27th Incentive Travel & Conference Meeting Asia (IT&CMA) And 22nd Corporate Travel World (CTW) Bangkok, 24-26 Sept., 2019

Bangkok Convention Center, Central World, Bangkok, Thailand Premier International MICE Event and the only Double Bill Event in Asia-Pacific

CONCLUDED

Unanimously applauded the best ever to-date, an educative knowledge series focused on sustainability, a successful B2B paperless APAC MICE event, which revealed Re-Designed Program, New Segments, new and repeat Exhibitors, Quality Buyers, expert Advisory Panel, Trending Topics, Networking functions and featuring:

• Up to 100% Pre-Scheduled Appointment via PSA and Online Diary
• Exhibition and 1-to-1 Business Appointments: Featuring International and Local Exhibitors, Buyers across MICE, Association and Corporate segments
• ASIAN MICE Cruise Conference

OVERVIEW – FACTS:  ITCMA | CTW 2019

• Exhibition Area 6,000 sqm. comprising 928 exhibitors from 345 companies
• Exhibiting International and Local (Thai) Destinations: Australia, Bangkok, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, China PR, Dubai, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan (*JNTO), *Jeju CVB, *Khon Kaen, Kobe, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, *Nepal, Osaka, Pattaya, *Phuket, The Philippines, *Qatar, Seoul, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America. (* New Exhibitors)
• Largest Exhibiting Pavilions: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau TCEB (600sqm), Tourism Promotion Board Philippines (210sqm), Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (204sqm), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (120sqm), Taiwan (105sqm)

• Buyers: 474 from 58 countries-territories. (Asia-Pacific 66%; Europe 26%; Americas 3%; Australasia 1%; Others 4%). New Buyer 68%

Beyond the usual one-on-one business appointments, new initiatives that aim to connect corporate buyers with destination pavilions and corporate brands from IT&CM Asia include. On the last day of the Event, hosted Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, offered extended networking opportunity to exhibitors and buyers.

• Media: 164 From 29 Countries/Territories: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China PR, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom.

• Total Number of Countries/Territories: 61
• 150 business, education and networking sessions
• Over 70 new program sessions
• 60 speakers across IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific knowledge sessions 

New initiatives

• Brand Showcase Presentations
• Exhibition Walkabout
• Meet-The-Corporates: This will be conducted in a speed-dating format over 2 x 1 hour sessions across 2 days where CTW corporate travel/procurement professionals can meet IT&CM Asia exhibitors from Dubai, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and more.
• Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand
• Say Hi To Everyone
• Lucky Draw For Buyers 

ARRIVAL DAY 23 September – BANGKOK SENSES TOUR

On the day of arrival, I and along with other delegates check-in to settled down during the event period at one of the official hotels –  the Centara Grand at the Central World, Bangkok – annexed with the ITCMA venue at the Bangkok Convention Center. Delegates Registered at Level 22 and later, at 1330 – assembled by the Reception desk to proceed with the Pre-Show City Tour.

First stop: Luka Café (Silom) Bangkok.

We meet Steven David Lim – an expert in the art of coffee making. A workshop enlightened us with the origin of Thai Coffee and the product, the process, the equipment used in Thai Coffee making. At the Luka Cafe, we sampled some of the favorite snacks and ice-cream on the menu, and of-course, the signature coffee, brewed with fresh roasted beans with a twist of orange.

After this invigorating experience, we boarded our luxury limo and a short drive takes us to

Experience Bangkok’s latest attraction at the Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar – the City’s tallest landmark, conveniently connected with the BTS Sky Train terminal at Chong Nonsi (Silom line). We enter the building and within seconds, we are zoomed up the 76^th Floor and then take the elevator to the 77^th Floor. Finally, the lift takes us on the rooftop observatory for a 360 degree view of the City of Angels.

