BANKGOK, REPORT: MICE and Corporate Travel organisations participating at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2010 are leveraging on this international platform to announce new initiatives. At the opening session of ITCMA & CTW 2010, Mr Hank Roeder, Vice-President, Chapter Relations for US-based National Business Travel Association (NBTA) announced that it is changing its name to Global Travel Business Travel Association (GBTA). It is stepping up it globalization effort…
BANKGOK, REPORT: MICE and Corporate Travel organisations participating at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2010 are leveraging on this international platform to announce new initiatives.
At the opening session of ITCMA & CTW 2010, Mr Hank Roeder, Vice-President, Chapter Relations for US-based National Business Travel Association (NBTA) announced that it is changing its name to Global Travel Business Travel Association (GBTA). It is stepping up it globalization efforts with the recent appointment of Mr Mark Rizzuto as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific. Mr Rizzuto, joining us at the event, indicated that the development of a strong business plan for NBTA’s presence in Asia is in the works and he expects that the opening of a new office in the region next year would help NBTA to achieve its global objectives.
Mr Akapol Sorasuchart, President, Thailand Exhibition and Convention Bureau (TCEB) announced at the ITCMA & CTW 2010 press conference yesterday that TCEB has recently completed a White Paper highlighting plans to promote lesser-known destinations around the country such as those in the north-eastern region. TCEB will work with local authorities to support their marketing of such venues to local MNCs. Another key recommendation in the White Paper is the creation of a bidding fund that organisations can tap into in order for Thailand to bid for bigger events. TCEB will be presenting these recommendations the government.
Meanwhile, Bangkok-based tour operator, Asia World Enterprise (AWE) has launched a dedicated MICE division, Asia World Destination Management (AWDM) at IT&CMA and CTW 2010. Mr Max Juntasuwan, Director of AWDM said: “Eighty-five percent of the sales volume from the UK, Germany, Russia and Asia-Pacific were for Thailand, demand for other South-east Asian destinations, particularly Indonesia (Bali) and Vietnam, was coming up strong. Thailand would nevertheless continue to be the focus of AWDM at 70% to 80% of business.” AWDM’s demand for Thailand leverages on the influx of IT&CMA and CTW delegates into the country. The new division expects to handle some 15 groups comprising of 24 to 250 delegates this month and next.
Destination bureau, Seoul Tourism Organization, will present a “new face” later this evening at an official IT&CMA and CTW hosted dinner for buyers, corporate travel managers, media and invited guests. This year’s theme Seoul on the Move: Sounds and Flavor, is aimed at showcasing a more upbeat, trendy and chic destination. The dinner’s entertainment line-up include Korean celebrity entertainers Expressions Crew (World famous b-boy group) and Marionette (internationally acclaimed mime performance). Delegates will also enjoy Korea’s popular barbecue favourites and street food from Seoul’s nightlife districts. Seoul Tourism Organization believes that this image will reinforce Seoul’s reputation as an exciting MICE destination.
This year’s event has outsold last year’s, welcoming 780 participating exhibitors from 304 companies across 38 countries, 483 buyers and corporate travel managers from 54 countries, 151 conference delegates from 22 countries, 142 international and local media from 35 countries, as well as hundreds more trade visitors, VIPs and guests. The total count is some 2,340 international delegates.
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