Bangkok Moves Up to 6th in Global Ranking of Convention Cities

February 22, 2022: Bangkok’s global ranking as a convention city has moved up from 8th place in 2020 to 6th in 2021 in the latest edition of International Convention Destination Competitive Index compiled by Australia-based convention and meetings industry consultancy GainingEdge. The annual report is an analysis of 101 destinations with the largest number of international association meetings from 2017–2019 according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).Cities are ranked in terms of their infrastructure, accessibility, logistics, professional community, destination appeal, and cost to meeting planners and organisers. The top 10 convention cities for 2021 are Paris, New York, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, London, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Washington. In Asia-Pacific, the top 10 are Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Macao, and Bali.Bangkok’s improved ranking came at a time when the city is gearing up for a resumption of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) with a new resolve. The city will be hosting the 2022 Global Summit of Women from June 23–25 and unveiling the newly-renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in September. QSNCC will be a venue of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November this year. To strengthen Bangkok’s appeal, TCEB is organising international familiarisation trip in late March 2022, featuring new development of the city’s facilities and attractions undertaken during the pandemic.Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “It is heartening to see Bangkok’s rise to 6th place globally in the International Convention Destination Competitive Annual Report 2021. TCEB, as the Thai Government’s lead agency for business events, is committed to improving the country’ product mix to appeal to international planners and event participants. As we benchmark against the best in the world, we will continue to sharpen Bangkok’s competitive edge through targetted measures. “We have expanded the MICE Lane Service to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, and set up our online One-Stop Service Centre, which will help Thai MICE operators fast-track their dealings with government agencies when organising events with overseas partners. We have also raised our profile in Thailand’s key industrial sectors with the view to help local professional associations bid for and bring international conventions to Thailand.TCEB’s many initiatives have helped Bangkok distinguish itself from other MICE destinations and we will do more. We have partnered hotels to deliver high-value packages, and brought together MICE operators and tech entrepreneurs under our MICE Winnovation programme to co-create high-tech productivity tools for events. TCEB’s Convene Plus scheme will continue to provide funding support for virtual or hybrid conventions, and events with social, environmental, or economic legacies. We are advancing Thailand’s product mix on many fronts to ensure broad appeal and excellent value.”The 2021 International Convention Destination Competitive Index is an assessment of product quality in each destination. The report focused on three areas – hygiene factors, competitive advantages, and key differentiators. The index is based on primary research and third-party sources such as ICCA, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations. It is designed to help cities identify the best course of action to speed up their recovery from the pandemic-induced market downturn.  ####Thailand: Redefine Your Business EventsExperience the Extraordinary About TCEBA LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRYEstablished in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.For further information, please contact: Corporate Image and Communication Department Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)Ms. Parichat Svetasreni   Tel: + 662 694 6000   Email: parichat_s@tceb.or.th  Ms. Ananta Leekasem   Tel: + 662 694 6000   Email: ananta_l@tceb.or.th Mr. Chakrapong Pongwecharak   Tel: + 662 694 6000   Email: chakrapong_p@tceb.or.th

Bangkok to host ICCA Congress 2023, signalling Thailand’s return as a contender for large-scale international MICE

