Thailand MICE Bookings Stall as Airfares Rise

Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry is facing a slowdown in new bookings as airfares rise, amid prolonged tensions in the Middle East. While confirmed events have not seen major cancellations, operators report that new enquiries are failing to convert into signed contracts. The slowdown is affecting corporate travel decisions, large meetings and seminar planning, with participant numbers beginning to decline.

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The impact is going to be felt in the second and third quarters of this year, according to Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association. Advance bookings have slowed by about 20 to 30 percent, creating difficulties for operators despite previously confirmed events proceeding as planned. Corporate budgets have remained unchanged while travel costs have increased sharply, forcing adjustments.

The effect is most visible in incentive travel and corporate meetings, particularly in short-haul markets such as China and India. Indian groups that previously brought 200 to 300 participants are now reducing numbers to around 150 to stay within budget. Some clients are also shortening event durations or downgrading accommodation from five-star to three-star hotels.

Exhibitions have not yet seen major disruption to organisers, but concerns are growing over falling visitor numbers due to higher travel costs. Conventions, often booked years in advance, face uncertainty over whether delegates will still attend. Long-haul travel has become less convenient, especially for European participants who typically connect through Middle Eastern hubs, where flight frequencies have been reduced.

Operators say some routes have been cut from eight to ten flights per week to around half, while others have dropped from five to three services. Travellers seeking to avoid the Middle East are facing significantly higher fares on alternative routes. Despite these challenges, industry leaders expect a rapid rebound if the conflict eases, with airlines likely to reduce fares to regain market share.

Businesses are preparing by improving service standards, reskilling staff and reviewing booking and cancellation policies. Cost controls have tightened, including limiting hiring and managing energy use, while calls have been made for government support such as tax reductions and access to low-interest loans. In the short term, operators are turning to domestic travel, promoting near-home trips to sustain activity.

The Nation reported that the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is maintaining its target of 10 percent growth, aiming to attract 29.4 million MICE travellers and generate 163 billion baht in revenue. More than 12 major international events are scheduled for 2026, with over 5.06 million participants expected, reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to remain a regional hub despite current pressures.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 1 May 2026