PATTAYA’S MICE industry is doing well, buoyed by ongoing infrastructure and tourism development, as well as business growth at industrial parks in Rayong and Chonburi.

Pullman Pattaya Aisawan general manager, Clinton Lovell, explained that Pattaya’s proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport has helped entice more MICE groups. So have efforts in recent years to position the city as a family- and MICE-friendly destination through the building of international-standard hotels and medical, tourism and shopping facilities.

According to Pattaya hoteliers, business growth at five industrial parks in Rayong and Chonburi were a boon for MICE business, especially as car manufacturers were keen to hold car launches and dealer conferences at hotels in the city.

Lovell said that Pullman Pattaya Aisawan hosted more than 150 events last year, and was looking to improve on that result this year.

Amari Orchid Pattaya general manager, David Cumming, said MICE business to Pattaya “started returning from July at a fast pace, and has since been growing”.

Between January and May this year, the Amari Orchid Pattaya handled four to five residential MICE groups per month, each ranging from 20 to 200 rooms. It has secured bookings for two residential meetings from Singapore in July and August, and two conferences from Israel in September.

Furama Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, has been handling about one to two residential meetings a month since January, including a one-week, 100-pax training held earlier this year.

The hotel is currently in discussions for a two-night, 100-room Japanese car manufacturer meeting in July, and a two-night regional conference for three 300-pax groups in August.