Soon after the opening, Mahanakhon Bangkok has become Bangkok’s Nr.1 tourist attraction. https://www.mahanakhonbangkokskybar.com/

Winding up the day at Centara Grand at Central World, I take the lift to 54^th floor to treat myself a culinary fiesta at one of the City’s Talk of the Town Spanish Restaurant: UNO MAS. The Catalonian Chef assured the herbs and spices and other ingredients freshly flown from Spain and thus a gourmand experience is an authentic culinary journey to Spain. I am humbled to try the Chef’s recommendation: UNO MAS Salad plate with a generous portion of Tou dels, Til-lers, cheese, steamed vegetables (lettuce leaf); Entre: Seafood Tapas, Gambas: Tiger prawns in garlic, paprika, cayenne, sizzling in olive oil. For the Main Course, I give it a go the Signature Paella: Free range yellow spring (baby) chicken & sea food. Hard to make a choice from the dessert menu, I settled for the delightful Chocolate Cheese Cake in raspberry sauce that floats on lemon gel. Then comes the final moments to this exciting experiential dining, sipping over fresh pineapple-passion fruit drink, sprinkled with fresh mint leaves while gazing a sea of twinkling lights that lit up a part of Bangkok’s glittering skyline, wrapped in the night sky. http://www.unomasbangkok.com/

My room on the 38^th floor is an oasis with an amazing view of concrete jungle looking towards the Sukhumvit district. My spacious room catered maximum comfort with every possible 5-star amenities, including a fruit basket. And it was time for a sound sleep for a busy tomorrow. https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/

DAY 1 (24 September) ITCMA | CTW 

IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT

The day kicked off at a discussion over Breakfast on the Industry role in lifting up local communities and thus improving the environment in which we are all part of it. On the panel, Ailynn Seah (VP Sales – MIC & Association, Marina Bay Sands Singapore), Arrut Navaraj (Managing Director, Sampran Riverside),

Nusheena Mohd. Shahimi (Membership Development Executive, ICCA Asia Pacific) and

Patcharaun Peamsomboon (Regional MICE Manager, Discova) each respectively, discussed their roles on making charity, involving farmers community in organic farming, the role play of  International Congress and Convention Association  (ICCA) and incentive programs for membership benefits and how life experiences led the founder of Discova in volunteering program to work with local communities.

 ASEAN MICE CRUISE CONFERENCE (24-25 September, 2019)

Key Note presenters Jiali Wong (Regional Manager, Asia Cruise Lines Int’l Association) and Michael Goh (President, Dream Cruises, and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines) highlighted the cruise industry potential in MICE and business event other than the conventional leisure cruising. Among the first cruise liner to have raised awareness in potential in MICE cruises, Dream Cruise ships are built keeping in mind the needs of business and MICE activities on board at sea. In the next session:

MICE On Board 1 – Fun and Frivolous, the moderator, Karen Yue (Group Editor, TTG) discuss with the panelists:

Angie Stephen (Managing Director – Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises);  Bernie Ye (VP Sales & Commercial, Greater China and Southeast Asia, Costa Cruises) and  Michael Goh (President, Dream Cruises, and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines) – the future of cruise ships catering corporate gatherings. The conference is followed up with:

MICE On Board 2 – Crazy Rich Cruisers – moderated by Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Editor, TTG with panelists Freddy Muller (Vice President Silversea Cruises), Felix Chan (VP-GM, Asia, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) and Nungky (Sales Manager, Crystal International Asia);

MICE On Board 3 – Land Ahoy – moderated by Rachel AJ Lee, Sub-Editor, TTG Travel and on the panel: Naresh Rawal, Vice President, Sales – India and South Asia, Genting Cruise Lines and Steve Bloss, Co-Founder and President, Worldwide Cruise Associates;

MICE On Board 4 – Rolling On the River, one to one Karen Yue, Group Editor, TTG with Henry Yu, Director, Asia, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection & U River Cruises and the final session of the day:

MICE On Board 5 – Leaving Minimal Trail Behind

Karen Yue, Group Editor, TTG with panelists Angie Stephen (Royal Caribbean Cruises) and  Jiali Wong (Cruise Lines International Association).

Key highlights and issues discussed during the ASEAN MICE Cruise Conference revolved around the state of luxury cruise development in Asia, and what it would take to cater for luxury cruising for Asian consumer and MICE planners in Asia and beyond the region to hold incentive programs on board at sea. Cruise line offering excursions at exciting Port of Calls and how to enhance a MICE planner need in combining business and pleasure MICE cruising. The relevance of using small cruise ships, river cruising with offers of exciting shore excursion for a more intimate and smaller business and MICE events. Angie Stephen of RCCL explains the environmental friendly corporate policy of the company leaving minimal trail behind causing nearly zero effect on environment. Following several reports on the negative impact of large cruise ships particularly using port of calls at smaller destinations like Phu Quoc Island, Koh Samui or cruises operating beyond Asia region, smaller Port of Calls at Malta and fjords of Norway, as an example.

