TCEB’s Respect for Local Identities Brings TBEX Asia 2021 to Phuket

TCEB’s Respect for Local Identities Brings TBEX Asia 2021 to PhuketNovember 2, 2020 – Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) strategy to put into spotlight the different qualities of each MICE city has resulted in the bureau winning bid for Phuket to host TBEX Asia 2021 when some 600 travel bloggers, content creators and social media influencers around the globe will gather at this Andaman paradise to experience its local and cultural identities. TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said TCEB has developed a strategy for Phuket to create a new brand identity for MICE by highlighting the island’s cultural heritage, traditional trades and indigenous way of life. This is a part of TCEB’s policy to enhance and strengthen the attractiveness of MICE Cities across the country by collaborating with all local authorities to develop strategies that are deeply rooted in the DNA of each destination.Thailand’s current MICE Cities include Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Pattaya, Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima.  The bureau has recently set up four new regional offices to oversee MICE development in the north, northeast, central and southern regions. As for Phuket, the southern regional office has planned to develop MICE products and activities related to local culture and local communities so that the island can create new experiences for MICE travelers with the beauty of the Andaman Sea and the diversity of culture.“Winning bid for Phuket to host TBEX Asia from October 20-22, 2021 is, thus, responsive to our strategy and is in time for the island destination to unveil its new brand identity for MICE as around 600 travel bloggers, content creators, and social media influencers are expected to attend the event”.Through collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the host organization of TBEX Asia 2021, and the City of Phuket, TCEB organised the Media and Blogger Inspection Trip from October 6–8, 2020 for Thailand-based bloggers to preview more than just sun, sea and sand, but an island full of vivid impressions and fascinating history.This includes the visits to new exciting places highlighting the legacies of Phuket’s early Chinese settlers, sea gypsies, and traditional trades like Ban Ar-Jor Museum and Homestay, a mansion built by a wealthy Chinese settler in 1936 that has been restored to its original splendor, floating lobster farm operated by sea-gypsies and ancient Chinese shrines.According to Christopher Lau, one of the participating bloggers, said: “Phuket is a destination that may seem overrated and known for only island hopping. Well, that’s wrong. I just did a quick trip exploring some of the history of Phuket including staying in the first hotel in all of Phuket in Old Town. It was an experience I would recommend for any travelers to Phuket — to really know the history of the largest island in Thailand. It will be worth anyone’s time!”Registration for TBEX Asia 2021 is now open at tbexcon.com.Thailand: Redefine Your Business EventsExperience the Extraordinary with Our Extra CareRelated Pic : https://we.tl/t-SSUziiZpIj  #####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.thMr. Chakrapong Pongwecharak        Tel: + 662 694 6000        Email: chakrapong_p@tceb.or.th 

TCEB named Thailand’s Most Admired Company 2020

TCEB named Thailand’s Most Admired Company 2020 12 November 2020, Bangkok: TCEB has won the title Thailand’s Most Admired Company 2020 under the category of public organisation, marking the two consecutive years the bureau has earned this honorable recognition. TCEB has high scores in organisation management, innovation and expansion of MICE business opportunities nationwide.  Thailand’s Most Admired Company 2020 is a research project jointly conducted for 9 years by BrandAge and the Faculty of Mass Communication Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon. The research examines oganisations making efficient achievement in various aspects and, thus, earning trust from their target groups.  In 2020, TCEB has remained for the second year the organisation that has earned highest level of reliability with the highest scores in management, followed by innovation, corporate social responsibility, corporate image, business operations and service. Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated that major factor contributing such reliability is the unity of collaboration from both inside TCEB and its partners, both public and private agencies.“MICE industry involves service delivery and facilitating tasks. Therefore, everybody can be a co-owner. In achieving efficient management that ensures smooth operations of MICE industry, collaboration management is the key. The research results were the fruit of collaboration in the entire industry.” Mr. Chiruit said that TCEB has clearly defined its role as a government agency responsible for promoting the nation’s strength with MICE industry, the major tasks of which are market promotion, standard development and creating opportunities.Furthermore, solid collaboration between TCEB and partners from all sectors, both domestic and international, has enabled Thailand’s MICE industry to become the top destination in ASEAN, both in meetings and exhibitions, according to the report of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). TCEB’s partners include Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thai Hotels Association (THA), convention centres, venues, hotels and accommodation, organisers and all segments representing public and private agencies.Currently, Thailand has been ranked 4th of Asia as a destination for international convention and ranked 7th as a destination for international exhibition in the region.“TCEB considerably prioritises innovation. In terms of marketing, we developed BIZ Connect app and channel expansion in several platforms, such as websites for MICE Intelligence Center and Thai MICE Connect. What’s more we provide support for MICE innovation, such as Thailand MICE Startup project which is the tool to ignite industry-wide innovation.” Not limited to marketing, TCEB’s initiatives have also been concentrated in standard development to enable a long-term competitiveness of Thailand’s MICE industry. Such initiatives include Thailand MICE Venue Standard, ASEAN MICE Venue Standard and the standards in service, hygiene, environment and safety.  Mr. Chiruit revealed that, “TCEB takes pride in encouraging the awareness towards MICE on a wider scale. Kicking off with MICE City a few years back, MICE Cities have now risen to a total of 7 provinces and are projected to expand continually as a result of many provinces, including both government sector and communities, realising the importance of such status.  In line with the trend, TCEB has for the first time opened regional offices in the four key regions, which will have a role in co-ordination and facilitation of the development of domestic MICE industry, thus, creating MICE opportunities across the country and offer of new services  without limitation.”   As for the preparation of Thai MICE industry to respond to the global trend induced by COVID-19 pandemic, TCEB has devised a strategy “New Way of MICE for Sustainable Growth”. The strategy aims to build up strength through four key approaches: stimulating domestic market, bidding for international events, innovation-driven MICE and development of Thailand’s MICE ecosystem. The overall goal is to restore Thai MICE industry as quickly as possible.   #####For further information, please contact: Corporate Image and Communication Department Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)   Ms. Parichat Svetasreni    Tel: +66 2 694 6009              Email: parichat_s@tceb.or.thMs. Kwanchanok Otton     Tel: + 662 694 6000        Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.thVisage CompanyMs. Yuphaporn Lertsattakit    Tel: + 662 616 6749- 50

