TCEB

IBTM 2024: TCEB Targets Europe with Green Travel and New Infrastructure

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and 25 Thai exhibitors from Bangkok and Phuket participated in IBTM World 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. In promoting Thailand as a destination, TCEB highlighted a series of new developments and enhanced capabilities, including ease of access, sustainability, low-carbon MICE routes, and meaningful incentive experiences, all designed to elevate events held in Thailand.

TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, spotlighted significant infrastructure upgrades, including Suvarnabhumi Airport's third runway, which expanded flight-handling capacity, biometric systems for passenger processing, and visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories.

He also showcased high-end venues and attractions such as Dusit Central Park and One Bangkok. The latter featured 190,000 sqm of retail space, four planned luxury hotels, and event spaces with a capacity of 6,000 seats. On sustainability, he emphasised the success of TCEB and ICCA in developing the "Bangkok Protocol on Sustainable Gastronomy," based on real practices in food management during ICCA Congress 2023 in Bangkok. The protocol serves as a guideline for sustainable food management for future ICCA events and other events in Thailand.

To enhance sustainable event options, the TCEB President highlighted the Carbon Neutral Tourism (CNT) Initiative, which TCEB co-developed with eight public and private organisations. This initiative introduced low-carbon travel experiences for overseas visitors.

Ms. Supanich Thiansing, Director of TCEB's Meetings and Incentives (MI) Department, cited low-carbon MICE routes developed by the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) under the CNT initiative. These routes, available in MICE cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, primarily focus on ecological and local cultural activities. She also presented the "Mindful MI Experience" concept to European markets. This included eco-inspiration through low-carbon routes, local immersion through activities showcasing Thai lifestyles and gastronomy, and city exploration by holding events across two cities on the same trip for diverse experiences.

"I am confident that Thailand's new developments will deliver a higher return on experience for overseas MICE travellers. We are attuned to the evolving needs of business travel amidst the challenging economic landscape. This is why we continuously collaborate with stakeholders to craft new, high-value options for planners and travellers," concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Source : TCEB