During the Q&A, e-Travelers Club travel update put up question concerning degradation of environment, local culture and privacy of small population at small Port of Call destinations and how the cruise industry would tackle addressing the seriousness of the issue with the local community of a destination with a population of, say less than 1000 residents, having to bear with a tsunami of 1000 to 5000 tourists taking land excursion in a single day.

In the following Cruise Conference session, we had sent across the floor and to the experts in cruise industry panelists to follow environment protection strategy on Destination Shutdown, adopted by Boracay (the Philippines), over a certain length of time to give a run-down destination a breather and recuperate from over tourism activities.

OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE – IT&CM Asia | CTW Asia-Pacific 2019

Darren Ng, MD TTG Asia Media in his Official Welcome Address said: “I’m proud to announce that we’ve surpassed last year’s performance with an increase in delegate participation across all delegate categories”. Association Day Forums, led by leading industry associations and experts . . . will continue to advocate awareness and prevalence of the Association Meetings, Conventions and Management scene.

“Aimed at elevating ASEAN’s position as a MICE hub, the ASEAN MICE Forum returns, featuring notable speakers and moderators from GainingEdge, Meetings International, MICE Excellence Centre, and more, as they discuss building a Sustainable MICE City and how cities can be SMART by leveraging on MICE to diversify and support economic growth,” he added.

In his welcome address, the TCEB President, khun Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said:  “Every year, we want to introduce something creative and authentic – a new venue, a new culinary treat, a new activity, or a new destination. We are well aware of the shifting demands and requirements of the business world, including the media. When they invest time for business travel, like coming to this trade show, they are always looking for something that will redefine their experiences, generate higher return on investment and better return on time. With that in mind, this year we are able to attract for the first time all 5 MICE cities of Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Khon Kaen – to set up their own booths to showcase their MICE products and services”.

“We aim to help the buyers maximize our wide choices of destinations by offering two new support campaigns. One is Meet Now – Beyond Bangkok and Pattaya to provide support for meeting and incentive groups holding their events in cities outside Bangkok and Pattaya.

The other is Meet Now – The Big Sisters: Bangkok or Pattaya to provide support for meeting and incentive groups holding events in either Bangkok or Pattaya,” said khun Chiruit.

Darren Ng TTG TRAVEL AWARDS 26 Sep c)Saif Ismailji

According to  Mr. Siriphong Mangkalee, THAI Airways Director – ASEAN Department: “On 29 October 2019, THAI will launch new roundtrip flights from Bangkok-Sendai (Japan), operating three flights per week, utilizing Boeing 777-200 aircraft with 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 279 seats in Economy Class. He said, “THAI Smile, a subsidiary of THAI, will become a Star Alliance Connecting Partner by the end of this year, which will strengthen regional gaps in the airline network. Currently, THAI Smile serves 11 destinations in Thailand and 20 destinations in Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and India, which will make travel even more convenient for passengers within the region”.

Welcome Remarks by Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media

Sustainability – Future Proofing Your BusinessThe ITCMA | CTW is officially opened with welcoming speech by Mr. Darren NG, welcoming the delegates to the Event.

 Keynote Lecture (In Collaboration with Chiang MICE)

Moderated by David Barrett, Sustainability Advocate, MICE Strategist and Hospitality Consultant, the panel comprised the expertise of Pairach Piboonrungroj, Director of MICE Excellence Centre, Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University;

Richard Jones, Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications, Human Resources and Sustainability, Indorama Ventures;

Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President – Strategic Business Development and Innovation, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and

Marissa Jablonski, Sustainability Consultant: Plastics. Water. Environment.

The keynote explores what is needed for your business to be sustainable, how we can share success and accelerate our ambition to meet the future needs of customers, while at the same time commit to protecting the natural environment. Today, solving the issues of Sustainability requires development of multi-stakeholder initiatives with a challenge for private and public sectors to coming up with solutions. Speakers on the panel shared their insights on four key topics: Digitizing business for the future, Environmental conservation, Community based tourism, and Investing in sustainable businesses. Commitment to protecting environment, Pakistan has banned use of plastic carry bags, however with unavailable alternate to replace it with bio-degradable carry bag. There is a need of a mindset and consciousness in disposing trash in a designated place without using a plastic container.

