The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the appointments of three internal executives to the Deputy Governor posts and one executive to be Advisor 10 effective from 1 October, 2015.Mrs. Sujitra Jongchansitto, Executive Director for the Northern Region, has become Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing while Mr. Visanu Jaroensilp, Executive Director at the Office of the Governor, has been named the Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT’s Executive Director for the East Asia Region, has been promoted to Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific). In addition, Mr. Charun Ohnmee, Executive Director for Planning Department has become Advisor 10.

The 2015 UNWTO/WTM Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market London will put a spotlight on destination branding and how it has become an increasingly complex challenge (WTM London, Tuesday, November 3, 2015).
Destination management organisations are re-evaluating their structures and strategies to adapt to new market trends created by social media and new business models, such as the so called “sharing economy” and the growing empowering of consumers.

New educational initiatives, new exhibitors and high demand from across the industry are already laying down strong foundations for IMEX in Frankfurt 2016, taking place at Messe Frankfurt on 19 – 21 April 2016, one month earlier than usual.
Demand for the show from returning and new exhibitors continues to be exceptionally high from destinations, venues and service providers from across the world. Following the success of the 2015 hosted buyer programme – with 98% of buyers agreeing that they achieved their objectives at the show – a number of new hosted buyer groups have also already been confirmed.

VW’s deception of emissions testers dents German national image. Germany has lost its position as the most powerful nation brand. Germany’s long term financial potential down US$191 billion, study shows. Recent revelations that as many as 11 million diesel vehicles may have been fitted with software designed to deceive emissions testers, have dealt a hammer blow not just to Volkswagen’s reputation but to the entire German nation brand.

When the show floor of the fifth IMEX America opens today (Tuesday October 13) at the Sands Expo® and The Venetian®| The Palazzo®, Las Vegas it will be the biggest to date. More importantly it is due to host more business appointments than ever and provide a vast array of diverse networking and educational opportunities for the industry.

Online Mega Survey of Korea’s Top Attractions Offers Flights, Accommodation to Korea & Other Prizes. International meeting professionals are being offered the chance to win a trip to Korea and other prizes through the Korea Tourism Organization’s new Mega Survey of Korea’s Top Attractions online event.
Designed to give the KTO valuable insights into global perceptions of Korea’s attractiveness as an events destination, the survey invites participants to select preferred Korean travel destinations and activities, as well as rank Asia’s premier MICE countries.