Thai convention bureau chiefs believe the recent flooding in Bangkok has led to 250,000 fewer meetings and events delegates visiting the country than expected in quarter four. Overall, 24 events were cancelled or postponed due to the flooding – the worst experienced by the country in 50-years – with revenue losses estimated at Baht 3.32bn (£68m).

However, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is forecasting 720,000 MICE visitors overall in 2011, which still represents growth on 2010, when 679,585 visitors were recorded.

President of TCEB, Akapol Sorasuchart said: “There was steady growth during 2011 but not in the fourth quarter because of the flooding, so it didn’t grow as much as we expected. Next year we are still expecting some growth despite the situation. The water is now receding and the industry should pick up by the end of quarter one. Growth will be around 12 per cent in 2012.”

He added: “We saw 33 per cent growth from the UK market in 2011 and our target is a further 18 per cent growth in 2012.”

Ahead of its attendance at EIBTM in Barcelona this week, TCEB hosted a dinner for UK buyers at the W Hotel in London last Friday, where it launched its new marketing initiative ‘Thailand: Destination of Choices’.