Source: TCEB.
Thailand, with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at the helm, is establishing itself as a prime location for business events. As the Thai government’s primary representative for this sector, TCEB plays a vital role in solidifying Thailand’s leading position in the Asian business events industry and Bangkok’s status as a top-tier destination for international business events.
The Thai business events sector is projected to experience robust growth in 2015, anticipating over a million visitors and generating approximately US$3.55 billion in revenue. Solidifying its standing as a sought-after destination for business events in Asia, Thailand has secured a diverse array of significant events for 2015.
Among these events is FDI’s Annual World Dental Congress, taking place from September 22nd to 25th, 2015. This gathering will draw dental professionals from over 100 countries, along with key figures from international and national trade and industry. Thailand secured the bid through the combined efforts of TCEB and various government agencies, presenting a unified front and highlighting the nation’s diverse destinations that allow for distinctive pre-and post-event experiences.
Another notable win for Thailand is hosting the One Young World Summit 2015 in Bangkok from November 18th to 21st, 2015. Outbidding Kobe, Japan, and Hong Kong, Bangkok will be the first Asian city to hold this prestigious event. This annual summit unites around 2,000 young leaders aged 18-30 from across the globe, all trailblazers in their respective domains. Securing this bid amidst political uncertainty the previous year underscores the international community’s confidence in Thailand.
Bangkok has also been chosen to host TBEX Asia 2015, a travel event scheduled for October 15th to 17th, 2015. TBEX Asia 2015 will serve as a platform for the largest global gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, and social media-savvy travel industry experts. Winning this bid is attributed to the strong collaboration between key government bodies, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, TCEB, and Thai Airways, emphasizing TCEB’s successful public-private partnership strategy.
TCEB identifies two primary factors attracting large-scale business event organizers to Thailand. Firstly, the nation offers a variety of destinations, complemented by nine globally recognized international convention and exhibition centers providing a combined floor space exceeding 200,000 square meters. Secondly, Thailand seamlessly blends traditional business events with authentic local experiences such as vibrant night markets, unique street food, and year-round cultural events. Additionally, Thailand presents a range of eco-friendly activities, including turtle releases, coral cultivation, elephant feeding programs, and aerial or mangrove reforestation initiatives.
These unique offerings are showcased through TCEB’s integrated campaign, “Thailand CONNECT The World,” which highlights the nation’s exceptional destinations, business opportunities, and people.
The “Destinations” aspect focuses on Thailand’s five top-tier business event cities, offering a wide array of choices both within and beyond event venues. “Business” emphasizes Thailand’s position as a global leader in various industries, leveraging regional integration to provide international prospects and opportunities for businesses aiming to capitalize on the burgeoning ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). “People” underscores the nation’s skilled professionals known for their efficiency, welcoming demeanor, renowned Thai hospitality, and adherence to industry-leading standards.
TCEB President Nopparat Maythaveekulchai stated that the “Thailand CONNECT the World” campaign emphasizes how the nation’s diverse destinations are enhanced by its top-notch infrastructure and seamless connectivity, forming a key element of their approach to bolster international stakeholders’ confidence in Thailand’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
Thailand’s high-quality infrastructure, ranging from convenient mass transit systems to a modern highway network, also plays a pivotal role in attracting events. This infrastructure is slated for further enhancement through a substantial investment program, encompassing high-speed rail and the second phase of expansion for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Furthermore, Thailand holds a crucial position in the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) development policy, which is backed by significant investments from the Japanese government. The EWEC aims to connect five nations—Vietnam, China, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar—and is poised to be a game-changer, fostering business growth within the rapidly expanding ASEAN region.