Thailand’s conventions post strong performance

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Thailand, 12th December: According to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), convention delegates posted an increase of almost 200% in 2024, compared with the figure in 2023.

Overseas MICE travellers increased by 42% for the fiscal year of October 2023 to September 2024. Business event arrivals for the fiscal year was 1.14 million, compared with 810,000 in 2023. Top 10 market sources for the year were China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, the U.S. and Japan.

It is expected a better performance in 2025 as several international events will be held in the coming year: Money 20/20 Asia 2025, a fintech event; International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025; and Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress (APLIC 2025).

Bureau president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said, “With the record performance in 2024, TCEB would like to thank overseas MICE travellers for their trust and confidence in Thailand. TCEB and Thai MICE entrepreneurs will always strive to deliver high value to clients because we are well aware that the economic challenges are driving the need for more return on investment and return on experience. In this connection, we aim to achieve higher at 1.4 million overseas travellers in 2025 fiscal year.”

ICC Sydney boosts economy

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Sydney, 18th December: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) reported a better year, compared with the previous financial year, with a rise in visitor numbers, spend in the local economy and benefits to the local community.

During the financial year 2023-2024, ICC Sydney secured a total of 507 events, attracting some 1.2 million visitors, generating visitor expenditure of A$718 million (US$479 million). The figure in the previous year was one million visitors and an economic contribution of A$600 million (US$400 million).

Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW, Anita Mitchell, was quoted, “ICC Sydney is arguably the nation’s most prestigious international convention, exhibition and entertainment integrated venue and one of the NSW Government’s best performing assets. Last year, ICC Sydney contributed A$718 million to the local economy through delegate spend. Coupled with its global reputation for sustainability, social impact and innovation, ICC Sydney successfully shines an international spotlight on local talent while attracting new ideas and culture experiences through events and conferences.”

VNU Asia Pacific launches Travel & Tech Asia 2025

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Bangkok, 15th December: VNU Asia Pacific have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), to drive advancements in travel technology across the Asia-Pacific region.

Under the strategic collaboration, the two parties will launch the inaugural Travel & Tech Asia 2025, running from 2nd to 3rd July 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. The new event will be a platform for innovation, sustainable growth, and strategic collaboration in the travel and tourism industry.

Chaisong Churitt, General Manager of VNU Asia Pacific, stated, “VNU Asia Pacific is honoured to partner with PATA, an organization that has been instrumental in promoting sustainable growth in travel and tourism across the Asia-Pacific region. Through this partnership, we aim to create a meaningful impact by providing a platform where industry professionals can explore emerging trends, build strategic alliances, and embrace the innovations shaping the future of travel and tourism.”

Quick takes

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Messe Muenchen Shanghai appoints new CEO

Messe Muenchen Shanghai announced Xu Jia, CEO and General Manager of Messe Muenchen Shanghai, will leave the company, and Evan Sha, President of Messe Muenchen Shanghai China, will become the new CEO with immediate effect. Evan will take over the responsibilities of Xu Jia with Jan Rohde, CFO and Deputy General Manager.

89,000+ visitors attend Pet Fair South China

Organised by Globus Events (formerly known as VNU Exhibitions Asia), Pet Fair South China featured more than 350 exhibitors, presenting over 2,00 brands and occupying about 50,000 m2 of gross exhibiting space. A record of 89,278 trade visitors and consumers attended the show in Shenzhen, running from 6th to 8th December 2024. The next edition will return to Shenzhen from 5th to 7th December 2025.

2.8m+ visitor arrivals to Macau in November 2024

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released visitor arrivals for November 2024, increased by 9.6% year-on-year, welcoming 2,832,041 visitor arrivals, which recovered to 97.3% of November 2019, pre-pandemic level. Same-day visitors during November 2024 grew 14.1%, while overnight visitors were up by 4.6%. The average length of stay of visitors was 1.2 days, the same with the same month of 2023.

Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium opens in 1H2025

Located at Hong Kong’s Kai Take Sports Park, Kai Tak Stadium is scheduled to open in the first half of 2025. This new facility for sports and entertainment will have an interior of 50,000 seats. Kai Tak Sports Park will include Kai Tak Arena, with multipurpose indoor sports centre of 10,000 seats; Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, a sports ground with capacity of 5,000 seats; and Kai Tak Mall, with over 65,000 m2 of retail and F&B facilities.