The Singex Group, a business event organiser and venue manager for Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, will be launching the Asia Connect seminar series in the US focusing on the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia. The first of its kind hosted by an Asian event and venue manager, this complimentary educational seminar series is targeted at trade show and exhibition organisers interested in international market opportunities for brand extension or new events.

The Southeast Asian economies, often overshadowed by their neighbours China and India, play a significant role in the growing Asian market. While the global economic outlook remains uncertain and sluggish for many countries, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development predicts that Southeast Asia will enjoy a robust, average growth rate of 5.6 per cent per annum from 2012 to 2016. Southeast Asian countries are relatively untapped by US organisers for trade shows and conferences, and the region remains an opportunity to expand turnkey event market share or launch new-to-market business events.

To this end, Singex is working closely with the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration to develop the content of the seminar. Aloysius Arlando, CEO of Singex, says,” Singex is a long-term industry player with a strong track record of venue management, trade shows and conferences in Asia. We are now looking to partner with international event organisers to establish new trading linkages across the world. With our deep roots in Asia and strong networks, we can provide a suite of solutions ranging from research and venue services to event development and management, bringing value to US organisers as we grow our collective businesses.”

Craig Allen, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, will speak at the inaugural seminars held in Chicago on 19 June at the Ritz-Carlton, and in Washington D.C. on 21 June at the St. Regis. Mr Allen will elaborate on Asian growth sectors and business opportunities, and share strategic insights into the Southeast Asian region in the context of a vibrant Asian economy.

He will also showcase Singapore, a critical information exchange and trading hub for Asia and the rest of the world. Singapore’s government has traditionally encouraged a dynamic, pro-business environment, earning it a top ranking as “The World’s Easiest Place To Do Business” in the World Bank’s Doing Business in 2012 report. Key growth sectors will be highlighted to attending organizers, in diverse industries such as building and construction, banking and finance, pharma-biotech, healthcare and medical technologies.

Recognised as “Best Business City in Southeast Asia” for three consecutive years by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Travel Awards, Singapore has been named “Top International Meeting City” for four consecutive years and “Top Meeting City in Asia” for twenty-eight consecutive years by the Union of International Associations.

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“The stance of the Thai Government towards tourism is one of strong support, as evidenced by the announcement of 2012 as the Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand,” said Prime Minister Shinawatra. “In this regard, we need to focus on the needs of tourists and leave them with the best possible impression. We need to make sure that relevant infrastructure for hotels and restaurants is in place, as well as advancing in other areas such as visa facilitation.”     

Presenting the Prime Minister with an Open Letter on the importance of tourism to global growth and development, Mr. Rifai praised the Government for its commitment to the tourism sector, particularly in times of crisis.  

“The Thai Government has been a strong advocate of tourism for years,” said Mr. Rifai. “A direct result of this support has been the phenomenal rise of Thailand up the tourism league tables. Today, despite the challenges of the past few years, Thailand remains one of the world’s most-visited and attractive destinations.”  

David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC said: “Thailand has shown incredible resilience in the face of natural disasters over the last few years and has repeatedly demonstrated that it is able to re-invent itself while remaining true to its deep cultural history. Domestic tourism has also risen in the past decades, as well as various forms of niche tourism that cater to various markets, reflecting dynamism and adaptability as well as a huge recognition of the role tourism plays in the economy. In 2011, Travel & Tourism supported 4.4million jobs which is over 11% of total employment; and also contributed THB 1,735.5bn to the economy, that is 16.3% of total GDP. This commitment of leadership to advancing Thailand’s deeply cultural Travel & Tourism industry is enriched by the signing of the Open Letter.” WTTC Members from Lebua Hotels & Resorts, Deepak Ohri and Rattawadee Bualert were also present at the meeting.

The meeting with the Prime Minister was held ahead of the 24th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (3-5 May, Chiang Mai, Thailand) during which senior tourism officials debated how to ensure the sustainability of their fast-growing tourism markets.

According to UNWTO’s long-term forecast, Tourism Towards 2030, international tourist arrivals to Asia and the Pacific will increase from 204 million in 2010 to 535 million in 2030. As a result, the region will receive a 30% share of the world’s international tourists by 2030. Thailand is an excellent example of the “dynamism of the region”, said Mr. Rifai, having received 19 million international tourists and earning US$ 26 billion in international tourism receipts in 2011.

