A new destination, record number of first-time buyers and a unique range of exhibitors are among the highlights of Thailand’s leading travel trade event to be held between 8-10 June, 2016.For the first time, the Thailand Travel Mart 2016 Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion TTM+ 2016, will be held in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. As of 23 March, it had attracted 570 buyers from 62 countries, of whom roughly half were first-time participants.

The Associations World Congress in Berlin sees more than 400 participants in attendance
The congress for international association representatives celebrated a successful premiere in the German capital. Leading representatives from international associations attended the 18th Associations World Congress in Berlin, the first held in the city. It was by far the most successful event to date with more than 200 association clients taking part.

GBTA Warns Against EU Suspension of Visa Waiver Agreement with United States and Canada
The European Commission is discussing a potential one-year suspension of its visa waiver agreement with the United States and Canada, which would require all travelers to obtain a visa for travel to Europe. The following statement can be attributed to Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA):

Over 100 destinations to trial ETIS sustainability tool in running for new EU tourism Award. Joint European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) and Accessible Tourism Awards to take place in Brussels on 22 April 2016. Eight prizes in three categories to be awarded for most sustainable and accessible destinations following two-year ETIS pilot. European tourist destinations are to be recognised for their standout performance in tracking and enhancing sustainability and accessibility at the Joint ETIS and Accessible Tourism Awards hosted by the European Commission.

Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) intends to raise Sarawak’s Business Events sector to international frontiers of competitiveness with a series of educational workshops through its national BESarawak campaign. The BESarawak campaign, which was held earlier this month, saw the presence of guest of honour Minister of Tourism Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

SPEEDVEGAS Owners to Race through the Ribbon as They Drive the First Lap. This Friday, April 15, SPEEDVEGAS will officially “start its engines” for the public with the ceremonial track opening, marking the first in series of opening events for Las Vegas’ newest and most exciting adrenaline attraction.
Media check-in will be at 10:30 a.m. for a special drive or ride opportunity before the track opens to the general public.