Bangkok (Thailand) – October 5, 2015 (travelindex.com) – The National Tourism Organizations of the ASEAN countries (ASEAN NTOs), together with TTG Media, organized the first ASEAN MICE Forum as part of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2015, which opened on September 29 at the Bangkok Convention Center in CentralWorld. Representatives of the ASEAN NTOs made contacts with industry experts from nearly 50 countries.

The forum was fully booked and offered a knowledge-based program showcasing the latest developments and insights from the region's MICE industry at an international level. Participants came together for discussions between key regional players and the global community. Three morning sessions brought together destination management companies, national tourism organizations, convention and tourism bureaus, and hoteliers to raise awareness of MICE topics and discuss strategies for promoting the sector, particularly in light of the growing importance of the ASEAN Economic Community.

With a focus on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the opening session explored the potential of combined trips for incentive travel and meetings in the region, aiming to leverage the diverse attractions of Southeast Asia. Subsequently, case studies were presented illustrating how lesser-known destinations within the ASEAN countries have carved out a niche for themselves, benefiting from improved accessibility and the growing demand for authentic experiences in the incentive travel sector.

In the last session, Gary Grimmer, CEO of GainingEdge, explained the crucial role of the MICE industry in transforming national economies by providing a channel for collaboration and creativity; a role that the congressional offices themselves need to emphasize to national governments if all ASEAN member states are to reap the associated benefits.

Following the event, Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia and organizer of IT&CMA, stated that he was particularly pleased with the high number of participants and confident that the ASEAN MICE Forum would continue to gain in importance in the coming years after its strong start.

Ng emphasized the importance of cooperation among ASEAN member states in promoting MICE events both within and outside the region. He also believed that the establishment of this forum would build on the progress the industry had made in Southeast Asia over the past decade.

For media inquiries to the ASEAN Working Group on Tourism Marketing and Communication, please contact: [email protected] or the ASEAN Secretariat: [email protected]

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