AACVB to focus on Asia

Formed in 1983 with seven members - Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and later joined by China - the body faded in 2000, due to a lack of leadership.

Now the top eight MICE leaders plan to raise group members' share of the global convention market.

World-class standards in Asia's MICE sector will be established, branding for MICE products and services developed and promoted, MICE championed as a key economic driver in the region and communications and collaboration among members facilitated, in

order to ensure effective and

successful market positioning and competitive strategies.

They also discussed expansion of the membership base to facilitate wider networking.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau president Natwut Amornvivat was elected the new president of the AACVB.

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

Natwut said the AACVB's plans would be finalised at its next meeting in Macau on October 24.

Asia is believed to have a huge potential to become a MICE destination. The region has the world's fastest-growing economies, especially China and India.

All destinations are also more diverse as a selling point to attract corporate clients. Joining hands between members will also help increase regional competitiveness.