“Nearly six per cent of the convention visitors to Thailand are Indians,” says a research by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
According to the report, Indian convention visitors account for 5 to 6.5 per cent of total visitors coming to Thailand for conventions.
In terms of number of international conventions organised, Thailand is currently ranked 28th in the world and 7th in Asia Pacific.
In 2006, around 31 per cent of convention visitors in Thailand were Asians. The report further says that in 2006, Indian visitors to Thailand totalled 429,732, up by 21.82 per cent as compared to the number in 2005. Between January and November 2007, Indian visitors totalled 462,265, up by 17.98 per cent over the same period of 2006.
Citing reasons for choosing India as their potential business partner, the TCEB report says, “India is our largest trading partner in South Asia and 16th largest export market.” The report further said that Thailand’s foreign direct investment (FDI) has risen to $830 million due to more Indian visitors investing in Thailand conventions.
Many hotels in Thailand are expanding their network throughout the country, with some of them specialising in Indian cuisine. Besides, Thai government has also arranged for visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens up to 15 days.
“Thailand, the gateway to Indochina, with its number one ranking in the exhibition industry among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), every convention held there will bear fruitful results,” the report said.