May 12, 2022: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has chosen Bangkok as the host city of its annual general meeting next year. The 62nd ICCA Congress will be held from November 12-15, 2023. A major event in the global MICE calendar, the ICCA Congress is attended by members who represent more than 1,000 private and public organisations from over 100 countries.ICCA’s decision reflects the association meeting industry’s confidence in Bangkok and the interest among ICCA members to get reacquainted with Thailand after a two-year break. Supported by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the 2023 congress also promises to be an especially memorable one as it will take place at a time when Bangkok will be showcasing its achievements from the first half of its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013–2032) to transform itself into the “Metropolitan City of Asia”. By hosting the ICCA Congress, TCEB hopes to impress upon association meeting executives not only Bangkok’s exceptional credentials but also the many MICE destinations to be found throughout Thailand. Having developed their business events infrastructure over the years with input from TCEB, Thailand’s other MICE Cities – Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani and Surat Thani – are now more ready than ever to host international meetings.            TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “We thank ICCA for this great opportunity to host the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Thailand has been a member of ICCA since 1974 and we are absolutely confident that it will continue to play an exemplary leadership role in promoting international association meetings. We look forward to welcoming ICCA delegates to the city of Bangkok as we celebrate an important milestone in the city’s transformation to become the “Metropolitan City of Asia” – a safe, green, and economically and culturally vibrant city – under its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013-2032).              “Hosting the ICCA Congress 2023 will generate substantial economic returns and uncover countless new business opportunities for our MICE community. With more than 1,000 overseas and 200 Thai delegates expected, we estimate the congress itself will generate 3 million USD in revenue and other positive impacts, such as job creation, tax revenue and added values to the economy.”                                  Mr. Chiruit pointed out that one segment of the congress programme is particularly important for Thailand’s MICE professionals. The ICCA Business Exchange – the session where ICCA members share commercially important information on the bidding process, selection criteria and budgets of their recent events – can provide essential guidance for Thai MICE players in crafting winning bids. With more than 30 executives of international associations participating in the session, this is also a golden opportunity for local associations and regional stakeholders to form network and drive business development.            The ICCA Congress 2023 will also be a tremendous learning opportunity for Thailand’s MICE Cities and local associations. TCEB has invited the governors of all Thailand’s MICE Cities to participate in dialogue sessions alongside experts on international academic conventions. Their exchange of ideas and experiences will help each city further refine its MICE strategy. TCEB will also invite at least 20 local associations to attend ICCA’s Incredible Impacts Programme meeting where the spotlight will be on how international conventions have helped bring positive change to societies around the world, while leaving behind inspiring legacy for local communities and the next generations. TCEB hopes that the local attendees will be inspired to create similarly impactful programmes following their interaction with at least 30 of their overseas counterparts.                     “2023 will be the year of economic revival for Thailand. Our country will open to the world again and we will join hands with the world and ICCA to reimagine a new future for business events,” said Mr. Chiruit.            Mr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) said, “I thank TCEB and Thailand for the ambition to host the ICCA Congress 2023. TCEB clearly demonstrated structured planning, support from crucial partners in the region, and offering a beautiful setting for guests to come together. There is no doubt that the ICCA Congress in Bangkok will showcase how business events can contribute to socio-economic development, enhance the intellectuality of the meetings industry, and be prepared for the future. I am sure ICCA delegates will be able to experience memorable Thai hospitality and professionalism at ICCA Congress 2023.”####Thailand: Redefine Your Business EventsExperience the Extraordinary About TCEBA LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRYEstablished in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.For further information, please contact: Corporate Image and Communication Department Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)Ms. Parichat Svetasreni        Tel: + 662 694 6000        Email: parichat_s@tceb.or.th  Ms. Ananta Leekasem        Tel: + 662 694 6000        Email: ananta_l@tceb.or.th Mr. Chakrapong Pongwecharak Tel: + 662 694 6000         Email: chakrapong_p@tceb.or.th

