TCEB urges sustainable focus in US

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched its Sustainable Challenge campaign in Las Vegas to draw exhibitors from the US. The campaign officially kicked off at the IMEX Americas worldwide exhibition for Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) travel, taking place from Oct 9-11. The TCEB expects the Americas (the US, Canada, Central and South America) will offset static numbers from the European market this year. Last year, the TCEB reported 49,000 Mice travellers from the Americas, generating revenues of more than 3 billion baht, up from 16% from 2010. This year it anticipates 5% growth in Mice delegates from the region, lifting revenue to 3.3 billion. Next year, Thailand's Mice industry is projected to grow at 7% due to global economic uncertainty, down from double-digit gains the past few years, said Vichaya Soonthornsaratoon, the TCEB's acting director of the meetings industry. This year, the TCEB expects 750,000 Mice travellers to Thailand, with revenues of US$2 billion. The meetings industry alone will contribute 670,000 visitors and revenues of US$1.7 billion. In 2013 it expects to welcome 792,000 Mice visitors with industry earnings of $2.13 billion. The TCEB will give a 1-million-baht subsidy to the organiser of each large US corporate event coming to Thailand, with a minimum of 1,000 foreign delegates and staying at least three nights. Financial subsidies will be reimbursed 60 days after the event ends, and US organisations must contract with a Thai event organiser. The event must either be held at a certified Green Venue or include a CSR activity in the programme. From bangkokpost