69 Kongres destination
Bangkok’s convention centre.
visitors to this very happy, hospitable and welcoming destination.
These social events highlighted the ‘Destination of Choices’ theme promoted by TCEB as part of their ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign - not just for meetings, but for the cultural and leisure options on offer too. The especial allure of Bangkok and Thailand as a meetings destination is its ability to adeptly mix business and pleasure. There is a warmth of hospitality and genuine happiness of the people renowned across the world, all helping TCEB’s latest campaign of ‘No matter which path you choose, success is sure to follow.’
You can most certainly ‘Believe in Thailand’ as a destination, one where whichever path you choose, it will indeed lead to success.
Thailand itself must now choose a path that does ensure success, as the region is set to become intensely competitive. Cambodia and Vietnam also presented at this year’s IT&CMA, as they want to make a footprint in the industry. With their own offer, one sure to provide value for money, Thailand will be kept on its toes. After three vibrant and successful businessgenerating days and the BCC and Centara bidding a farewell to its international delegates, it was apparent that the floods that had been dominating the news and taking a toll on areas in the north of the country were starting to make their way southwards. Despite hopes that they wouldn’t impact on the capital, sadly this has happened and Bangkok has had to brace itself for buckling flood defences and potential damage to the CBD and the wider city. Thailand has had to deal with political and fiscal issues over recent years, but it has bounced back from these stronger. Now mother nature is testing the country too. It will take stern resolve, but the country will return from this stronger too. Kongres and South East Europe extends its sincere wishes for the speediest possible return to normal, everyday life after the floods. When the waters do subside, the country stronger than ever, its MICE industry will have to prepare for floods of the welcome kind - floods of interest in their facilities and floods of new and return
Rob Cotter attended this year’s IT&CMA representing Kongres.