软实习—泰国经济创新发展的创造性实力

无论是火遍大街小巷的芒果糯米饭，武里南火车站排队站着吃的炸丸子店还是措猜 4 区打卡火爆的泰式火锅（Moo-gata），上诉活动带来的巨大的影响力全部都是软实力或者“Soft Power”的体现。但是这股席卷热潮并非空穴来风，因为我们早已身处软实力的影响，只是不自知。今天，我们就来一探究竟到底软实力是什么，对于社会有何影响，以及为什么世界各国纷纷利用软实力推动国家发展。【强烈的满足感和潜移默化的认同感】软实力的定义是文化的传播。 这可能是一种误解，而且过于狭隘。哈佛大学的约瑟夫·奈伊博士这位对于软实力定义的鼻祖对其真正含义的做出了以下解释：“This second aspect of power-which occurs when one country gets other countries to want what it wants-might be called co-optive or soft power in contrast with the hard or command power of ordering others to do what it wants.”简单地总结就是：一种让他人对你所需要的事情产生“需求”和“接受”的能力。最重要的就是激起他人的需求，并且欣然接受，而不是强迫、威胁。因为当对于新奇事物放下警惕时，人们就会本能地渐渐放松敌对态势并且敞开胸怀接受新鲜事物，因此 Soft Power 并不是大家认为的一种文化传播方式。塔尼亚特·洛帕塔纳农博士，电影娱乐和安全角度研究学者认为，Soft Power 是一种说服和引导的能力，文化只是推动这一战略实施的一部分，这与约瑟夫·奈伊博士的划分标准不谋而合。调整文化形式，使其符合能够对象国的价值观和利益，使文化有机会成为影响对象国的软实力。因为它并不是以对立的形式出现，但这又是一个继承新事物的机会，让目标国家感到需要这个机会，并敞开心扉欣然接受。例如泰籍艺人 Lisa Blackpink 通过K-pop 和世界舞台传播泰语，合十礼以及她的经历传播泰国文化。或者是最近大火的Rapper Milli，在科切拉音乐节这个世界级的音乐舞台掀起的芒果糯米饭热潮，使得各国观众都来问及相关事宜。这样新式的文化渗透就在不知不觉间吸引和影响着世界人民，从而受到全世界的喜爱。Credit: THAIGOV.GO.TH【回顾以及调整视角】可以明显地看出，美国文化长期以来一直具有影响力并渗透到几乎每个国家。美国国旗花纹的 T 恤、著名的流行乐队、音乐、美食、电影、语言都是全球性文化，影响着全世界。如果我们探索这一成功的背后，我们可以发现两个关键因素：建立潮流和推动力度。突出的例子就是娱乐媒体，这要归功于美国广播电视权力基础的支持和扩大。使美国电影源源不断地向世界传播，通过媒体获得政府支持这不仅壮大美国娱乐业的规模，同时也使得美国软实力影响力不断增强。从“语言”的角度来看，诸如《老友记》这样的美剧中的对白早已经成为全世界年轻人用来练习英语的范本，并潜移默化地影响着美国文化的学习，使得美式潮流深入人心，从而导致观众从潜意识里就想去体验一次真正的美式生活。从以上案例，我们可以学习到“价值”和“连续性”两者的重要性。如果我们知道如何创造价值，文化将永远实现外销，并鼓励软实力不断扩大和发展其潜力，而不是让它只昙花一现，让软实力根据环境不断发展自己，而不去限定它是何种文化产品。但还是需要考虑大局，不要限制权力，一定要刚柔并济，不要造成压迫，否则会形成对抗。事实上，成功不是用民族认同来衡量的。 因为每个国家都有自己独特的身份，这样的竞争太难也太过抽象了，它取决于创造力。 懂得回顾过去，以全新的方向调整自己的文化视野，就能够让其温和而长久地保持动力，就像美国的情况一样。【泰国会展创意产业及其在推动软实力走向世界中的作用】想必大家都看到软实力是如何展现作用的了。2022 年 4 月 19 日，总理巴育将军强调了软实力支持政策对推动泰国创意产业走向世界的重要性。并建议政府机构与私营部门合作涵盖制作人、艺术家和幕后人员，以推动软实力以获得最大的经济效益。根据旨在促进5F文化成为泰国重要文化资源的政策，食物（Food）、电影和视频（Film）、泰国时装设计（Fashion）、泰国武术（Fighting）和泰语传统节日（节日）。泰国目前在全球软实力指数2022中得分，反映了泰国在推动软实力方面迈出第一步的努力和成果，得分为40.2，比上年提高1.5分。总分排名在120个国家中排名第35位，东盟国家中排名第2，亚洲排名第6。指数标准包括了经济、贸易、政府管理、国际关系、新冠疫情防控能力维度，以及对不同国家日常生活中的商品、服务、价值观和观念的渗透程度。Credit: workpointtoday.com 软实力已成为提升经济价值的重要工具。尤其是在 COVID-19 流行之后的恢复期间该政策旨在创建由知识、知识产权、教育和创造力发展而来的创意经济（Creative Economy）。这与文化、社会知识的积累、技术创新相关联，以用于新形式下的业务发展、商品生产和服务。泰国会展局的作用就在推动这项政策达成。通过举办一系列泰国国内和国际会议、研讨会和贸易展览会，发挥拓展软实力潜力和提高工作效率的桥梁作用。一个显着的例子是迪拜世博会，泰国会展局做为创意会展产业的一份子，以标志性的泰式微笑欢迎大家体验泰国嘟嘟车虚拟驾驶模拟器（Simulator）。此外，接下来将通过APEC 2022、ICCA Congress 2023、2026乌隆世界园艺博览会和 2028普吉岛世博会等众多活动来展示泰国文化，通过科技和技术创新推动经济持续强劲发展。同时，这些会议和展览的到来这也彰显和认可了东道主泰国作为全球旅行者梦想目的地的潜力和知名度。软实力将扮演什么角色？会在哪里扩展潜力？ 泰国会展局将持续更新升级，让泰国人民感到骄傲自豪。网站链接：https://www.salika.co/2022/04/16/5-thai-soft-power-way-to-creative-economy/https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/สังคม/170540http://www.navedu.navy.mi.th/stg/tnssc/pdf/84-sp.pdfhttps://www.facebook.com/thanayod.lopattananont.5/posts/3291136671109521