What does a MICE city do? MICE cities drive Thailand’s sustainable economy

Thailand is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting all types of travelers from across the globe. The type of traveler that TCEB prioritises, however, is the MICE traveler, or the group that travels to Thailand for seminars and incentive trips – put simply, exhibition attendees who travel for both business and pleasure. These travelers have double the purchasing power of regular tourists; therefore, they have more potential to drive the economy and the tourism industry of the country. This further creates jobs and distributes income to locals. Consequently, if each province enacts policy that draws this type of tourist, their local economy will certainly improve.As of now, there are seven cities that meet TCEB’s criteria to be recognised as MICE cities:    Bangkok is the nation’s capital and drives the economy of the whole country. Its main sources of income are the commerce, finance, service, and tourism sectors. Bangkok is also home to many headquarters of the important global businesses, which raises Thailand’s significance as a commercial hub of Southeast Asia. It also receives ongoing support from the government in areas such as transportation, with Suvarnabhumi International Airport being the entry point for the majority of foreign visitors. There are also various types of accommodation, ranging in price and comfort, and different types of facilities for meetings and events. Bangkok is the centre of entertainment and leisure, whether food, commerce, or shopping. Not only that, but it also houses five international-quality facilities for all types of events and seminars, all of which are equipped with high-tech equipment.    All of these factors help make Bangkok the amazing city that it is, and draw more than 20 million tourists each year, for both business and leisure purposes.    Khon Kaen is the powerhouse of Isan and the door to the Indo-China region. It is rich with natural resources such as metal and wood, and boasts extensive transportation, as well as a strong industrial sector. Agriculture constitutes 11.4% of the province. Khon Kaen is also rich in cultural heritage and history, and with its convenient transportation, is perfect for events and meetings.    Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”, is rich with culture and the air is filled with the aroma of festivities. With its varied landscape and unique culture, Chiang Mai inspires one-of-a-kind creativity. Chiang Mai is scattered with the remnants of the Lanna civilization, with more than 300 temples dotting the province surrounded by stunning mountains. The city is very popular with business travelers because it has top-class meeting facilities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a cool climate. Because it is only a few hours away from its sibling city Chiang Rai, one-day trips can be easily arranged.     Pattaya is the lively coastal city that excites tourists’ days and nights. It is vibrant and active, with beautiful beaches for outdoor activities. Hotels and meeting facilities are more than sufficient, offering different types of event experiences. The city’s pulsating heart beats with an energy that has something for everyone. Travelers can relax on the beach or join the lively nightlife scene in the city. Because of its charms, Pattaya is nicknamed “the Gem of the Eastern Economic Corridor”.     Nakhon Ratchasima is the giant of the highlands. It is abundant in natural resources and fully equipped with everything anyone could want. Its nature is world-renowned and its Ancient Khmer ruins are world heritage listed. Learn folk knowledge and get your hands dirty with its famous ecotourism activities. It is also the home of the original Isan food. Everywhere is accessible via an extensive transportation system, as well as high-quality infrastructure and facilities. Nakhon Ratchasima can easily lay claim to being the number one MICE city in the northeast.    Phuket is the star of Thailand. It is said you will find what you are looking for in Phuket and that is likely to be true. Phuket is flanked by the sea and the forest. It is perfect for leisure activities but also business meetings and events. There is a variety of choices for event locations, such as hotels and cruise ships. Ocean views are ubiquitous in Phuket. Each time you visit Phuket town you’re bound to enjoy a different experience from your last, and that’s its charm. Phuket is undoubtedly one of the most influential cities in Southeast Asia and deserves the title of “MICE City of the Andaman”.    Songkhla is the city that houses the biggest international exhibition hall in the south. It is the richest border province and a centre for seafood products. It is well-known for its energy industry, featuring the country’s most important source of oil. It is also the centre of education in the region, especially in the fields of medicine, innovative science, and MICE management. It’s well prepared in terms of event facilities, with 20,000 hotel rooms, and meeting rooms for all kinds of events. Songkhla is the only city on the Gulf of Thailand to hold the title of MICE city.    MICE cities are the frontier of the MICE business in Thailand. By highlighting the uniqueness of each region in each province, they further light up Thailand’s MICE business scene. Now travelers are free to choose which city suits them best. MICE cities are a way to distribute the country’s income to the locals in the most sustainable way.

