TCEB unveils MICE plans

/

Bangkok, 24th October: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has unveiled its plan to a create value-added MICE industry in Thailand.

A research paper titled “MICE Foresight” was commissioned to study the future of the MICE industry and envision future directions that can be used to formulate strategic planning. According to research, TCEB has won 442 bids for world events and has supported more than 6,300 local and international MICE events over the past 21 years. Research also uncovered that more than 600 MICE entrepreneurs worldwide have selected Thailand as a Top of Mind destination compared to other 14 countries in Asia.

Based on the research findings, TCEB is focusing on transforming Thailand into a High Value-Added Destination, developing new strategies, and solidifying cooperation with related stakeholders. In 2024, TCEB will focus on three areas:

1.     Mega Events and Festivals

2.     International Exhibitions

3.     Domestic MICE Market

Seoul announces new tourism campaign

/

Seoul, 1st November: The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced 10 core tasks for Seoul tourism, launching its “3-3-7-7” tourism campaign with the goals of reaching 30 million tourists, million Korean won spent per person, 7-day stays and a 70% revisit rate.

According to the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), of the 30 million visitors, about 20% will be business events visitors. Before the pandemic, 82% of tourists were from Asia-Pacific. However, in the first half of 2023, only 71% of tourists were from Asia-Pacific, with increasing tourist numbers from the U.S. and Europe.

Meorient’s revenues jumps 237%

/

Hangzhou, 31st October: Earlier this week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, announced its financial results for the first nine months of 2023. Revenues in the period were US$65 million, an impressive increase of 237% year-on-year.

The Hangzhou-based company posted a profit of US$11 million during the nine-month period, compared with a loss of US$1.8 million in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months of 2023 were RMB 0.54 (US$0.074).

Made-in-China.com’s profit up 12% in Q3

/

Nanjing, 31st October: Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, which owns and operates the B2B trading platform, Made-in-China.com, recently released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2023. Revenues were US$53 million, about the same as the third quarter of 2022. Profit in the quarter increased by 12% year-on-year, amounting to US$15 million.

For the first nine months of 2023, the Nanjing-based company generated revenues of US$154 million, a year-on-year increase of 1.4%. The company posted a profit of US$41 million, which is a growth of 25% over the same period of last year.

Quick takes

/

UFI elects new Board of Directors for 2023-2026

UFI has announced the results of the elections for the new UFI Board of Directors for the 2023-2026 term. The new mandates will commence after the General Assembly meeting takes place on 1st November 2023 at the UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas.

Messe Frankfurt expanding into Indonesia 2024

Messe Frankfurt is launching its first trade fair in Indonesia, Asiabike Jakarta, which aims to become the leading platform in the region for showcasing two-wheeler innovations and fostering business opportunities in the mobility sector. The inaugural edition is scheduled to take place from 30th April to 4th May 2024 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo).

GBTA sees corporate travel rebound in 2023

According to the latest Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Business Travel Outlook Poll, most industry stakeholders report business travel largely (43%) or mostly (41%) recovered in 2023 when compared with 2019 levels. Respondents said domestic business travel spending had reached 77% of pre-pandemic levels, while international spend had recovered to 74%.