TCEB UNVEILS MICE CAMPAIGN TO MAXIMISE THAILAND REOPENING

18 August 2022: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched a new marketing campaign, "Thailand MICE Back", to stimulate MICE industry in response to  the country’s reopening through four strategic approaches. Using MICE events to drive local economy, the bureau projects to see 6,130,000 MICE travellers, generating 28.4 billion baht in revenue for the country.Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB said that, following the Thai government's policy put forth to support the reopening of Thailand and propel the country's economy, TCEB gears forward to stimulate MICE industry under the latest marketing campaign, so-called "Thailand MICE Back." The scheme aims to increase the confidence of both domestic and international MICE travellers, promote the continued organisation of MICE events, and attract world-class MICE events to the country. With cooperation from alliances in the public and private sectors, the campaign is implemented under four main strategic approaches or B-A-C-K, which are:B: Build Confidences & Trust – The approach promotes the development of MICE standards targeting MICE entrepreneurs, venue operators and organisers through a series of standardisation programs, including Thailand MICE Venue Standards (TMVS); ASEAN MICE Venue Standards (AMVS); Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (TSEMS); and MICE Hygiene Guidelines, and Practices for Muslim Friendly Meetings and Exhibitions. Also, the scheme enhances innovation adoption for the MICE, such as event management application – BIZ  Connect; comprehensive E-MICE Marketplace – Thai MICE Connect; and online databank and marketplace for MICE and tech entrepreneurs – MICE Innovation Catalogue. Meanwhile, TCEB, as a premier agency for promoting Thailand's MICE capabilities, has recently been declared an organisation qualified to conduct skills assessment and provide certification for MICE personnel in accordance with MICE occupational standards. The bureau encourages MICE workforce to apply for the skills and knowledge certification and also aims to elevate the organisation to provide occupational certificates for MICE personnel in ASEAN.Besides, TCEB is moving forward and preparing to become a CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) accredited with ISO 17024, an international standard which outlines criteria for the operation of a personnel certification body. The bureau also enhances competencies for MICE workforce in the event and incentive sectors in order to improve their career security in line with ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA – TP).A: Accelerate Dream MICE Activity – Following the Thai Cabinet resolution relating to corporate income tax, a company or legal partnership can deduct twice the amount of expenses actually paid for arranging training and exhibition in Thailand. The expenses to which this deduction applies must be incurred from 15 July to 31 December 2022. In response to the measure, TCEB is accelerating the organisation of MICE events in the last quarter of the fiscal year 2022 through a series of stimulus packages designed to promote domestic events, namely meetings and incentives, conventions, and exhibitions that include new shows, upgraded shows, and exhibitions under the Empower Thailand Exhibition project (EMTEX). Organisations must comply with the terms and conditions in each category to be eligible under the scheme.C: Communication and Inspire the World – Highlighting "THAILAND MICE" as a brand umbrella, TCEB has been promoting the awareness of Thailand's event industry by targeting audiences in 10 domestic MICE Cities as well as international audiences in Asia and Middle East regions. The effort is in line with the national public relations campaign, New Chapter of Thailand, launched in the post-Covid-19 pandemic.The "THAILAND MICE" brand will highlight key messages on New Opportunity and New Invention, to be conveyed under the international brand campaign so-called "Thailand MICE: Meet the Magic" and the domestic brand campaign so-called "MICE Thai: Mon Sanae Su Kwam Samred."Both domestic and international brand campaigns will utilise a 360-degree media integration approach with an emphasis on online media to engage the audience in the New Normal Era. The brand campaign will also be promoted via offline media, covering TV, Radio, Publications, Out of Home Media, as well as KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) who will communicate their Thailand's MICE experiences, with the target to reach domestic and international audiences, no less than 75 million people/times.Under the domestic brand campaign, "MICE Thai: Mon Sanae Su Kwam Samred", TCEB has recently launched a television commercial, using music marketing as a gimmick to encourage organisations in 3P sectors (public, private and people or civil society sectors) to arrange meetings, training, or seminars in different venues across the country. These corporate activities help increase work efficiency and promote unity toward the organisation's success. Also, they can contribute to local economies and take part in driving economic recovery.K: Kick off World Events Bidding – Thailand is chosen as a host for many international MICE events, such as the International Conference on Family Planning 2022 (ICFP 2022), scheduled between 14 – 17 November 2022; the 62nd ICCA Congress (ICCA Congress 2023), scheduled between 12 – 15 November 2023; The International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Udon Thani, planned for 1 November 2026, to 14 March 2027; and the Thailand International Air Show which will be introduced next year. Highlighting Thailand's aviation potential, the air show will be officially announced in 2025 and take place in 2527.Also, the country is proposing to host mega events that showcase the country's highest potential of all domains. Major events under the bidding process include Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand, which will take place from 20 March to 17 June 2028; and Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2029, which will run from 10 November 2029 to 28 February 2030.Meanwhile, a series of events will be held across the country in the last quarter of the fiscal year 2022. These events are such as Maintenance, Industrial Automation, and Robotics (MiRA) and SUBCON EEC 2022, which will take place in Pattaya between 24 – 26 August 2022; Defense & Security 2022 in Bangkok from 29 August to 1 September 2022; Health Living and Innovation Expo 2022 in Songkhla between 8 – 11 September 2022; and Korat FooDEx in Nakhon Ratchasima between 14 – 18  September 2022.Between first and third quarters of the fiscal year 2022 (October 2021 – June 2022), Thailand has already seen 3,446,102 domestic and international MICE travellers, contributing 16.34 billion baht in revenue to the local economy. Meanwhile, TCEB estimates that the numbers of MICE travellers will reach 6,130,000, generating 28.4 billion baht in revenue in the fiscal year 2022 (October 2021 – September 2022).