Following the session, an interactive ice-breaker segment, Say Hi to Everyone, helmed by MICE Strategist and Hospitality Consultant Mr. David Barrett, allowed delegates to participate in the discussion and to introducing each other, identify profiles and network ahead of the show days.

After a day’s work, strategic partner, TCEB hosted an entertaining Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (1800 – 2100 hours), opposite the Siam Center. Delegates take inspiration from the work of local artists while munching over culinary delights and beverages including Halal food stalls.

DAY 2 (25 September) ITCMA | CTW 

SPOTLIGHT 4Ms IN GLOBAL MICE MARKET, OPENING CURTAIN OF ‘ITCMA&CTW 2019’ Thailand Conventions, Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) (Thai Press Conference) 

At god-speed, TCEB spear ahead to rock global MICE market, spotlighting the 4Ms at the IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2019 with the aim to attract more business meeting groups into Thailand across all segments. It is expected that the movement will generate 57,000 million baht in 2020. Meanwhile, TCEB has joined hands with MICE Cities and entrepreneur in 5 cities to activate MICE measures for the environments, eyeing to cut down waste volume by 50% to soar as sustainable MICE cities.

Khun Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, TCEB, disclosed the direction for the expedition of MICE in 2020 that TCEB has prioritized the enhancement national competitiveness and eyed to raise MICE as a national agenda by focusing on establishing collaboration that leads to sustainable MICE development.

“Today, the world is changing at the ultra-fast pace owing to digital technology, trade wars, economic depression, inflation and natural disasters. These have inevitably and thoroughly affected economy, politics and society. To expedite MICE to achieve the goals, it is therefore necessary to seek collaboration on both national and international levels. We can expect our operations to yield maximum efficiency with lowest costs, while also remaining competitive and surviving with sustainability.”

TCEB’s prime strategy concentrates in market and sales promotional campaigns, alongside the initiation of collaboration with marketing partners. Thai MICE entrepreneurs will be brought to participate in global MICE tradeshows to initiate business negotiation.

In this year, the connection with new associates will focus on the participation of local entrepreneurs who are particularly from potential cities. Exchanges of opinion will be encouraged more, including the holding of “An Afternoon with MI…” event with associates who are MICE executives, including hotels and MICE venues, to discuss opportunities in product development, joint marketing or sales promotional activities, as well as co-operation to attract new events into Thailand.

Main target of Meetings & Incentives (MI) market will remain TCEB’s primary markets, which include MICE travelers from the ASEAN+6 countries (China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand) and the USA, having Europe as the secondary market. New market will be expanded to countries in the Eastern Europe.

Ailynn Marina Bay Sands c)Saifuddin Ismailji

The so-called 4Ms market and sales promotional activities designed by TCEB will include the provision of extension in support and co-hosting of campaigns with associates to reach different targets, including meetings groups travelling to potential cities (Meet Now); the large-sized meetings group (Meet Mega); the meetings group with conformity to Thailand 4.0 policy (Meet Smart), and the meetings group with sustainable activities (Meet sustainable 2020). These groups will be offered privileges, including the special MICE Lane at the airport, cultural performance, souvenirs and conditional supporting budget of up to 1 million baht.

In 2020, TCEB expects that the number of foreign MICE travelers entering into Thailand will reach 1,386,000, which can generate 105,600 million baht of revenue. The number of MICE travelers from meetings and incentives market is estimated at 762,000, which can generate the revenue of 57,000 million baht.

TCEB President further said that besides the goal to enhance the nation’s image and Thailand’s readiness to host international events, as well as to improve local MICE ecosystems with the spirit of volunteering for five key provinces to become sustainable MICE cities; Bangkok, Patty, Puce, Chiang Mai and Khan Kane;

TCEB announced the collaboration in 4 dimensions.

• Development of potentiality, knowledge, alongside training and information dissemination.
• Promotion of venues and MICE organizers.
• The provision of support for sustainable events and for MICE venues to earn sustainable standards.
• Monitoring and evaluation of tangible sustainability of MICE businesses.

