TCEB sees B12bn in 2010 revenue

       The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) expects the exhibition industry will generate revenue of at least 12 billion baht next year due to the improving economy and consumer confidence.
       This year, the industry is projected to attract 100,000 visitors to 200 events and generate revenue between 7.5 billion to 10 billion baht if the economy picks up later this year.
       Supawan Teerarat, the TCEB exhibition director and acting president, said it has further adjusted its marketing strategy for a higher level of integration and marketing coverage. The new plan provides stronger support for business professionals in the exhibition industry.
       It also plans to expand in the Asian market, particularly China, India, Japan and Korea,because it sees room to grow in these short-haul markets under current economic conditions.
       The TCEB will continue extensive roadshow activities that emphasise business matching to open up new markets for Thai entrepreneurs to meet potential trade partners. Online networking and digital database will be incorporated into the overall strategic plan, said Ms Supawan.
       She added that a recent survey among exhibition figures found that 60% relied on online for information, direct marketing, event promotion and business operation. Only 30% relied exclusively on conventional sources of information.
       The TCEB is therefore confident its online strategy is a cost-effective means to reach its global targets. It also plans to co-operate with the private sector and other government agencies in order to drive long-term sustainable growth in the exhibition industry.
       The bureau has formed alliances with three strategic partners, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Department of Export Promotion and the Thai Exhibition Association to drive industry growth and co-
       petitiveness.
       According to BMA Deputy Governor Taya Teepsuwan,the collaboration between the TCEB and the BMA on the Bangkok Exhibition City of Asean campaign will help to spur the exhibition business.In fact, the BMA has ambitious plans to develop Bangkok into a Green MegaCity that can meet this demand, combining convenience and aesthetic considerations in an urban setting.
       Ms Taya said the BMA also planned to promote the tourism industry under the Bangkok Smiles campaigns consisting of dining, healthiness, tourism and hospitality.
       The BMA set a budget of around 200 million baht for these activities next year,up from 150 million this year. Because of negative factors, it revised its prediction for international tourist arrivals from 11 million to eight million this year while 26 million Thai tourists are expected this year. The BMA projects tourism will generate at least 260 billion baht of country revenue this year.