Thailand Secures Major International Events, Signalling Renewed Confidence in MICE Sector

BANGKOK, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB, has confirmed that Thailand will host major international MICE events during the second half of 2014 and 2015, which include the 74^th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2014 and others. The event was confirmed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), a global federation representing three million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide, of which more than 2,000 members will be joining the congress in Bangkok. In addition, the World Puppet Carnival™ has also reaffirmed its confidence in Thailand, announcing the Harmony World Puppet Carnival will be held in Bangkok, which is expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees. Further, Unicity International, the international multi-level marketing company, recently endorsed the organising of the Unicity Global Convention -- its annual meeting and incentive travel programme -- in Thailand in October 2014. The event is expected to welcome more than 50,000 business travellers to the Kingdom. All events further signal growing international confidence in the Thai MICE sector, as operations return to normal following the country's political transition.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of TCEB remarked that, "Winning major bids for international MICE events of this calibre, which will take place in Thailand from the second half of 2014, reflects the strong international confidence business communities around the globe have in Thailand. Stability is a key consideration for MICE travellers, and the confidence shown by international organisers is proof-positive that Thailand is again ready to host MICE events of any size and scale. We look forward to extending our famous warm Thai hospitality and world-class MICE services to 157,930 high quality business travellers during the final quarter of the 2014 fiscal year."

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) confirmed full support for FIP 2014, at a meeting hosted by Colonel Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, Deputy Spokesman, with Ms Carola van der Hoeff, FIP COO & Congress Director, who noted that most European delegates showed no reluctance about coming to Thailand. Colonel Weerachon confirmed the importance of Thailand hosting respected and significant international business events such as FIP 2014, given their direct benefits to the Thai economy and community.

As the Thai government's official flagship body for the MICE sector, a core part of TCEB's mission is to support the vibrant industry. TCEB has joined hands with the World Puppet Carnival™ team right from the start. From successfully bidding for the event, and welcoming the team to Bangkok for site visits, TCEB helped facilitate the necessary licensing arrangements, agreements and customs matters, in order that the organizers could focus on creating a great creative event. The Harmony World Puppet Carnival in Bangkok, Thailand 2014 will be held during 1 - 10 November 2014 on an historic area of Rattanakosin Island. It is expected that 124 productions from 74 countries around the world, including 66 European countries and 6 Asian countries, will join renowned puppeteers from Thailand.

Further demonstrating the strong position of the industry, TCEB also shared the diverse line-up of confirmed major upcoming MICE activities in Thailand, including meetings and incentives such as IT&CMA Asia and CTW Asia Pacific Corporate Travel World 2014, for the international conventions such as the 10^th International Mycological Congress (IMC), as well as international exhibitions and trade fairs such as Food & Hotel Thailand 2014, INTERMACH 2015, and ProPak Asia 2015, among others.

These confirmed events complement the 15 bids recently won by Thailand to host upcoming global conventions, which are expected to attract nearly 10,000 international visitors. To achieve its full year goals, TCEB is now working in tandem with key public and private sector partners to promote and reinvigorate the country's positive image, reinforcing stakeholders' understanding of Thailand's key MICE industry strengths: diverse destinations right at the heart of the fast growing AEC region, unrivalled business opportunities, and high quality MICE professionals and standards. Ongoing initiatives such as the Thailand CONNECT campaign reinforce these unique assets, while offering generous incentives and seamless support to international organisers.

TCEB recently re-forecast the growth of Thailand's MICE industry, estimating that Thailand will be able to generate MICE revenue of THB 87,210 million and welcome 888,210 MICE travellers to the Land of Smiles in 2014.

"These numbers project growth of the industry close to our goal in 2013," Mr Maythaveekulchai concluded.

About TCEB

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB takes the lead on behalf of the Thai government in the development and success of Thailand's MICE sector. Established in 2004, TCEB works to drive growth, elevate quality standards and inspire creativity in the industry. TCEB offers a range of advisory services and attractive support packages to contribute to the success and productivity of business events held in Thailand. This includes global outreach to build collaboration across a global network of MICE players. TCEB strives to create new business opportunities and lay the foundations for long-term, sustainable industry growth.

For further information, please contact:

Corporate Communications Division, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

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SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau