TCEB STRENGTHENS THAI-PHILIPPINE BILATERAL MICE COOPERATION LEVERAGING SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITIONS PLATFORME

Vibrant Pool of Trade Promotions and Updates Ready to Benefit Global Exhibitions Stakeholders

Manila, August 5, 2014 – Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB sets to reinforce bilateral MICE collaboration and trade promotion between Thailand and the Philippines with comprehensive innovative business solutions through its strategically collaborative network with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI). Thailand’s MICE promotional body also reveals the ‘CONNECT Businesses Big Bonus’ exclusive incentive programme targeting the Philippine trade visitors.

TCEB and the Philippines MICE Collaboration

Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of TCEB said, “TCEB is a strategic partner to international exhibition-related businesses aiming to succeed in Thailand and ASEAN region. TCEB understands that trade information and promotion campaigns granted by the governments are crucial for the energetic trade stakeholders, especially those in the exhibition industry. Following the official bilateral collaboration between TCEB and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands last year, Thailand had welcome a total of 25,555 Philippines MICE visitors, generating US$74.36 million revenue into Thai economy, positioning as the ninth highest contributors to the bustling of Thai MICE sector. In term of the exhibition industry, the number of trade visitors from the Philippines also increased 54 per cent since the MOU signing,”

Considered as a vital activity to foster the mutual development for exhibition industries between both countries, TCEB is organising the ‘Thailand Moves Forward’ Exhibition Road Show, highlighting leading trade show organisers including IMPACT Exhibitions Services and Reed Tradex, and the Philippines MICE Travel Agents Workshop to establish the understanding of TCEB’s offering for exhibition campaigns.

“Due to the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, TCEB has developed the ASEAN MICE Collaboration initiative to strategically connect Thailand with regional alliances in the Philippines. In addition, TCEB aims to achieve long-term competitiveness and sustainability for the service sectors of Thailand together with all partner markets especially for the exhibition industry.Also, TCEB is now working closely with key public and private sectors to promote and reinvigorate the country’s positive image, reinforcing stakeholders’ understanding of Thailand’s key MICE industry strengths, including diverse destinations right at the heart of the fast growing AEC region, unrivalled business opportunities, and high quality MICE professionals and standards. Ongoing initiatives such as the Thailand CONNECT campaign reinforce these unique assets, while offering generous incentives and seamless support to international organisers.” Mr Nopparat added.

Thailand’s exhibition key industries are including food & agriculture, machinery & auto parts, print & packaging, energy, jewellery, tourism & wellness, medical & healthcare These key industries of Thailand respond to the high-growth and in-demand of ASEAN including transportation, ICT, energy, education, culture and tourism.

This year, Thailand is home to a wide range of international exhibition, including Recharge Expo Thailand 2014, ISRMAX Asia Expo 2014, Pharmex Asia 2014, Food & Hotel Thailand 2014, Thailand Lab 2014, BMAM Expo 2014, Green Building and Reprofit Expo Asia 2014, Pulire Asia Pacific 2014, Beyond Beauty ASEAN Bangkok 2014, Gasma Print 2014, Cosmex 2014, In-Cosmetic Asia 2014, ACIEC 2014, EcoLightTech Asia 2014, Sign Asia Expo 2014, CACF 2014, Smart Rail Congress Trade & Expo 2014, Metalex 2014, Motor Expo 2014.

Pool of Incentive Programs for Stakeholders

Committed to be a strategic exhibition partner of the Philippines stakeholders and to fully facilitate exhibition visitors, TCEB has developed a number of incentive programs for visitors and exhibitors. The programs include the CONNECT Businesses BIG Bonus Campaign, the Philippines exclusive group visitor promotion, targeting to incentivize business-oriented leads to attend and do the business matching at international trade shows in Thailand. In case, a trade organizer achieves to welcome a group of 5 visitors to Thailand’s trade shows, each of the visitors could earn US$100 achieving business matching meeting. The eligible bodies that may apply for this program include trade promoters, chamber of commerce, business trade association, overseas industrial publication, overseas non-profit organization, and MICE travel agent In addition to Thailand’s incentive programs for exhibition stakeholders, Be My Guest is a buyer appreciation program for potential buyer around the globe. Each organizer will receive supported by 10 room nights for free, and Spice Up Your Business Agenda, online marketing campaign “Spice Up Your Business Agenda’ giving special privileges and discounts of products and services such as golf, spa, shopping outlets, dining venues, and airport transfers for MICE travellers who participate trade exhibitions in Thailand throughout the year 2014.

Thailand Exhibition Industry Stands Firm with Readiness

Thailand was ranked as the world’s largest producer of natural rubber and cassava, and one of the top 10 global manufacturers of vehicles and parts. In addition, Thailand is ASEAN’s second largest economy with key exports include vehicle parts and accessories, computers, refined fuel, rubber and plastic. Moreover, Thailand is globally ranked 18th on Ease of doing business report in 2014 conducted by the World Bank and party to 11 bilateral free trade agreements with countries both in Asia and around the world.

Reported by the Union des Foires International (UFI), exhibition industry in Asia has consistently increased by 14 per cent in the last five years, dominated by Southeast Asia with its continuous growth since 2012. According to “The Trade Fair Industry of Asia 10th Edition, 2014” reported by UFI, Thailand’s trade fair industry is the 8th largest trade fair market in Asia, the first in Southeast Asia. The country was also the 1st in ASEAN in net square meters sold of 506,250 m2 as well as in terms of exhibition venues with a capacity of 222,984 m2 from 9 international exhibition centres.

In 2013, Thailand succeeded in welcoming 191,319 exhibitions visitors, a 16.4 per cent growth from a previous year, earning over US$480 million to the economy. This year, it is expected that Thailand will welcome 888,210 international MICE visitors, earning to Thai economy a total of US$2,907 million.

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ABOUT TCEB

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) - the government leading edge agency - has been the key to success for a wide range of global & regional business events since 2004. With our key strategic model, Growth Driver; TCEB works as your strategic business partner, delivers creative ideas, and provides solutions from our capable resources for every scale and various customised business events.

TCEB has formed numerous collaborations and networks linked to open up grand new chapters of business opportunities, and to strategically enhance every business success with special care that will spur lasting advancement and achievements. Our goal is to equipping business events industry at national, regional, and global stage for continuous development, long-term growth and sustainable success.

For more information, please contact

Corporate Communications Division, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

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

Mr Pishnu Plaikaew Tel: +66 2 694 6000 Email: pishnu_p@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