A High-Level Regional Conference on Green Tourism was held as part of the Commission, to present national experiences on how, if properly planned and managed, tourism can be one of the most promising drivers of sustainable socio-economic development in Asia and the Pacific.

About MICE-Contact

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The body’s Chairman Norm Thompson, who has been campaigning for the development of an international MICE facility in Auckland, said a new convention centre could generate up to NZ$90 million (US$73.7 million) per year for the country’s economy.

“A national convention centre... able to host major international conferences is a key component of a successful visitor economy. Tourism development has been hampered by the inability of New Zealand to successfully market itself as a destination for international business conferences,” Thompson said.

“Development of a world-class convention centre will enable the industry to target a whole new market that can’t be accommodated by existing conference facilities. This is a completely untapped market segment for New Zealand, and will help us boost shoulder and low season travel,” he added.

TIA has also called for a network of regional convention centres to support the national facility.

The call comes after Sydney recently confirmed plans for a huge new US$1 billion MICE precinct for the city, which is expected to be completed by 2016. Source: traveldailyasia.com

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

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The Obama Administration announced its National Travel and Tourism Strategy. This important step officially elevates the travel industry to what it should be: a national priority. It also recognizes the industry for its fundamental contribution to our economy, national security and public diplomacy.

"The National Strategy sets a goal of increasing U.S. jobs by attracting and welcoming 100 million international visitors annually by the end of 2021. This is no small effort, but the opportunity for economic growth and new jobs is too great. The travel industry stands ready to work with the Administration in achieving this goal.

"I commend Secretaries Bryson and Salazar for their leadership in preparing the National Strategy. This effort required extensive government-wide coordination and broad outreach to the private sector in a short amount of time.

"America has always been a nation of travelers, and there’s nothing we love more than showing off our beautiful country to people from around the globe. As we move out of the recession, the wheels of the travel industry have not stopped turning. Since the job recovery began, our industry has created more than 250,000 new jobs – nearly 50,000 this year alone – which far outpaces gains in the rest of the economy or by other industries. In total, travel supports more than 14.4 million American jobs and contributes $1.9 trillion to our economy. As our nation works to close our trade deficit, travel exports have been booming. Travel exports totaled a record $152 billion in 2011, and the travel industry is now the number one contributor to our balance of trade.

"Today’s announcement couldn’t come at a better time. This week marks the 29th annual National Travel and Tourism Week – a week when local communities across the country are coming together in support of the travel industry and the millions of hardworking men and women it employs. As the National Strategy is implemented and the U.S. sees an increase in the amount of international visitors, those local communities will experience more jobs, economic growth and additional revenue."

About MICE-Contact

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GBTA strongly supports the Task Force’s strategy to emphasize travel and tourism as a government priority. GBTA supports the policies in the NTTS that recognize the importance of business travel as a major driver of the economy and job creation.

“The National Tourism and Travel Strategy incorporates many of the suggestions GBTA made in submitted comments earlier this year,” said Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO of GBTA. “GBTA supports policies to increase international travel to the U.S. – and this strategy does just that. GBTA focus on the policies that impact the business traveler, such as visa process improvements and expanding visa waiver program, trusted traveler programs and the critical investments desperately needed to improve our aviation infrastructure.”

“Recent moves by the Obama Administration have demonstrated the President’s commitment to increasing travel. The expansion of the Transportation Security Administration’s Pre-Check Program, the decision to make Global Entry permanent and the calls to speed up the implementation of NextGen are all signs of how important travel is to the economy,” McCormick continued.

“We are particularly pleased to see the positive steps the NTTS outlines to expedite the visa process for travelers from Brazil. Adding staff, shortening wait times and improving the speed with which a visa can be obtained will facilitate far more business travelers from Brazil, an important trading partner, coming to the U.S. We hope to see the expansion of reciprocal trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry and Pre-Check which will improve the efficiency of traveling for low-risk, high-volume business travelers. Business travel is a key driver of the economy with more than one-in-five travelers to the U.S. traveling for business and this strategy appears to have recognized how vital it is to the economy,” McCormick concluded.

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

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Euromonitor International Head of Travel and Tourism Research Caroline Bremner told senior industry delegates, at the event organised by Reed Travel Exhibition’s event World Travel Market, that growth in the travel sector would be flat for the next five years.

She said this would be part of a global trend which will see a combination of price pressure and falling and stagnating incomes combine to depress growth in the sector.

