Chiang Mai is increasingly popular with regional meeting planners, having overcome a shortage of five-star accommodation with the introduction of several major hotel brands.
In a second boost to the region, discussions for the long-delayed Chiang Mai Convention Centre are up and running again after the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau president Natwut Amornvivat’s recent trip to the region.
Jean-Baptiste Richard, operations manager of Exotissimo Travel, Northern Thailand says:
“Chiang Mai has been the site of a lot of hotel development. The new Sofitel, Shangri-La
and Le Meridien, and the already famous Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, provide
accommodation and meeting capacity that until that point had not been available.
The large numbers of charming boutiques that have recently opened have also created
endless possibilities for creative incentives and privatisation.
GOOD CONNECTIONS
Cutbacks to Chiang Mai airlinks by Hong Kong Express Airways and Tiger Airways may not be a cause for concern, as other airlines operating to Chiang Mai say they enjoy a healthy load and their flights will remain as scheduled for the rest of the year.
Hong Kong Express suspended flights from Hong Kong, while Tiger cut the frequency of flights from Singapore from six per week down to two.
Carriers operating daily Bangkok-Chiang Mai flights have reported a load factor of more than 80 per cent on the route. They are Thai Airways International, with nine daily flights; One-Two-Go (six); Nok Air (five); and Thai AirAsia (six). Most use smaller jets with seating for 148 to 180 passengers.
Richard adds: “Certainly the influx of regional flights to Chiang Mai airport and efficient connections with long-haul international flights at Bangkok airport have helped.”
However, he says still more could be done to further open Chiang Mai to the region. “The number of international flights to Chiang Mai has grown in recent years, but it is still a far cry from being a
regional hub.
“Most international flights originate from within the region, namely Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. Direct flights from Australia and Europe should be welcomed to the region. Additional meeting space would be welcome in the form of a convention centre.
EVENTS IN CHIANG MAI
Corporate groups are drawn by Chiang Mai's new influx of luxury hotels and the incredible number of incentives, courses and teambuilding events on offer. By Kate Nicholson
