October 2017

30 APAC / October 2017 , Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched a new marketing campaign at IMEX America that positions the country as Asia’s top Bleisure destination, further strengthening the delivery of quality business venues and innovative leisure activities for US- based event organizers. The US MICE market remains a major target for TCEB’s promotions as it gears up a campaign that presents a simple core message; hosting business events in Thailand can be fun. The US remains a strong market, eighth on the top-10 country list, supplying 42,681 MICE visitors in 2016. China and India topped the list. During the first three quarters of TCEB’s current fiscal year (1 Oct 2016 to 30 Sep 2017) Thailand welcomed 26,735 MICE delegates Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau Heightens MICE Marketing in the US Thailand supercharges its MICE offerings through a brand new marketing campaign and the first-ever Asia collaboration. from the US, predominantly for corporate meetings and conferences. This year, the country forecasts 1,109,000 international business events travellers, earning 101 billion baht (USD2.9 billion) in revenue. Rolling out its 2018 marketing communications campaign TCEB aims to enhance Thailand’s position as a destination that delivers quality business and leisure activities, capitalizing on the trend to add value to events with leisure, lifestyle, or learning experiences in the host country. Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, VICE President of Strategic and Business Development of TCEB said, “Concentrating on quality business and leisure activities has raised Thailand competitiveness in global rankings. It secured the 24th spot on the ‘Most popular Convention destinations’ global list compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association. A recent report from the World Bank showed that Thailand is ranked 46th, worldwide, for the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. In the leisure travel arena, Phuket Island ranked among TripAdvisor’s 25 ‘Top-Rated Places to Visit’ worldwide.” Through the recent marketing communication campaign, “THAILAND CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success”, TCEB has been introducing key fundamental pillars of MICE industry which include a diversity of destination, business opportunities, and people of Thailand. These strengths are well positioning Thailand as a leading destination for Bleisure activities in the region. Moving to the next level of success, the concept of TCEB’s 2018 marketing campaign is strengthened and developed to be in line with Thailand 4.0 policy. Under the title “THAILAND CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success, decoded with chapters of possibilities”, the three pillars of the country’s MICE industry remain the key focus. Strengthening into “Fascinating Destination – Business Empowerment – Professional Passion”, TCEB will continue to promote theses brand pillars via the vigorous promotional activities throughout next year. But it also highlights impressive expansion that is improving accessibility to both major and secondary destinations that have MICE facilities. Major development projects are underway including international airport capacity expansion at Bangkok’s two international