TCEB opens Mini EEC Fair 2024

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Pattaya, 8th October: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) jointly organised the Mini EEC Fair 2024, running from 8th to 9th October 2024.

The event aims to attract investment in strategic future industries to drive the Thai economy, focusing on “EEC Opportunities: Investment Solutions Towards Sustainable Locals”. It is expected to draw over 2,500 participants from both Thailand and abroad.

Key activities included a keynote outlining the vision and future development of the EEC; and a panel discussion providing new perspectives on financial opportunities for investors in the EEC. Other activities include presentations covering business opportunities in five targeted industries; seminars on investment support in the EEC region; and EEC OOS (One-Stop Service), designed to facilitate decision-making for investors.

Mr. Puripan Bunnag, TCECB Senior Vice President, stated, “The Mini EEC Fair 2024 leverages MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to enhance Thailand’s potential as an investment hub. This event not only demonstrates MICE’s ability to connect investors and entrepreneurs but also highlights its role in driving new business and investment opportunities in the EEC, particularly in the 12 existing target industries and the 5 new high-potential industries. Especially in the health and medical tourism industries, which are key targets for Thailand’s economic future. Promoting these industries will enhance Thailand’s competitive edge and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”

Indonesia promotes new MICE destinations

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Indonesia, 14th October: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) promotes Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya as the country’s destinations suitable for business events, by conducting a media fam trip by.

In terms of business facilities, Surabaya has two prominent convention centre: Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya and Grand City Convex Surabaya; Bandung offers Plataran Bandung, Intercontinental Bandung Dago Pakar, and Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung; Jakarta’s various business facilities are suitable for large-scale events.

According to MoTCE, Bali has already been established as a world-renowned business events destination, therefore, new destinations will need to be developed. It is suggested to combine two destinations in a single trip for corporate travellers for both business and leisure purposes.

Western Australia to redevelop PCEC

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Perth, 16th October: The Western Australian (WA) government announced to allocated AR$16.6 million (US$11.1 million) to fund the Project Definition Phase (PDP) for the proposal, including plans to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).

The PDP proposal plans for expanded convention centre capacity to attract large-scale business events. It also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.

Under the plan, PCEC will retain column-free exhibition space of 16,500 m2, and Riverside Theatre will be upgraded and expanded from 2,500 to 3,500 seats. The venue will be expanded to 24,000 m2, to include a new, four-storey wing with meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 100-seat plenary and a flexible multi-use hall. The redevelop construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and to reopen by late 2028.

WTTC: business travel to reach US$1.5 trillion

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Worldwide, 8th October: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a new report showing that business travel to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, reaching US$1.5 trillion.

Business travel is back due to business leaders re-emphasised the importance of face-to-face interaction.

Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, stated, “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world. Many business powerhouses such as the US, China and Germany are expected to reach record numbers this year. While virtual meetings played a crucial role during the pandemic, keeping people and businesses connected, today’s report shows that business is better face to face.”

Separately, CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released a special supplement titled “2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust”, examines three distinct scenarios that could define the future of business travel.

In the Base Case scenario, business travel is projected to stabilise with a moderate growth rate, reaching just over 1 billion passengers by 2024. Under the Boom scenario, business travel will experience robust growth, with global business travellers exceeding 1.2 billion passengers by 2024. In the Bust scenario, business travel growth slowly, with business travellers of about 800 million by 2024.

Nick Vournakis, executive vice president and chief customer officer at CWT, said, “The future of business travel is at a critical juncture, driven by technological advancements, sustainability mandates, and evolving global dynamics. Our report emphasises the need for businesses to be adaptable and proactive in their travel strategies. Whether navigating a boom in global travel or adapting to a slowdown, businesses that proactively integrate technology, prioritise sustainability, and stay agile will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.”

Quick takes

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Yokohama plans to boost business events and leisure tourism

Japan’s city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, has developed a business events and tourism strategy for 2023, planning to attract more visitors by highlighting its cultural, natural, and historical assets. Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau has introduced 8 new tours specifically designed to cater to the preferences of convention attendees.

HKTDC’s electronics fairs attract 60,000+ buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia (jointly organised with MMI Asia Pte Ltd). Running from 13th to 16th October, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), some 3,200 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions attracted over 60,000 industry buyers from 136 countries and regions.

350+ exhibitors at Informa’s Fi India, ProPak India 2024

Organised by Informa Markets in India, the co-located Fi India and ProPak India 2024 provided a platform for driving innovation and establishing new trends, offering an annual one-stop sourcing destination for food, beverage and health ingredients, processing and packaging. Over 350 exhibitors showcased products and solutions for the food, health, packaging, and processing sectors, attracting more than 25,000 visitors.

Media 10 sells 100% Optical to CloserStill

Media 10 announced the sale of 100% Optical to CloserStill Media. The financial details for the deal were not disclosed. Launched in 2014, 100% Optical is a leading event in the optical sector in the U.K., drawing over 10,000 visitors and occupying 20,000 m2 at Excel.