks:
Enjoy complimentary airport luggage storage twice a year and one free luggage delivery annually.*
Hotel and Meeting Discounts:
Receive up to 25% off hotel stays and additional discounts on spa packages, shopping, and meeting packages at participating venues.These privileges are designed to not only provide convenience but also to enhance the overall travel experience in Thailand by offering exclusive benefits in key areas like shopping, transportation, and accommodations.
Furthermore, cardholders gain access to TCEB’s industry network, keeping them informed of business opportunities, marketing activities, and upcoming business events.
During the card’s launch, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, emphasized the importance of positioning Thailand as a high-value destination for MICE and business travelers. He stressed that the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card plays a crucial role in this effort by offering exclusive benefits for a wide range of services that MICE travelers frequently utilize.
“Our goal is to ensure that MICE travelers experience a high return on investment (ROI) and return on experiences (ROE) during their stay in Thailand. In a time when businesses are facing significant operational challenges, ROI and ROE are critical performance indicators,” stated Mr. Chiruit.
He further highlighted the collaborative effort with renowned private-sector entities such as Visa, Central Group, and T2P, showcasing the growing importance that Thailand’s private sector places on the MICE industry. The involvement of these significant players signals a positive outlook for the future of Thailand’s MICE sector, anticipating the addition of new partners and an expansion of benefits for clients attending or hosting events in the country.
Visa International (Thailand) is a key partner in this initiative, and the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card represents Visa’s first collaboration with a government agency like TCEB in launching a prepaid commercial card for business travel. The card provides a timely solution as commercial card payments in Thailand have seen double-digit growth compared to the previous year, underscoring the increasing need for businesses to adapt and digitize their payments.
Mr. Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, Country Manager for Visa Thailand, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with TCEB to launch this financial solution at a time when commercial payments are experiencing rapid growth. At Visa, we are dedicated to empowering businesses through our global network and cutting-edge innovations. Our collaboration with TCEB demonstrates our commitment to providing easy access to financial solutions for B2B operations and driving sustainable economic growth in Thailand.”
With Visa’s involvement, the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card offers an additional layer of financial security and convenience for business travelers, enabling seamless payments wherever Visa is accepted. The card adheres to global data security standards and is regulated by the Bank of Thailand.
The Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card operates on a prepaid basis, requiring users to top-up funds before use. Cardholders can conveniently top up their cards through the Deep Pocket app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The card’s issuance fee is 350 baht, making it an affordable option for travelers seeking to take advantage of its extensive benefits.
Once activated, the card can be used across a wide network of partners, including Central Department Stores, Robinson Department Stores, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and other service providers offering exclusive discounts and deals to MICE travelers. The card is issued by T2P, a financial technology company, and is regulated by the Bank of Thailand, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulatory and security requirements. Cardholders can be confident that their data is protected according to the global standards set by Visa.
TCEB has set ambitious goals for the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card, projecting that by 2025, there will be 30,000 cardholders, contributing to a 5% increase in spending per MICE traveler. With a target of welcoming 34 million MICE travelers, both domestic and international, the initiative is expected to generate 200 billion baht in revenue from MICE-related spending. This growth will significantly contribute to Thailand’s economy, further cementing its position as a leader in the MICE sector.
The Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card serves not only as a tool for financial transactions but also as a strategic initiative designed to enhance the traveler’s experience and ensure the success of events hosted in the country. The launch of the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card marks a major step forward for Thailand’s MICE industry, offering a wealth of benefits to business travelers and enhancing the country’s appeal as a premier destination for MICE events.
Through the collaborative efforts of TCEB, Visa International, T2P, and Central Group, this initiative is poised to elevate the MICE travel experience while contributing to sustainable economic growth. As Thailand continues to solidify its position as a high-value MICE destination, the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card will play an instrumental role in attracting more MICE travelers, boosting spending, and fostering partnerships between public and private sectors. With its exclusive privileges and easy-to-use prepaid format, the card promises to deliver a seamless, rewarding experience for those attending or organizing business events in Thailand.
