'AACVB' Chooses Thailand for Headquarters

BANGKOK, Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) surpassed South Korea during bidding for the establishment of the headquarters of the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB), making Thailand the location of choice, effective from 1 January 2014. Having been selected for the strategic location in the middle of the region, Thailand is an excellent connection for businesses, enabling various regional networking opportunities with organizations such as ASEAN, GMS and BIMSTEC, which will elevate the association's role in the region.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131108/HK13446 )

Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, revealed that, "We are delighted to announce that Thailand has won over South Korea in the bidding of proposal for the establishment of headquarters for the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau: AACVB. The proposal and judgment were completed in late October. This resulted in the association office's relocation to Bangkok, Thailand, from 1 January 2014 onwards, after its 30-year basing in Macau since the day the association was founded."

Receiving this vote of confidence to serve as the headquarters for AACVB is truly meaningful, as the association is the collaboration of 8 national-level MICE bureaus, comprised of China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The association works hard in exchanging marketing-related information as well as in developing business and promoting mutual marketing opportunities. That AACVB selected Thailand also greatly enhances the image of Thailand as the hub that connects business opportunities and enhances the regional MICE industry.

Mr. Nopparat revealed that, "Thailand was selected from the conceptual idea of 'Be the Best in Bangkok', which highlights the advantages of Thailand and Bangkok in assisting to empower the association's role in order to rise as one of the World's best MICE associations, while Thailand is moving forward to uplift Asia as the ideal destination for MICE. Strength of Thailand comes in the role of being a hub that connects various elements of the MICE industry together, including marketing and essential development in the region, which lead to sustainability and equality in the long run."

Thailand has many remarkable networks in the region, which will influence the MICE industry in the future. These include Greater Mekong Sub-region or GMS and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Meanwhile, the Government of Thailand has made agreements relating to the investment of large-scale infrastructure projects that will join the transportation and logistics system together to serve the AEC integration in 2015. These embrace air and road transportation, as well as seaport and rail networks. Side by side, the Thai Government has prioritised the promotion of business events under the branding idea "Thailand's New Growth Model", which was launched on 1 October 2013. 

Through the 30 years since the establishment of AACVB, Thailand has been the most enthusiastic member, delivering cooperation to the association in all facets. Thailand was assigned the prestigious position as the association president for four consecutive years from 2008-2011. As well, Thailand has initiated projects which are beneficial to the advancement of MICE industries in members' countries and the region, such as Asia for Asia Forum.

"With the attributes in geography, readiness of networking with other countries, including GMS and BIMSTEC, which are now being eyed as the future of the Asian market, plus support from the Thai Government, we are certain that our country will be able to facilitate the convenience and the expansion of operations for the association. Through working in the right place with the right connections, AACVB altogether with member countries will achieve in driving the regional MICE industry in Asia forward with total unity," concluded Mr. Nopparat.

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 equip the business events industry at the national, regional, and global stage for continuous development, long-term growth and sustainable success.

About The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus

The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) was formed in 1983 to create regional cooperation in developing Asia's MICE industry potential, to stimulate conventions in the region and to support development of MICE capabilities at various levels ranging from national, province, city and corporate levels in order to make the region become an ideal convention destination. The 8 members include mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.

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SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau