Bangkok--20 Aug--JWT Public Relations TCEB launches Corporate Connection Plus program under “It must be Thailand” theme to attract more than 90 corporate buyers worldwide and reinforce Thailand’s MICE industry growth in the 2nd half of the year Showcasing the distinctive “Royal Initiative Discovery” which encourages corporate buyers to participate in the reforestation of 100 trees for sustainability in honour of the King of Thailand at Sirindhorn International Botanical Garden at Mrigayavanda Palace, Cha-am, Petchburi from August 15-19, 2007. M.R. Disnadda Diskul, Chairman of the Board, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) disclosed that: “TCEB organizes a special event, Corporate Connection Plus, under concept “It Must Be Thailand” from August 15-19, 2007 to showcase new exciting ideas for the Meetings and Incentives market along with the presentation of Thailand’s MICE industry overview. The event aims to strengthen the relationship amongst worldwide MICE personnel consisting of more than 90 corporate meeting planners from leading corporations in Hong Kong, China, Russia, USA, UK, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Pakistan. These key personnel will visit the world-class conference venues in Bangkok and Hua Hin that demonstrate full potential to support various activities of the over 40 members of Meetings and Incentives market. They will also participate in the MICE Summit and join the table top presentation with Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), to explore further business opportunities between buyers and sellers “TCEB will simultaneously promote “Royal Initiative Discovery” to demonstrate Thailand’s unique advantages for the Meetings and Incentives market and international exhibition fairs. This project will be part of this year’s activities in celebration of our King’s 80th Birthday and is expected to stimulate Thai MICE industry amidst the current economic slowdown. TCEB has been very active in promoting several of the “Royal Initiative Projects” including Mrigayavanda Palace where the corporate meeting planners will realise the unmatched capacities of Thailand as an ideal destination for corporate meetings and incentives. These buyers will also take part in the “Reforestation of 100 Trees for Environmental Sustainability in honor of His Majesty the King of Thailand” at Sirindhorn International Botanical Garden at Mrigayavanda Palace, Cha-am, Petchburi.” M.R. Disnadda went on to say that “We put great emphasis on this event with the aim of stimulating the economy by encouraging government spending and the circulation of money to rapidly increase the revenue of the meetings and incentives market from the foreign partner corporations during the economic slowdown and particularly to strengthen confidence in the country amongst investors, entrepreneurs and business travelers in view of the rumours of uncertainty and instability in Thailand. This event will also provide a new edutainment approach of “Royal Initiative Discovery Tourism and Real-Life Practice”. It will create new jobs and generate income for people and entrepreneurs in related-business in the regions, resulting in increased business opportunities to serve the MICE industry particularly investment and additional jobs.” “Overall, the Meeting and Incentives industry has shown a constant growth rate of 20% - 25% per annum. The number of MI visitors has risen by 25% from 225,000 persons in 2005 to 270,000 persons in 2006. This is due to the industry’s strengths in terms of greater accessibility, room renovation and expansion new conference halls, exhibition centers, transportation and public utilities. It also includes a unique culture and the famous Thai cuisine as well as a diversity of activities and tourist attractions. These factors have contributed to the success of Thailand’s MICE industry in becoming the regional leader in the MICE business.” M.R. Disnadda stated. TCEB’s mission for the second half of the year will focus on significant projects that support Thailand’s MICE industry such as the Royal Initiative Discovery. Funded by the government, the 5-year project running from 2007-2011 covers 19 tourist attractions nationwide; 5 in the northern region, 7 in the central region, 3 in the southern region and 4 in the eastern region. The Royal Initiative Discovery will be presented in every marketing activity hosted by TCEB or participated in by private entrepreneurs i.e. trade shows and road shows. It will promote the edutainment approach of the Royal Initiative Discovery, new exciting activities for the meeting and incentives market and interesting social conservation ideas including the presentation of Thailand’s self-sufficient economy for well-rounded prosperity. Promoting the meeting and incentives market along with the Royal Initiative Discovery will generate foreign currency and the circulation of money in the country’s economy. It is expected that the Royal Initiative Discovery will bring in revenue worth 3,100 million Baht. It has targeted 900,000 visitors, consisting of 750,000 domestic tourists and 150,000 foreign visitors. The project will also attract MICE delegates, consisting of 10,000 foreign visitors and 6,000 — 8,000 local business travelers. Currently, Major in-bound MICE visitors are from Asia, Europe and Australia and each group has shown a 20% increase of overall spending. These delegates have enjoyed various activities in Thailand such as spas, dining out, playing golf, participating in beauty & wellness activities and beach-going. They have also experienced our cultural heritage, visited historical attractions and enjoyed shopping in Thailand. Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya or Chiangmai are the major cities preferred by the delegates while Krabi, Hua Hin and Chiangrai are becoming popular as well.” M.R. Disnadda concluded. Notes to editor: Thailand’s tourism overview in the first quarter of 2007 shows that the number of foreign tourists has risen by 5.43% from 3,620,000 persons in 2006 to 3,820,000 persons. Revenue from the tourism industry in 2007 accounts for 547,500 million Baht, an increase of 14% from 486,300 million Baht in 2006. In terms of the MICE industry overview, the number of MICE tourists in 2006 rose from 555,924 persons in 2005 to 677,500 persons, or an increase of 18%. Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is an official organization established by the Royal Decree following the decree’s publication in the Royal Gazette on 28th September 2002. TCEB has been operating since the year 2004. TCEB has objectives in promoting and coordinating corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions which are usually referred to collectively as the acronym ‘MICE’ standing or Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions in Thailand. The Bureau’s establishment reflects Thailand’s growing stature as a destination of choice for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions. For more information, please contact: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau Khun Parichat Svetasreni Tel: 662 694 6000 Ext. 6091 Mobile: 6681 840 4701 E-mail: [email protected] Khun Arisara Thanuplaeng Tel: 662 694 6000 Ext. 6092 Mobile: 6681 561 4745 E-mail: [email protected] JWT (Thailand), JWT Public Relations Khun Wongchan Tangsongsak Tel: 662 204 8221 Mobile: 6689 127 2089 E-mail: [email protected] Khun Kaanporn Piromautta Tel: 662 204 8232 Mobile: 661 402 0218 E-mail: [email protected] Yada Srisammasheep Tel: 662 204 8214 Mobile: 668 4640 0058E-mail: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net