TCEB, ICCA confident in Bangkok’s capacity for ICCA Annual Congress 2023

7 December 2022: The International Congress and Convention Association - or ICCA -expresses confidence in the capacity of Thai MICE industry and Bangkok as a successful host of the 62nd ICCA Annual Congress 2023, with the expected 1,000 attendances.Established in 1963, ICCA is the global association leader for international meetings. With the goal to support and develop the international meetings industry, the organisation has over 1,000 members representing both public and private sectors from 91 countries and territories across the globe.On the occasion of the memorandum of understanding signing for Thailand to host ICCA Annual Congress 2023 in Bangkok between Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and ICCA, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated that “the signing, witnessed by the representative of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), takes place during ICCA’s inspection trip of the venue and infrastructure in Bangkok between 5 and 9 December. The MOU is, thus, reflecting the readiness of Thailand and Bangkok in hosting the event of the global association for international meetings. We aim to make the 62nd ICCA Annual Congress 2023 a carbon-neutral event to affirm Thailand’s determination in championing sustainability and to highlight Bangkok’s latest success in environmental credentials for the meeting industry after it won the Most Improved Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2022 during the 61st ICCA Annual Congress in Poland in November this year.With over 1,000 members from 91 countries and territories across the globe, the hosting of the ICCA Annual Congress will spotlight Thailand as the ideal destination for international conventions in both quantitative and qualitative terms. The congress will create revenue, economic and social impacts as well as contribute to the potential of Thailand in hosting international conventions. Currently, TCEB has schemes to promote international meetings, schemes to support bidding, initiatives that create business opportunities, new international markets and overseas alliances, including capacity-building programmes for Thai associations and suppliers.”The ICCA Congress 2023 will be the third edition held in Thailand and the second being hosted in Bangkok. The framework of collaboration for the congress between TCEB and ICCA entails Bangkok serving as a host city and TCEB acting as a local host responsible for public relations of the congress and appointing the local organising committee, which comprises Thai organisation members of ICCA, alliances from both public and private sectors, related entrepreneurs and associations. The committee will be involved in planning and making preparation for all stages of the congress organisation.The ICCA Congress 2023 is scheduled during 12-15 November 2023 in Bangkok. The registration will be opened in March 2023. The expected number of attendants is 1,000, comprising 800 foreigners and 200 Thai visitors. The congress is expected to generate 85 million baht in revenue, contribute 47 million baht to gross domestic products (GDP) and create 2.92 million baht in tax revenue with public relations value for Thailand at 300 million baht.Mr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), remarked that ICCA is delighted to bring the 62nd ICCA Congress to Bangkok, Thailand next November. Thailand offers the global meetings industry a purposeful solution and host to some of the leading congresses in the world. The strategic efforts of TCEB in building the portfolio of the meetings industry in Thailand is applaudable. Thailand and TCEB are long standing partners of ICCA and we have been working together on many global initiatives and the congress will be one of the key highlights. “Having spent a few days on the site inspection, I am confident that Bangkok as host city will set an awe-inspiring background for the congress. We cannot wait for our global community to gather at the incredible Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) and experience everything a world-class international event offers. ICCA’s presence in the capital represents a milestone in the ‘Bangkok Vision 2032’ programme, which is a truly ambitious re-imagining of what this magical city can offer the world. The anticipation is building, and we look forward to collaborating with our friends and colleagues at the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) with real hope and excitement. With sustainability at the heart of all our efforts, we shall work tirelessly to ensure congress delivers content, cultural experiences, networking, and of course, new business opportunities for our members. And perhaps most importantly, we believe the 62nd ICCA Congress will leave a worthy legacy for the people of Bangkok and the business events community as a whole.”Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, said that “Bangkok is the economic center blessed with rich diversity, ranging from multicultural vibes, street food to 6-star fine dining by celebrity chefs, historical sites, contemporary architecture, convention venues, function rooms, art and cultural centres, museums to many other multi-purpose spaces offered by both public and private sectors. Even better, Bangkok is rich in performing arts that feature Thai identity, including traditional Thai dancing, Thai folk music, contemporary shows, Thai boxing and many more. The personnel of public and private sectors are eager to welcome the ICCA delegation and all distinguished guests. Bangkok is ready in all aspects to enable ICCA to set a standard and become memorable for all participating parties.”Furthermore, Thailand will be serving as a host of the first Asia Convention Alliance Association Forum (#ACAAF1) during ICCA Congress 2023. It will be the first task of the partner group of Asia Convention Alliance (ACA). The aim is to foster knowledge exchange between the executives of associations acting as a host of international conventions. They are invited by member organisations of the four territories forming ACA - Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan. The forum is also expected to help expand the alliance network for international convention promotion. It is forecast that the forum will create the opportunities to attract at least 4 international meetings to be held in rotation among the four member territories of ACA.  

