Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/244474
•pg_28-38__BMT_pg3-58 1/8/14 7:10 PM Page 36 and CTW Asia Pacific just celebrated its first decade of successful conferences in Bangkok, and for good reason – both buyers and exhibitors love Bangkok. But for the record, the world's only "double bill" event in MICE and Corporate Travel has been bringing global buyers together with some of Southeast Asia's most prominent exhibitors for over 21 years. The dynamics of this double-billed event reflects the growing vitality of both the economy of Thailand and Asia. Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia - the publication that produces IT&CMA and CTW, said "Each event has proved itself internationally as an acclaimed leader in its own MICE and corporate travel arena. But as a duo, these events deliver a buyer profile that is unparalleled by any other event in the world." Building on its strength and excellent reputation, IT&CMA and CTW continued to showcase why Southeast Asia has many enticing qualities to persuade international travelers to visit for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. From the friendly welcome of the Thai people, outstanding venues and accommodations, to the wide variety of spectacular attractions, Thailand continues to stand out as a world class destination. Two organizations are responsible for promoting and supporting Thailand's meeting, incentives, conferences and international exhibitions (MICE) industry. The Thailand Conventions & Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB) and the Thailand & Convention Association (TICA) are working together to promote the Thailand MICE industry as outlined in the 2012-2016 5-year Master Plan. IT&CMA 36 TCEB launched its latest global marketing campaign at the 2013 IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific trade show this October. "Thailand Connect" is designed to reach more international travelers and is targeted to increase European and USA meeting and incentive business. In 2012, 72.7 percent of MICE travelers to Thailand were from Asian countries. According to 2012 industry stats, the United States ranked eighth in Thailand's top ten MICE markets. As a result of steady growth, the MICE sector has seen a boom in construction of new hotels, convention and exhibit centers and infrastructure improvements. Situated in the heart of Asia, Thailand has six international airports, connecting to 190 destinations with more than 500 flights per day. The diversity of Thailand's five designated MICE cities – Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mail and Khon Kaen – boasts nine international conference and exhibition venues with a combined total of 222,984 meters (2,385,928 sq. ft.) of exhibition and meeting space. TCEB launched Thailand Connect declaring 2013 the "Year of MICE" to draw more MICE business to the area. Through creation of streamlined processes, strategic infrastructure development, and building on its reputation for hospitality and diversity of destinations, TCEB is focused on reaching a broader base of traveler and enhancing MICE attendance in the region. While USA citizens do not require a visa if staying for less than 30 days, Thailand now provides visa-free and/or visa-on-arrival services to 76 countries and territories, allowing for ease of entry by international convention attendees. Thailand has a vast inventory of hotels ranging from two-star B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com