MICE CITY - Bangkok

MICE CITY - Chiangmai

MICE CITY - Pattaya

MICE CITY - Phuket

MICE CITY - Korat

MICE CITY - Pitsanulok

TCEB: HYBRID LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA

A SUCCESS AGAINST COVID-19 SITUATION

14 June 2021, Bangkok: TCEB-supported Lions Clubs International Thailand Convention proved a success, attracting over 2,000 attendees nationwide to a hybrid format event the association held for the first time under strict hygiene standards and enhanced sustainability considerations.The three-day convention, organized in Thailand’s new MICE city, Nakhon Ratchasima, ran smoothly from start to finish, heralding a step forward for TCEB’s campaign “Unlock MICE Cities with High Standard of Safety”.Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, said the 55th Lions Clubs International (LCI) MD 310 Thailand Convention was the first TCEB-supported event held under the campaign “Unlock MICE Cities with High Standard of Safety”, launched in April to support Thailand’s MICE cities in hosting events that comply with the latest hygiene standards.Held from 7-9 May, 2021, the LCI convention also marked the first time Nakhon Ratchasima, a city in the northeastern region that was designated a MICE City only last year, is hosting an event of such scale. “Lions Clubs International Thailand Convention is significant for other reasons as well. It was held for the first time in a hybrid format, a blend of online and in-person experiences. With TCEB’s support, the organiser was able to introduce live streaming in reconfigured meeting rooms to present a new experience that is both safe and engaging.”The number of attendees at the opening ceremony was limited to 40 at a 400-square metre function room where attendees were seated at least 10 metres from the stage. Throughout the event, health volunteers screened attendees to ensure compliance with safety protocols.Guided by TCEB, Lions Clubs International Thailand worked with venues that were certified with Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) and those that follow the Sustainable Events Basic Guidelines, such as electronic registration, setting room temperature at below 25 degrees Celsius, forgoing of foam block, fresh flowers, plastic bottles and straws. Furthermore, the sustainable practices also included an emphasis on organic foods and drinks as well as locally made souvenirs. Lion Yupawan Sitthikongsak District Governor 310 E, 2020-2021, said: “The Convention is extraordinary as it is our first convention held under the new normal administration system, in full compliance with the requirements set by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Besides, this is the first time for Lions Clubs to receive support from the public sector, including the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial government and TCEB, both of which joined us in holding this distinguished summit.” The annual convention’s objective is to conclude the performance of Multiple District Committee and to elect the supreme leader for each of the 6 districts nationwide. These districts will take turns hosting the convention which typically attracts more than 2,000 Lions Clubs members.   The LCI MD 310 Thailand Convention was held as a hybrid event for the first time due to the COVID-19 situation and was attended by 2,318 online participants and 474 onsite delegates. Delegates to the three-day conference stayed in three different hotels as part of disease preventive measures. Lions Clubs takes pride in holding a convention that contributes to the economy when the country is facing the pandemic and being able to, through the convention, demonstrate the capabilities of Thailand’s new MICE city, Nakhon Ratchasima. “The way Lions Clubs organised this new normal convention is a learning experience that we would like to share with Chiang Mai, the host of the 56th edition of the LCI Thailand Convention,” said Lion Yupawan Sitthikongsak District Governor 310 E, 2020-2021Mr. Vichien Chantaranothai, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima at the time the convention was held, said: “The Convention is a proof of the city’s capability and readiness to host MICE activities. We have a diverse selection of venues that can cater to large-sized conventions or exhibitions, and ample accommodation and facilities for group activities. The city is the transportation hub of the northeastern region, blessed with unique cultural and tourism attractions. These elements are perfect for MICE. Another noteworthy asset is the quality of the city’s MICE personnel, who are naturally service-oriented. Despite the need to adapt to the COVID-19 situation, the convention ran smoothly thanks to the collective support from all sectors. Its success has enhanced the image of the city and boosted the local economy. With this milestone, we are grateful to the participants from all sectors who contributed to the success of this event.” Mr. Chiruit added: “The 55th Lions Clubs International MD 310 Thailand Convention not only exceeded the objectives of the club, but also generated a revenue of around 9 million baht for Nakhon Ratchasima, plus another accompanying income of 6.7 million baht. Spending related to the convention benefitted hotels, local shops and other establishments throughout the city.” ###Thailand: Redefine Your Business EventsExperience the Extraordinary with Our Extra CareAbout 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