Thailand chosen a host of AFECA AGM 2023

31 January 2023: Thailand is officially chosen as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held in October. The meeting will gather 155 member associations from 19 countries to discuss the elevation of MICE industry, emphasising Thailand as an international MICE leader.Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), stated that “Thailand is officially declared as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held on October 2023 in Bangkok. This is another important event in MICE industry after the International Congress and Convention Association or ICCA announced the hosting of the annual general meeting in Thailand in November. It demonstrates that international MICE organisations recognise the potential of Thai MICE industry and, thus, select Thailand as a destination country for the events.“AFECA AGM 2023 is a gathering of Asian industry leaders and regional professionals in conventions and exhibitions. The theme of the meeting “ASIA UNITES” represents the intention to synergize Asia’s MICE community in creating new business events, elevating businesses and industries, and expanding the MICE industry's infinite possibilities in Asia, without leaving anyone behind.”As a host country, Thailand will make ‘sustainability’ the milestone of the AFECA AGM 2023, focusing on People, Profit, and the Planet, and supporting the use of the materials for the event that are sourced from local producers and farmers, and they must be produced with efficient use of resources and environmental-friendly process, including the destinations, the transportation, and the organisation that are well crafted to be in line with sustainability practices.Furthermore, a policy of creating measurable impacts from events will also be implemented. TCEB strongly hopes that the participants of AFECA AGM 2023 will be a part of this sustainability approach and maximise it together.The AFECA AGM 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s potential as a host of world-class event, which will increase the chance to attract new international exhibitions to Thailand. In the meeting, there will be a discussion on building a platform for industry leaders to share and transfer valuable knowledge that is in accordance with AFECA philosophy of fostering long-term industrial relationships among international peers, training domestic MICE entrepreneurs in order to raise their profiles to the international level, including networking session which will lead to business matching between AFECA members and the Thai exhibition entrepreneurs, such as organisers and venue operators.Dato’ Vincent Lim, AFECA President stated that “AFECA is delighted to have Thailand to be the host for AFECA AGM 2023, and members can look forward to visiting the beautiful country. Thailand has always been an important MICE destination in Asia and at the forefront on developing the Asian MICE industry. I believe that with the support from TCEB, AFECA AGM 2023 would be a platform for Asian MICE leaders to continue raising the profile of Asian MICE industry in the global stage and will also definitely be a marvellous experience for all members.” The AFECA AGM 2023 will be a significant milestone for Thailand and the Asia’s MICE industry. The event will be a great platform for professionals in exhibitions and conventions to move forward together in line with “ASIA UNITES” and to collaborate on regaining strength, reinventing MICE businesses, achieving sustainable growth, and empowering the regional economy with MICE. The dialogues will encourage member nations to collaborate in order to help domestic MICE events raise their profiles and become Asia’s MICE organisers of international calibre that unites Asia’s MICE community.

