Thai DMC predicts stability will lead to markt growth

Diethelm Events said this prediction is indicative of a highly buoyant market as business recovers quickly from the political uncertainty that marked the first four months of the year. While the political impasse continues, the enticing nature of Thailand's business tourism offerings, particularly in terms of price and quality, has quickly wowed corporates back to the kingdom now the demonstrations have subsided. "Due to the political uncertainty in Thailand at the beginning of the year we saw quite a few regional conferences postponed, which has affected our 2006 budget," said Diethelm Events executive manager David Barrett. "However, as of April, business is now back and we forecast to be below our very ambitious budget for 2006, but more than 200 per cent over last year. "Last year was not a great year for us mostly due to the tsunami. However, now that Phuket is back and fully recovered, our business is certainly on the up. "This year is projected to be a good year for us, thanks mostly to the Australian and New Zealand markets." To build on the interest from the Pacific, Barrett said their best-selling Mission Impossible half-day teambuilding programme has been adapted to the Australian and New Zealand markets to be used as a corporate or incentive ice-breaker. Earlier this year, demonstrations poured onto the streets after the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was accused of abuse of power. The accusations followed the sale of his family- run empire to Singapore investors, leading to a slew of business postponements as corporate planners looked for a safer bet for their groups. The government called a general election, which the ruling Thai Rak Thai party won, but this was subsequently annulled as unconstitutional. A new election will be held in October.