TCEB wins bids for international conventions

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Thailand, 28th February: The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in collaboration with Thai professional associations and organisations, have secured bids to host 10 large-scale international conventions, during the first five months of the fiscal year 2024.

Of the 10 conventions, six are medical conventions and the others are engineering, sustainable development, and women’s rights. It is expected these conventions will attract more than 20,000 delegates, generating 17.3 billion baht (US$482 million) of economic impact.

Coex open new area, The Platz

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Korea, 23rd February: Coex opened its newest sustainable exhibition space, The Platz. The new exhibition space features an open exhibition area of 2,224 m2, a dedicated lobby and reception area of 646 m2, and private meetings and conference rooms.

The Platz is located on the second floor of Coex, which is east access to event halls on the first floor and conference rooms on the third floor. Therefore, it is an ideal space for smaller exhibitions, concurrent events, art shows, pop-up events, and VIP events.

HKTDC’s twin jewellery shows attract 81,000 buyers

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Hong Kong, 29th February: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its jewellery shows, attracting some 81,000 buyers from 137 countries and regions, making it successful return of the “two shows, two venues” format for the first time since the pandemic.

The 40th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show featured more than 4,000 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions. The Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 29th February to 4th March; while the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show took place at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), from 27th February to 2nd March.

Hong Kong and Singapore get tourism funds

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Hong Kong & Singapore, 1st March: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Singapore’s Tourism Development Fund will receive fund for boosting its tourism industry.

In the latest budget, the Hong Kong government announced to allocated HK$1.1 billion (US$128 million) in funding to strengthen the destination brand and expedite tourism development. The fund allows Hong Kong’s tourism industry to create more products and events to attract tourists, who would spend more time in the destination.

Separately, Singapore’s Tourism Development Fund will get a S$300 million (US$223 million) boost, going into initiatives aimed at reinforcing the global business-hub status. Rejuvenation of existing tourism offerings, training support for tourism workers, and intellectual development of local tourism companies will be launched.

Quick takes

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Informa Markets launches Asia Photonics Expo in Singapore

International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, launched its inaugural Asia Photonics Expo (APE) at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Some 350 international exhibitors showcased at the new show, providing a platform for the photonics ecosystem.

PATA projects full tourism recovery in 2024

PATA released its latest Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts report, forecasting a 110% recovery of international visitor arrivals (IVAs) by the end of 2024, under a mild scenario. However, under a severe scenario, recovery is forecasted to be 87% of the 2019 level by the end of 2026.

Shanghai government introduces new B2B travel platform

AVIAREPS, an international representation, marketing and communications company for the travel industry, and the Shanghai Municipal Government, will jointly launch Shanghai’s official online B2B travel platform, SmoothTravel. Through the new platform, global travel industry is able to connect with inbound and outbound Chinese travel agencies, tour wholesalers, online travel agencies (OTAs), and MICE agents in the East China market.