TCEB UNVEILS FIVE-YEAR PLAN PROPELLING THAILAND'S MICE INDUSTRY ON GLOBAL STAGE

15 February 2023: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is unveiling the five-year action plan (2023-2027) under the TCEB Go strategy and Thailand MICE to Meet You Year 2023 campaign in a bid to revitalise the economy and promote Thailand as a premier MICE destination on the global stage. The strategic approach leverages innovation and mutual development of sustainability in response to travel recovery.Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, said that “The MICE industry is poised for a positive recovery with the lifting of domestic and international travel restrictions worldwide. TCEB is executing a five-year action plan (2023 – 2027) to support and advance the MICE industry under its TCEB Go strategy. The goal is to serve as a partner in driving business success, elevate Thailand as a premier MICE destination through innovative approaches and foster mutual development of sustainability for the industry. As part of the plan, TCEB is also launching a campaign named Thailand MICE to Meet You Year 2023 to promote organisation of MICE events and, thus, distribute revenue to grow local economies across the country.”The TCEB Go strategy, which is aimed at driving the growth of the MICE industry and establishing Thailand as a leading MICE destination globally, is executed through five strategic approaches:T: Thailand as Global MICE Leader – TCEB is committed to positioning Thailand as a premier destination for world-class MICE events to generate income, boost the country's economy, form partnerships, and create business opportunities. The strategy is carried out by attracting international events to Thailand, such as the International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Udon Thani, and collaborating with government agencies to bid for events under the One Ministry, One Convention project. For instance, TCEB is working with the Ministry of Finance to bid for the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group 2026. In addition, bids for the International Horticultural Exposition 2029 in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand are currently underway. As for marketing strategy, TCEB aims to tap into new markets, such as Israel and countries in the Middle East, such as the UAE, as well as Central Asian markets like Kazakhstan, while still maintaining its focus on core Asia-Pacific markets like CLMV, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and China, followed by North American and European markets.C: Create Destination Competitiveness Through Diverse Local Identity – TCEB collaborates with local communities and network to improve MICE capabilities in various regions by promoting their diverse local identities and memorable localised experiences for MICE groups. The initiative includes the development of MICE routes in each province and the development of the Product MICE Premium program that transforms local products and services into souvenirs, snacks, or gifts.  Furthermore, TCEB is involved in area marketing to identify the unique character of each city or the City's DNA and craft it into a compelling selling point. Other initiatives include promoting local festivals, such as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and the Khon Kaen International Silk Festival, to become festivals of national and international status. It is part of TCEB's efforts to grow and diversify MICE destinations across the country.E: Execute Innovative MICE Solution – TCEB is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of Thailand's MICE industry on a global scale by fostering digital skills and innovation in MICE services. To this end, TCEB is continuing the development of MICE Intelligence Center as a resource that can help enhance the efficiency of MICE entrepreneurs and stakeholders, while Thailand MICE One Stop Service, a digital platform, has been developed to help facilitate MICE logistics. Furthermore, TCEB is implementing the MICE Winnovation project for the third consecutive year which will be held on 31 March to support MICE entrepreneurs in applying innovation and technology to event planning and crafting problem solutions that meet the needs of organisers, participants and venue operators.B: Build Agile and High Performance Organization – TCEB has set its sights on transforming itself into an agile and high-performing organisation through the implementation of the AAA strategy, which includes alignment of work processes, agile work practices, and agenda-based project orientation across departments. Additionally, TCEB emphasises the development of its personnel's competencies to foster their professional and mental development as well as ethic-based corporate culture. The mission is to be an organisation that can strike a balance between working environment and personnel development on a sustainable basis.Go: Go for MICE Sustainability – TCEB is committed to transforming Thailand's MICE industry through sustainability and environmental responsibility. The initiative aims to support MICE destinations to obtain international sustainability certification from the Global Destination Sustainability Index and to support MICE organisers to obtain the ISO 20121 certification. Additionally, TCEB is working to advance sustainable event management practices, create a more efficient carbon footprint calculation for MICE events, support for carbon-neutral events, and support over 450 MICE organisers and entrepreneurs across the country to be Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (TSEMS) certified. With a recognition as a certifying organisation for professionals in five segments of the meeting and exhibition industry – incentive travel organisation, meeting organisation, exhibition organisation, event organisation and venue management – TCEB projects to evaluate and certify the standards of 500 MICE professionals over the next five years which will result in a sustainable development of MICE industry personnel.Mr. Chiruit said that during the fiscal year 2023 (October 2022-September 2023), TCEB is focusing on elevating Thailand's position as a hub for global meetings and exhibitions by bidding for high-potential international events. This year, Thailand has been chosen as the host for major events, including the World Congress of Nephrology (30 March-2 April), the 29th International Montessori Congress (2-5 August), the AFECA Annual General Meeting 2023 in October, the 62nd ICCA Congress 2023 (12-15 November), and the World Allergy Congress (WAC) 2023 (1-3 December). At the same time, TCEB continues to support exhibitions in the 12 targeted S-Curve industries. For example, the VIV Asia 2023 & Meat Pro Asia 2023 (8-10 March) which belong to food processing and robotics industries. Another is ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week (ASEW) 2023 (30 August-1 September), belonging to future automotive industry. As for the incentive travel sector, over 80,000 travellers will be visiting Thailand during March and November. The figure consists of 50,000 MICE travellers from Asia-Pacific countries, while another 30,000 travellers are from China. Apart from TCEB Go strategy, TCEB is actively promoting the Thailand MICE to Meet You Year 2023 campaign to stimulate the economy through MICE events like conferences, training programs, professional meetings, exhibitions, corporate events, and festivals. The campaign will help generate revenue and create job opportunities in different regions across the country.In addition, TCEB will be organising MICE DAY or National MICE Day on 26 April, highlighting the MICE industry's significance for the nation's development from the past to the present. This event will bring together experts in technology and sustainability to share valuable insights and experiences beneficial to the MICE industry. Over 400 representatives from the MICE sector are anticipated to attend the event this year.In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023 (October to December 2022), Thailand welcomed 7.93 million MICE travellers, resulting in 28.53 billion baht in revenue. Of that figure, 183,618 were international MICE travellers, bringing in 12.03 billion baht in revenue, while domestic travellers numbered 7.75 million, generating 16.50 billion baht in revenue. Of all international MICE travellers, 97,015 attended exhibitions and generated the highest revenue of 6.88 billion baht, followed by corporate meeting sector which brought in 55,687 travellers, generating 3.24 billion baht in revenue. International conventions attracted 17,653 travellers, generating 1.06 billion baht in revenue. The incentive sector brought in 13,263 travellers and a revenue of 851 million baht.Likewise, exhibition was the sector bringing in the highest number of domestic MICE travellers, 7.31 million, and generating 14.82 billion baht in revenue. This was followed by convention which attracted 304,826 domestic travellers and generated 1.11 billion baht in revenue. The corporate meeting sector welcomed 129,054 domestic travellers and generating 537 million baht in revenue, while the domestic incentive sector generated 39 million baht with a total of 8,076 travellers. “For the fiscal year 2023, Thailand targets to welcome a total of 18.55 million MICE travellers, generating 109.00 billion baht in revenue for the country. This includes 760,000 international MICE travellers, contributing 50 billion baht, and 17.79 million domestic MICE travellers, generating 59.00 billion baht in revenue. As for the 5-year action plan under the TCEB Go strategy during the fiscal year 2023-2027, it is estimated that over 160 million MICE travellers will visit Thailand, generating total revenue of over 945.00 billion baht.”, said Mr. Chiruit.

