Bangkok (Thailand) – September 28, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched its 2018 marketing campaign, “THAILAND CONNECT – Your Dynamic Journey to Business Success, Unlocked with Countless Opportunities.” Building on the success of previous brand campaigns, the core concept of the 2018 campaign aims to further strengthen Thailand’s position as the region’s leading bleisure destination. The TCEB expects the country to welcome 1,192,000 international MICE guests by the end of next year, generating 112 billion baht in revenue.

Ms. Supawan Teerarat, Vice President for Strategic and Business Development at TCEB, stated: “TCEB develops its operational strategy in parallel with the country’s economic development plan. The goal is to develop the MICE industry into a key driver of the national economy, guided by the government’s vision of stability, prosperity, and sustainability. A crucial component of this strategy is marketing communications, through which TCEB highlights the unique qualities of Thailand’s MICE industry. With its recently launched marketing campaign, ‘THAILAND CONNECT – Your Dynamic Journey to Business Success,’ TCEB showcases the key pillars of the MICE industry: the diversity of destinations, the business opportunities, and the people of Thailand. These strengths position Thailand as the leading bleisure destination in the region.”

To further build on its success, the TCEB marketing campaign concept for 2018 was developed and strengthened in line with the Thailand 4.0 strategy. Under the title "THAILAND CONNECT – Your dynamic journey to business success, unlocked through countless opportunities," the three pillars of the Thai MICE industry remain the central focus. TCEB will evolve to "Fascinating travel destination – Strengthening the economy – Passion for work" and will further promote these brand pillars through intensive advertising measures in the coming year.

The 2018 TCEB campaign focuses on three pillars: 1. Fascinating Destinations: Discover vibrant destinations brimming with inspiring experiences. Key elements of the value proposition include: – Perfect Stopovers for Bleisure Trips: Thailand's focus on high-quality business and leisure activities has boosted the country's competitiveness in global rankings. In the latest ranking by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Thailand ranks 24th among the most popular MICE destinations. Leading MICE cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai also perform well in the ICCA ranking. Furthermore, the latest report from World Bangkok shows Thailand ranked 46th in the Ease of Doing Business ranking. Phuket ranks 25th among the world's most popular tourism destinations on TripAdvisor. – Excellent Accessibility and Diverse Travel Options: The development of basic infrastructure and MICE facilities offers countless business opportunities. Major projects currently underway include the expansion of international airports, the modernization of U-Tapao Airport, the expansion of the Laem Chabang deep-sea port, and the construction of high-speed rail lines. – Make your business trip unforgettable: Through diverse and entertaining activities that incorporate Thailand's unique culture, Thailand transforms ordinary business events into unique and impressive experiences. Examples include CSR projects such as reforestation initiatives without planting trees, or culinary experiences like Thai cooking classes that convey the cultural wisdom of Thailand.

2. Strengthening the Economy: Resource-rich Thailand offers significant cooperation opportunities for international business. Key features include: – Advanced Platform for Entrepreneurship: The country provides growth opportunities for new business ventures aligned with Thailand's 4.0 economic policy and future industries that enhance competitiveness (New S-Curve), as well as the "Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor" (EEC) project, ASEAN's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). – Innovative, Borderless Networking: The use of innovations enhances the effectiveness of communication and business networks. SMART MICE events are promoted through online marketing campaigns and the development of a digital platform that supports event organizers. – Hub of Dynamic Cooperation: International and national collaborations for business events underscore Thailand's leading role as a MICE destination in Asia. Examples of international and national collaborations include TCEB & PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and TCEB & Team Thailand.

3. Professional Passion: Meet dedicated professionals with a zest for life. Key features include: – The positive energy of the warm and open-minded Thai people: Excellent cooperation between the public and private sectors greatly facilitates participation in business events in Thailand for international travelers. TCEB's collaborative projects that warmly welcome MICE guests include MICE Lane and the Thai Welcome Package. – Highly skilled and high-performing professionals: The competence of professionals in the Thai MICE industry is ensured by international human resources development institutions such as Certified Exhibitions Management (CEM) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

At the MICE travel trade show, TCEB showcased Thailand's readiness and enormous potential in the Thailand Pavilion. The largest pavilion at the show, booth B1, provided a platform for 63 leading suppliers in the Thai MICE industry to jointly present premium products and services to international buyers. TCEB also hosted an opening ceremony and subsequent reception themed "Still on my mind," reflecting impressions of Thailand that inspire visitors to return.

Furthermore, the office supported pre- and post-event activities, offering international delegates the opportunity to explore Thailand's potential as a MICE destination. The pre-event tour took place along the Sampran River and provided an authentic experience through activities combining Thai agricultural science and incentive programs. The post-event tour followed two routes to Chiang Mai and Trang, showcasing MICE facilities ideally suited for corporate events.

The marketing campaign aims to raise the industry profile and increase visitor numbers. TCEB expects 1,192,000 international MICE visitors by the end of 2018, generating 112 billion baht in revenue for the country. International events taking place in Thailand in the coming years include: the MDRT Experience and Global Conference 2018 (February 1–8); the Bangkok Entertainment Fest (March–June); the Sport Accord Convention 2018 (April 15–20); ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week 2018 (June 6–9); ProPak Asia 2018 (June 13–16); the 45th International Council of Traditional Music (ICTM 2019) (July 7–14); and the 31st Congress of the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (APACRS 2018) (July 19–21). and Beyond Beauty ASEAN Bangkok 2018. “September 20-22; and Metalex 2018 from November 21-24,” Ms. Supawan concluded.

About the Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Thailand (TCEB): The TCEB – the leading government agency for innovative technologies – has been the key to success for a wide range of global and regional business events since 2004. With our core strategic model, the Growth Driver, the TCEB acts as your strategic business partner, delivering creative ideas and offering solutions from our expert team for events of all sizes and for diverse, tailor-made business events.

TCEB has established numerous collaborations and networks to unlock new business opportunities and strategically promote every business success. Our goal is to equip the events industry at the national, regional, and global levels for continuous development, long-term growth, and sustainable success.

For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Ms. Arisara Thanuplang, Email: [email protected], Tel.: +66 2 694 6095; Mr. Karun Wararatchai, Email: [email protected], Tel.: +66 2 694 6179; Ms. Paniyada Mulalin, Email: [email protected], Tel.: +66 2 694 6091; Press Officer, Tel.: +66 2101 6860; Ms. Arpaporn (A), Tel.: +49 89 788 4868; Ms. Thittaya (Jang), Tel.: +49 94 323 5641; Mr. Sorasak (Earth), Tel.: +49 89 406 5544