SUSTAINABILITY TAKES CENTRE-STAGE IN GROWTH OF THAI BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY

Melbourne / 23 February 2016 – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB, today unveiled a new ‘Thailand, Sustainability & Soulful CSR Destination’ offering to showcase pre- and post-program activities that can elevate a business events in Thailand to the next level by engaging organisers and participants in maintaining and promoting social, cultural and natural diversity. The offering, in addition to other initiatives including the Thailand CONNECT, Our Heart…Your World strategy, is designed to help Thailand reach is goal of five percent growth in MICE visitor numbers and revenue in 2016.

The offering captures TCEB’s passion for promoting knowledge-sharing about sustainability best practice to ensure the long-term success of Thailand’s business events industry, without losing any of the deep local cultural identity or natural value that Thailand is renowned for.

Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of TCEB, commented on the offering during its launch at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo 2016 (AIME) held in Melbourne, stating that, “As the Thai government’s official flagship body for the business events sector, TCEB is committed to building on Thailand’s reputation as a dream destination for sustainable business events that offer economic, social and environmental benefits to the country, organisers and MICE travellers alike.”

Four key areas are highlighted as emerging trends. The first is ‘beach destinations for sustainability and CSR’ including grassroots ecotourism – where activities are designed in collaboration with the villagers based on the principle of community-based tourism – juvenile fish and turtle release programs, coral cultivation and mangrove planting.

The second highlights Bangkok’s role as the ‘Capital for sustainability and CSR’, where activities include reading for the blind, visiting the city’s six key shrines, and supporting the work of the non-profit Khonthai Foundation.

The third emerging trend is ‘Wildlife for Sustainability and CSR’, where ‘Farm to Function’ allows participants to link directly with local farmers, or optionally experience the process of making organic products, while those who love being outdoor can help to build salt licks and check dams.

Finally, delegates also have the chance to contribute to a range of Royal Project Initiatives, founded by His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Founded in 1969, Thailand’s ‘Royal Projects’ were initiated to solve the problems of deforestation, poverty and opium production by promoting alternative crops, and were the first of their kind in the world. From the natural northern oases of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to Phetchaburi, a charming province in easy reach of Bangkok, visitors can appreciate a range of community-development activities.

The ‘Thailand, Sustainability & Soulful CSR Destination’ offering complements TCEB’s overarching 2016 ‘Thailand CONNECT…Our Heart, Your World’ strategy, which highlights the country’s role not only as a unique destination at the HEART of ASEAN and an unparalleled business hub at the HEART of both the emerging Asian region and the global marketplace, but also a thriving hub, where passionate people offer seamless service from the HEART, and with an unforgettable smile.

At AIME 2016, TCEB also announced the success of Thailand’s business events industry in the 2015 fiscal year, reporting that from October 2014 to September 2015, Thailand welcomed 1,086,229 business events travellers, contributing more than 94,966 million baht (AUD$3,791.05 million) to the country’s economy. Of these, 28,195 were from Oceania, including 20,933 from Australia.

Confirming its leadership position as a preferred business events destinations in Asia, TCEB also announced that Thailand will play host to a diverse line-up of confirmed major business events in fiscal year 2016, which include the F6 Global Convention 2015, the Organo Gold Asia Convention 2015, the 28th World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Council 2015, the 2015 Special Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, One Young World 2015, The 54th OSEAL Forum Program, the 3rd Asia Pacific Glaucoma Congress 2016, the Asia Fitness Conference and Expo 2015, Cosmex 2015, Exporail South East Asia 2016.

“We are confident that through a combination of the Thailand CONNECT…Our Heart, Your World campaign, as well as targeted initiatives such as the ‘Thailand, Sustainability & Soulful CSR Destination’, the Thai business events sector will continue to grow strongly in 2016, enabling us to achieve our goal of welcoming 1,089,000 business travellers, and generating 117,700 million baht (AUD$4,698.60 million) for the Thai economy,” Mr Nopparat concluded.

Visitors to AIME 2016 can learn more about TCEB’s special offerings at stand 2214, while meeting a range of Thailand’s leading business events entrepreneurs – from more than 20 hotels and venues, to destination management companies, Thai Airways International and the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.

# # #

About TCEB

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB takes the lead on behalf of the Thai government in the development and success of Thailand’s MICE sector. Established in 2004, TCEB works to drive growth, elevate quality standards and inspire creativity in the industry. TCEB offers a range of advisory services and attractive support packages to contribute to the success and productivity of business events held in Thailand. This includes global outreach to build collaboration across a global network of MICE players. TCEB strives to create new business opportunities and lay the foundations for long term, sustainable industry growth.

For more information please contact:

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel +66 2 694 6006    Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel +66 2 694 6096    Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th

Ms Paniyada Mulalin    Tel:+66 2 694 6091    Email: paniyada_m@tceb.or.th