Thailand Nets 120 Leads at IMEX Frankfurt 2023

19 June 2023: At the recent IMEX 2023 in Frankfurt, Thailand netted 120 leads that may yield 61,141 overseas MICE visitors. Of these, 109 were for meeting and incentive groups (21,561 persons) and 11 for convention groups (39,580 persons). Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB also revealed that over the three-day show, Thai suppliers recorded 866 appointments with prospective overseas buyers while TCEB had 94, bringing the total number of appointments to 960. 29 exhibitors – nine hotels from Bangkok, five from Phuket, and one each from Samui and Khao Lak, seven destination management companies, three venues, the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Airways International, and TCEB – kept the Thailand Pavilion buzzing with meetings, presentations and cultural experiences.TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said: “Thailand had one of its best showings at IMEX this year. The Thai Team chalked up impressive numbers in terms of appointments and leads – a clear sign that Thailand continues to command great interest among international buyers. We had many quality meetings, managed to secure a remarkable number of leads, and were able to showcase a vast array of products thanks to the great number of Thai exhibitors who joined us this year. 26 exhibitors are a record high for Thailand’s presence at IMEX. There is no doubt our MICE suppliers are ready to woo the world. In May 2023, Bangkok was ranked number 3 and Phuket number 10 in Cvent’s Top 10 Meetings Destinations in Asia-Pacific. These rankings were based on user activity on the events technology provider’s sourcing platform, and proves that event planners saw Thailand as a reliable candidate for their events. To give planners ever stronger reasons to choose Thailand, TCEB’s new campaign ‘Thailand MICE to Meet You’ offers added options that cater to the shifting needs of the business world – more sustainability, more local engagement, more new locations, better quality assurance, and expanded support and facilitation.” At IMEX 2023, TCEB highlighted two upcoming events – the ICCA Annual Congress to be held from November 12–15, 2023 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and the Annual Meetings of International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group scheduled for 2026 in Bangkok. These are high-profile global business events that will burnish Thailand’s credentials as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations.

62nd ICCA Congress Day 1 Highlights video

62nd ICCA Congress Day 2 Highlights video