UFI encourages global members for meeting in Thailand and is confident that Thailand will step up as a world leader in exhibitions. Mr Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO said that according to the Trade Fair Industry in Asia 2018 Report, it is stated that Thailand is the largest trade fair market by wide margin in Southeast Asia and recorded a robust growth in terms of the number of the trade fairs and net spaces sold annually, as well as being well position for continued growth. Thailand has a world-class portfolio of venues, excellent supporting infrastructure, a dynamic group of event organisers and strong, sustained support from the government. ​

ITB Asia 2019, which ended on 18 October 2019, attracted a record number of 13,000 attendees from 132 countries and territories. The show saw strong participation this year with over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 1,250 buyers. The three-day exhibition also saw more than 27,000 business appointments made, a 7.4% year-on-year growth.

Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Berlin said: “After 12 years, ITB Asia experienced strong growth again. This new record clearly demonstrates that the show is well accepted by the industry around the world as the must-attend event in Asia. Messe Berlin is delighted to continue the strategic partnership with Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) from 2020 to 2022. We very quickly realised that not only could we benefit from the extension, but that the whole of the global travel industry stood to benefit as well. I am also pleased to know that every year the team and all partners involved work hard to design ITB Asia to go right to the heart of the industry. At ITB, we build unforgettable emotions that link our industry with its people. Attendees can walk away with new inspiration, cultivating relationships and tangible takeaways.”

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is launching its ‘Meet Sustainable’ financial subsidy, a first for Thailand’s MICE industry, to position the country as the sustainable practices leader in the region and beyond. A maximum of 200,000 baht in cash support will be offered to meeting and incentive groups of minimum 50 international delegates, staying at least three nights in Thailand, and meeting at least two elements of TCEB’s criteria for sustainable event practices.

​Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is moving fast to rock global MICE market, highlighting the “4M”s at this year’s IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific, held in Bangkok from 24-26 September 2019. The aim is to attract more business meeting groups into Thailand across all segments. It is expected that the campaign will generate 57,000 million baht in 2020. TCEB joins hands with the five MICE cities and their entrepreneurs to activate MICE measures for the environments, targeting to cut down waste volume by 50%.  

Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), disclosed that there is a fresh vision to develop Phuket as the “world-class meetings destination for MICE that offers new experiences through marine beauty and cultural diversity”. To achieve this, the integration of collaboration will be fulfilled by public and private sectors and the communities to promote the holding of MICE events in Phuket. This will in turn stimulate the economy at the community level and distribute MICE income among communities. Care will be taken to ensure sustainable event operations to assure long-term competitiveness. 
 
“Our thorough studies of data and strategies of Phuket MICE City indicated that Phuket has enjoyed substantial development and has the potential to soar as a leading MICE city like other international destinations. Our vision to promote Phuket as the Andaman’s rising MICE city and as Asia’s key coastal MICE city has never been this clear,” said Mr Chiruit.

Jeollanam-do, Korea’s South Jeolla Province, announced plans to develop specialized MICE tourism industries to transform the province into a retreat-style MICE destination.


Located in the Southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, South Jeolla Province is a province rich in natural retreats, including mountains, coastal areas, and islands. Not frequented often by tourists, the province boasts an off-the-beaten track charm and a slower pace from the cities, with several cities in the province recognized as slow cities. The city of Gwangju, located within the province, is home to one of Korea’s main convention centres, Kimdaejung Convention Center.