AN ANALYSIS ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF MEETING, INCENTIVE, CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION (MICE) INDUSTRY IN SOUTH KOREA: LESSON FOR THAILAND

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to study the development of South Korean convention and exhibition industry, or also known as MICE industry. Based on that knowledge, the key factors affecting the competitiveness of MICE industry in South Korea will be analyzed, and suggestions for further development of Thai MICE industry will also be provided. This research mainly utilized secondary data from various sources such as research studies, books, journals, reports, pamphlets, periodicals and internet sources. Statistic data were retrieved from both national and international organizations such as TCEB, ICCA and WTO. Michael E. Porter's Diamond Model was applied to analyze the competitiveness of the South Korean MICE industry, in which 11 sub-determinants were identified including geographical advantage, culture, convention sites, PCOs and PEOs, international market share, number of MICE participants, transportations, tourism industry, hotels and accommodations, information and communication technologies, and sustainable development. The comparative analysis of these sub-determinants between South Korea and Thailand has revealed key success factors including: stability and security; public transportation; information and communication technologies; human resource development; research and development; and collaboration between the central and local sectors. The most significant development framework is the improvement of factors that move toward a knowledge-based economy which relies on the intellectual capabilities of workers, rather than on natural resources or physical production factors.