Asian MICE organisations elect to strengthen regional role

"Members of AACVB [the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus] are working even harder to break down boundary barriers to promote Asia as a major MICE destination," Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau president Natwut Amornvivat said yesterday.

The AACVB closed its two-day 20th annual general meeting and the second Asian Meeting Industry Leaders' Summit. Asian MICE leaders include China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The AACVB made a crucial change in its strategic plan reflecting a new high-level commitment to escalate the future of the regional MICE industry.

The meeting agreed to focus on four key areas: raising members' share of the global convention market, setting world-class standards in the Asian MICE sector, developing Asian branding for MICE products and services and creating communication and collaboration among members.

The meeting also discussed the expansion of its membership base.

To facilitate wider networking, the AACVB's bylaws have been amended and redefined to state: "Membership in the AACVB will be available to MICE destination-marketing organisations that are responsible for developing MICE business in the 'Asian market region' and MICE-related registered enterprises within a voting member's destination."

The AACVB's organisation was also changed, with Natwut elected as the new president.

Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation executive director Daniel Corpuz was voted vice president and Engo Joao Manuel Costa, director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, secretary and treasurer.

Natwut said it was a clear sign the association was progressing in harmony with a clear plan to make Asia one of the world's leading MICE regions.

The success of this meeting reflects the seriousness and commitment among all members, he said.

The AACVB's new strategic plan will be finalised at its next meeting in Macau on October 24.