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TCEB plans 3 roadshows in India
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is prioritising development of the Asian MICE market, with the first of three roadshows scheduled in Asia to focus on three fast-growing Indian cities – Coimbatore (the second-largest centre in Tamil Nadu state), Mangalore (the chief port of Karnataka state), and Pune, Maharashtra.
The events will provide a platform to present the latest MICE information, products and services to India’s business community while offering a unique opportunity for Indian organisations and operators of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions to build business alliances and partnerships.
India is projected to become Thailand’s most important MICE market, with earnings this year expected to pass US$1.83 billion (Bt55 billion), Thongchai Sridama, acting president of the TCEB, said yesterday.
“The TCEB’s current focus is on the short-haul market, comprising Asia and the Asean+6 countries, in line with our preparations for the establishment of the AEC in 2015. In line with buoyant economic growth in the region, Asia is developing as Thailand’s most important MICE market,” he said.
“In 2012 Thailand welcomed more than 480,000 MICE visitors, 65 per cent of whom came from within Asia. Our most important Asian markets are India, [mainland] China, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong.”
Last year, India was Thailand’s largest MICE market. The TCEB’s marketing strategy, which targeted Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, helped bring more than 39,000 MICE visitors from India.
This year the bureau is extending its marketing programme to cover Coimbatore, Mangalore and Pune, which are ranked highest in the country in economic growth.
“The dynamic business and industrial growth in these cities offer tremendous potential for meetings and incentive travel,” Thongchai said.
New Bangkok project
Kewpaisal Place Co has launched its first development on a 3-rai (half-hectare) site in downtown Bangkok.
The mixed-use project worth more than Bt1 billion consists of a community retail centre called QiSS and a grade A serviced apartment building.
According to real-estate firm CB Richard Ellis, about 200,000 square metres of office space and almost 8,000 condominium and apartment units are located within 3 kilometres of the project.
Occupancy rates of both commercial and residential developments in the area continue to be high at more than 95 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.
Double premiums seen
Advance Life Assurance targets total premiums doubling to Bt2.5 billion this year from Bt1.24 billion last year.
Managing director Chowaphan Phantong said in a press release yesterday that the company would focus on service and products. It will also return to its customer target and increase its telemarketers from 200 to 300 and wealth assistants to 40.
In 2012 the company’s total premiums soared 52 per cent to Bt1.24 billion from Bt820 million in 2011, while first-year premiums jumped 132 per cent to Bt806 million.
