Thailand’s Andaman Cluster, encompassing Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, has established itself as a top international event destination, gaining global recognition.

In the World’s Best Hotels 2023 by La Liste, two of the four Thai hotels in the top 200 belong to the Andaman region. Phuket’s Amanpuri ranks 9th, while Phang Nga’s Six Senses Yao Noi holds the 10th spot, showcasing world-class hospitality.

Phuket also secured the 10th position in Cvent’s Top 10 Meeting Destinations in Asia-Pacific this year, solidifying its appeal to event planners.

Furthermore, Phuket climbed from 78th to 35th place in the latest ICCA rankings for APAC, hosting as many international conferences in 2022 as in 2019, pre-Covid.

Additionally, Koh Kradan in Trang, south of Krabi on the Andaman coast, was named the world’s most beautiful beach by the World Beach Guide earlier this year.

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) introduced the TCEB GO Strategy this year, emphasizing strategies like “Creating Destination Competitiveness Through Diverse Local Identities,” exemplified by the Andaman cluster. TCEB collaborates with local communities to enhance their MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capabilities, leveraging their unique identities and local experiences.

During TCEB’s TIME2023 Experience Exchange, 30 international event planners immersed themselves in authentic Andaman experiences in Krabi. They engaged in initiatives like transforming ocean trash into sustainable souvenirs with local communities and exploring nature trails in the national park, fostering a deep connection with the island’s natural beauty.

TCEB also supported Phuket by hosting “Food for Faith,” promoting the annual Vegetarian Festival of Phuket scheduled in October. This event aligns with the government’s creative economy policy, TCEB’s Festival Economy initiative, and Phuket’s designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, highlighting its culinary appeal to MICE groups.