This year, TCEB’s first campaign for these 5 MICE Cities is the “Zero Plastic Events”, which determines the number of plastic bottles used in meeting facilities across all MICE Cities to reduce by 50% or from as high as 17,345,674 to 8,672,837 within one year.

For this reason, TCEB has joined forces with 5 MICE Cities to hasten the cutback of plastic bottle uses in meetings, seminars and exhibitions to be held in MICE Cities.

The initiation will be campaigned in 3 ways, including:

1) The use of glass bottle which suits short meetings that last 1-2 days basing on current water consumption of 1 bottle per 2 delegates;

2) The use of reusable bottle which suits meetings that extend beyond one day and fits well as a souvenir that can be brought along with while attending the meetings;

3) The use of water cooler which suits meetings of all types as delegates can bring their own bottle or use the prepared drinking glass. Plastic or paper glass is banned.

“If the operations goes well as planned, the number of plastic bottles will be reduced as estimated, which is 638 Tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or equal to planting 70,226 trees. Costs can be lowered by 30,000,000 baht. TCEB is confident that this collaboration is another milestone of unification towards bringing Thai MICE towards sustainability and enabling Thai MICE to meet the standards and recognition as Asia’s leading MICE destination.” concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Thai MICE Connect was designed as a platform that stores precise and complete information in MICE products and services nationwide which will be launched in October as Thailand’s first and most comprehensive E-Marketplace for MICE businesses.

TCEB will be presenting a “Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand” networking mirroring the new “Meet-The-Corporates” format, featuring up to 48 Thai suppliers, and attended solely by corporate buyers over 2 days.

“Our new branding “Thailand Redefine Your Business Events” inspires us to find every window of opportunity to create value and enhance return on investment and return on time for MICE stakeholders. Our partnership with IT&CMA in launching Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand initiative is a perfect match with our new branding. We are excited to see the Thai suppliers and Corporate Travel Managers leverage on this new initiative and deepen their interaction in an exclusive setting” said Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

* Meet-The-Corporates

* Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand (TCEB)

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will feature up to 48 Thai suppliers in a close-knit yet engaging style. The new initiatives not only secured attendance of long-time corporate buyers of the show but also attracted new buyers from Citigroup Inc., Ferrari, Huawei, IBM, LVMH Asia Pacific and many more.

“We really look forward to Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand, an initiative of our partnership with event organisers, which serves as a platform for co-exhibitors of Thailand to meet Corporate Buyers. This will enhance the opportunities for business ties. The initiative responds well with our new branding Thailand Redefine Your Business Events where we assume new roles as a partner in finding creative MICE solutions, co-creator of business opportunities and thought-leaders in introducing new ideas for business,” commented Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business (TCEB).

* Exhibition Walkabout

Hosted Functions and Engagement Activities 

Global brands and destinations sponsored networking Coffee Breaks and luncheons. First-time sponsor Nepal Tourism hosted networking luncheon (Lotus 7) with a presentation of the Visit Nepal Year 2020, including Dr. Bert Van “Last Minute” video presentation of his travel experiences in Nepal. H.E. Nepal Ambassador to Nepal also addressed the guests.

Other hosted lunches on Invitation included Marina Bay Sands and Cruise companies.

Coffee, cakes and snacks were served at the booths including Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia.

*Brand Showcase Presentations:

• Dubai Business Events
• Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
• Royal Orchid Holidays
• AP MICE Solutions by JTB
• Taiwan
• India Tourism
• Each of the destination and service brand showcase presentation introduced the attending delegates the present and the future development strategy in branding the product and MICE tourism.

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau said that Thailand was the 2^nd country in the world to have adapted ISO2021, under which some of the hotels like Athenee Hotel is among the ISO2021 certfied hotels . She discussed sustainability through implementation of Management Systems relating to food safety, energy, events, business continuity, quality, environmental and security. Under the dynamic leadership and dedicated team work, TCEB is encouraging MICE tour operators to meet international standards. Thailand now a recognized Green Meetings Destination in Asia offers a “cost savings of up to 20% for event organisers, and TCEB provides support to companies working in the business events field to achieve ISO 50001 Energy Management System accreditation. On another front, MICE caterers are being strongly encouraged to seek accreditation for ISO 22000, the Global Standard and Food Management System.” (Source: https://www.meetinthailand.com/business-event © Meet in Thailand)

