by Joachim Fischer, Bangkok

MICE and Corporate travel organisations participating at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2010 are leveraging on this international platform to announce new initiatives. At the opening session  Hank Roeder, Vice-president, Chapter Relations for US-based National Business Travel Association ( NBTA) announced that it is changing its name to Global Travel Business Association ( GBTA). It is stepping up it globaliziation efforts with the recent appointment of Mark Rizzuto as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific. Rizzuto joining ust at the event, indicated that the development of a strong business plan for NBTA’s  presence in Asia is in the works and he expects that the opening of a new office in the region next year would help NBTA to achieve its global objectives.

Mr. Akapol Sorusuchart, President, Thailand Exhibition and Convention Bureau (TCEB) announced at the iT&CMA and CTW that TCEB has recentlz completed a White Paper highlighting plans to promote lesser-known destinations around the country such as those in the north-eastern region. TCEB will work with local authorities to support their marketing of such venues to local MNC’s. Another key recommendation in the White Pper is the creation of a bidding fund that organisations can tap into in order for  Thailand to bid for bigger events. TCEB will be presenting these recommendations the government.