Thailand. Intensive buyer acquisition efforts for IT&CMA Asia and CTW 2012 from 2 to 4 October in Bangkok has attracted close to 800 applications from MICE buyers and corporate travel managers across the world, including new markets such as Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico and Tanzania. Noteworthy among the interested buyers this year are American Express, HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, MCI Group, MMCO World and Thomas Cook Business Incentives.
The 2012 event aims for a 55% of Asia-based buyers and 45% of international buyers. This aggregate 10% shift in focus from last year’s 50/50 split is due to the volatility of the business environment in the UK and US. The hosting committee expects a possible reduction in the purchasing power of buyers from these countries, and predicts that Asian buyers will be able to utilize IT&CMA’s three business days to realize business with shorter lead times.
This year, the Corporate Travel World (CTW) conference programme plans to woo influential travel managers with its quality content and networking opportunities. Said Mr. Darren Ng – Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, “This year, we have introduced a number of initiatives to capitalize on the increased interest in CTW 2012. With the support of our partners, we have introduced a specially tailored conference package which will include air fare, accommodation and conference registration fees for the delegates.”
CTW’s increasing popularity and market value is evident through an emerging trend of large multinationals nominating more than one of their travel professionals to attend. Leading organisations like Accenture (Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India and Singapore) Shneider (Indonesia, Singapore), General Electric (Singapore, Malaysia, Italy), Bosch (Asia), MSD Merck (Indonesia, Singapore), are examples of this trend.
Mr. Thongchai Sridama, member of the Board of Directors and Acting President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said, “Thailand is a destination teeming with choices, and we are geared up for all delegates to experience Thailand’s MICE potential and unique products. International buyers, corporate travel managers and media can join our post-show tours for experiential interaction with our brand new destination offerings that can be tailored to suit every requirement. Delegates can now plan their itineraries according to the newly released post-show programmes.”