Khun Kulkanda Pokasem of Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) at Thai Airways International, on the occasion of 50 Years celebration, since the Thai introduced all inclusive ROH, established in 1968. The One-Stop travel and tour services provides flights (Thai and Thai Smile), accommodation, transfers, tour packages and activities for individuals, groups and business organizations. At the presentation, ROH segments were identified as: Culture, Sports (including golf holidays), Food and Health. Some of the lucky delegates won prizes at the conclusion of the presentation. https://www.royalorchidholidays.com

DAY 3 (26 September) ITCMA | CTW

 – ASEAN MICE CONFERENCE – 1

Aimed at elevating ASEAN’s position as a MICE hub, experts in their field from top regional MICE institutions and beyond, enlightened the audience during the half-day ASEAN MICE Forum.

Building A Sustainable MICE City – What We Need To Do To Get It Right?

What makes a destination city successful for business events now and long into the future? Why are some destinations not building a sustainable MICE city?

Moderated by Rob Cotter, International Reporter, Meetings International the discussion touched on consumer responsibility on using a product (a hotel) that confirms to sustainability in environmental friendly practices. With panelists on the podium: Asako Shiomi, Manager, Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau;  Bert van Walbeek, Managing Director, The Winning Edge; and  Hosea Andreas Runkat (Andre), Vice Chairman. During Q&A, e-Travelers Club travel update question the hospitality industry how the hotels could also seek out a system to control food wastage on part of consumer (guests) who would take on the plate more food than they would consume and leave much food on the plate to be thrown away in the bin. One way to execute a system would be by means of raising awareness to hotel guests in the Management Letter, with a clear indication of imposing fine on eaters, found and caught in the act of throwing away food.

*Exhibition Walkabout

The 18th Stickiest Social Sharing Awards Lunch 2019

Registered delegates downloaded the event app and voted for their peers and nominated them in award categories including booths, functions, promotions, individual personalities and green efforts at #itcma19 #ctwapac19. http://bit.ly/2ViC6kM

Among the winners, Thailand won the Best Booth award.

*Brand Showcase Presentations:

• Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute;
• Thai Hotel Association (Northern) and Chiang MICE, Chiang Mai (Cancelled)
• Phuket Tourist Association (Cancelled)
• Japan National Tourism Organization.

The 30th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2019

The Annual Ceremony and Gala Dinner held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, the official venue sponsor for the event. This annual event coincides with Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific – Asia-Pacific’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel.

Recognized the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel industry since 1989, the prestigious annual TTG Travel Awards commemorated 86 exceptional travel and tourism players across the Asia-Pacific on its 30th anniversary.

This year’s edition of the awards debut seven new awards, with a bulk of the new titles in the Travel Services Awards category. Bali, Indonesia won the prestigious Destination of the Year award, previously an Outstanding Achievement Award in the non-voting category, is now classified as open voting. Other debuting awards include Best Luxury Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line, and Best Travel Technology Provider.

For 20 recipients, it was a gratifying moment to take home the Hermès trophy, a signature hallmark of the awards, for the first time on the gala night.

Seven returning organisations made their comeback in a different award title. They include Grand Hyatt Taipei (Best City Hotel – Taipei), Changi Airport Group (Best Airport Operator) and Dream Cruises (Best Luxury Cruise Line).

This year’s Outstanding Achievement Awards winners include Mario Hardy, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Jim Qian, Chairman  & CEO of Fosun Tourism Group and Discova as Travel Personality of the Year, Travel Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Sustainable Travel Company respectively.

Included among the winners:

• Hall of Fame: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau
• Hall of Fame: Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
• Best NTO: Tourism Authority of Thailand
• Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel: Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld
• Best Convention & Exhibition Centre: Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands
• Best Global Hotel Chain: Accor Hotels
• Best Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
• Best Luxury Cruise Line: Dream Cruises

For full listing, contact: media@itcma.com

ITCMA | CTW POST SHOW TOURS 27-28 September, 2019

TCEB offered post-show tours to Ayutthaya (A Charming World Heritage) and Khao Lak, Pha Nga (Andaman’s Hidden Gem) 

Report with pictures by: Saifuddin Ismailji

(Founder: e-Travelers Club travel update)