SITE Thailand Promotes Udon Thani as a Potential MICE City during "Udon Thani ISAN TEXTILES 2023"

The event was designed to stimulate economic growth in the handwoven fabric industry, featuring business negotiation activities (Business Matching) between buyers and sellers. It further solidified Udon Thani Province's ambition to become a global hub for handwoven fabrics and created a platform for marketing these products (Show Case). The event received recognition from accomplished speakers with expertise in the field of handwoven fabrics.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Surapee Rojanavongse, former President of the World Crafts Council (Asia Pacific) and representatives from ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association-Thailand and Thai Handicraft Promotion Trade Association (THTA). Also present were Dr. Komgrish Ritkhachorn, a contemporary artist, and owner/director of the Chaiyaphum Ancient Textile Museum (Huean Kham), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sittichai Samanchart, Vice President of the Thai Handicraft Trade Promotion Association, Vice President of the ASEAN Handicraft Trade Promotion Association, and Vice President of the World Craft Council-Asia Pacific. Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Teerayut Pengchai, Vice President of Udon Thani Rajabhat University and President of the Fabric and Textile Creative Design Center Udon Thani Rajabhat University (FTCDC), and Mr. Phanom Singsai of Pattanakarn Udon Thani Province contributed to the event's success.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from SMEs, manufacturers, community enterprises, entrepreneurs, companies, department stores, modern trade, distributors, exporters, and hotels from various regions. Over 300 participants joined in the activities.

During the event, Ms. Punnaporn held discussions with Mr. Wanchai Kongkasem, Governor of Udon Thani Province, to explore avenues for developing Udon Thani as a potential MICE city. Governor Kongkasem emphasized Udon Thani's strategic location as an economic center in the upper northeastern region, with excellent connectivity to neighboring countries in the Mekong River Basin such as Laos and Vietnam. He highlighted the province's logistical capabilities, robust transportation infrastructure, cultural richness, conference facilities, accommodations, and strong government support for travelers and MICE business groups. The government and private sectors, along with local partner networks, are fully committed to advancing Udon Thani as a thriving MICE City.

As a representative of SITE Thailand and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Ms. Punnaporn reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Udon Thani's journey towards becoming an international tourist destination. SITE Thailand is prepared to partner in various initiatives to develop the MICE industry and host upcoming world-class events, including the World Horticultural Fair and the prestigious long-distance cycling event, L'Tap Udon Thani, akin to the Tour de France.

Furthermore, Ms. Punnaporn presented a book to Lieutenant Colonel Varayu Treewattanasuwan, President of the Udon Thani Provincial Industrial Council, as a token of support for the event. She pledged to assist in promoting the province's activities to all relevant sectors, including SITE Thailand's extensive network spanning 27 countries worldwide.

SITE Thailand is a chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), a global network of professionals dedicated to delivering business results and motivational experiences through incentive travel, meetings, conferences, and events.