The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has reported a 10% growth in the number of Japanese visitors to Thailand in the Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) sector. Mr. Anek Srishevachart, Vice President of ATTA, indicated that the number of Japanese people traveling to Thailand for MICE activities is currently rising by more than 10%. He attributed the increase to the higher confidence among Japanese tourists in the overall situation in Thailand. Furthermore, the ongoing battle between China and Japan over an island in the East China Sea is also deemed as another important factor. Mr. Anek pointed out that the issue has prompted many groups of Japanese MICE travelers, comprising up to 200 persons each, to turn their attention to Thailand instead of Hong Kong, which is their regular destination. Besides the rising Japanese arrivals, more tourists from China and Korea are also expected to be seen in Thailand from the latter half of this year until the first quarter of next year. According to Mr. Anek, Thai tourism entrepreneurs are hoping that the number of visitors from Japan will reach 1.3 million for the whole year of 2012, surpassing the set target of 1.2 million. From centerweb