Instead, Expedia Managing Director UK and Ireland Andy Washington said if companies wanted to continue to grow, they would have to do so at each others' expense.

He added the online travel agency saw double digit growth last year and he is intent on filing similar results for 2012.

He said: “For Expedia we look for growth across the global markets and we intend to do that.

“10% growth should continue online and it is going to be from taking market share of competitors by being better, smarter and fulfilling the consumers' demands.”

Tui Travel UK and Ireland Managing Director David Burling said the “most dramatic” growth the operator has recently seen has been in the all-inclusive sector, largely thanks to families.

While refusing to predict figures for this year he said the operator would continue to focus on investing in technology and product exclusivity.

He added: “The key thing for us is the quality of our business.”

easyJet Director UK Market Paul Simmons admitted growth would be reduced compared to last year, but still predicted the airline would see a single-digit increase.

He said: “The trading environment is difficult but not impossible; we need to make sure people are stimulated and want to travel.”

The Hoseasons Group Managing Director Geoff Cowley said the challenge for the UK market would be to continue re-educating UK travellers on the improvements made in the domestic market as well as benefit from the feel-good factor generated by both the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee.

He added: “Part of the challenge now is to continue educating the customers about how the quality of the accommodation has improved.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market Simon Press said: “It was great to hear not only the in-depth analysis that Euromonitor International provided but also the conversations it triggered.

“With growth predicted to flatline for the next five years, travel companies will not only have to compete but innovate if they are to grow successfully.

“I was also delighted to see so many senior industry delegates attend WTM Vision Conference – London and see them so involved in the event too.”

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

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Destinations are desperate to increase the number of Chinese tourists due to their high spending habits. In the first session Euromonitor International China Travel and Tourism Analyst Ray Li predicted Chinese tourists will spend $36 billion on shopping when overseas, which is double the amount they spent in 2011.    

Speaking as part of the panel debate on the Chinese inbound and outbound markets, General Manager of MIKI Travel Cecelia Zhou told a packed room of delegates a smooth visa application process is vital for Chinese travellers when deciding their next overseas holiday destination.  

Executive President of Jin-Jiang International Travel Ge Wanjun added Chinese people leave booking their holiday until the very last minute so visa application processes need to be made quick, easy and accessible.   Other factors destinations need to consider when trying to attract this increasing market is the "joint exercise from both the private and public sectors" CEO of TUI Travel China Marcel Schneider commented.  

"There is a need to be willing to invest money, HR and time to develop the destination in order to meet the Chinese market’s expectations," Schneider added.   President and General Manager of Anhui Region in China Li Guoqing explained: “Chinese tourists really need to be educated on outbound destinations, what is there to do? What is there to eat? Where is there to stay? In order to attract a high numbers of Chinese tourists.”   

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market Simon Press, who opened WTM Vision Conference – Shanghai, said: "WTM Vision Conference Shanghai offered a fascinating insight to the Chinese tourism industry.   “Chinese tourists are in high demand due to their high in resort spending patterns and delegates heard the secrets to attracting high numbers of visitors from China.  

“The event, in association with Chinese Business Network, is a great addition to the Vision portfolio, following on from similarly highly successful events in Moscow, London and Dubai.”   The final event in the 2012 series, WTM Vision Conference – Florence, takes place next Friday (18 May).

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

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From the May 16-18, 2012, key industry figures from the public and private sectors, NGOs, and the media will convene for a unique networking forum. The event will be the first in a series of WTTC “Regional Summits,” and will explore commonalities, as well as challenges throughout the travel and tourism industry in the Americas while identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Redford and Hernandez Ramirez are added to a list of speakers that already includes Mexico’s President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa and Telecoms entrepreneur, Carlos Slim. They will be joined by Ministers of Tourism from around the world including Secretary Gloria Guevara of Mexico; US Deputy Secretary of State, Thomas Nides; Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization; executives from hotels, airlines, tour operators, and travel agencies; and key opinion leaders from the media such as CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg.

The theme for the inaugural WTTC Americas Summit is “Travel&Tourism: Generating jobs and prosperity.” This aligns with the priorities of the T20 meeting of the G20 Tourism Ministers, that takes place immediately before in Merida, Mexico, and the upcoming G20 meeting of global leaders in Los Cabos, Mexico, in June. Sessions will cover the trends shaping the future of the industry, collaboration between public and private sectors, enhancing air connectivity to drive growth, easing visa restrictions to promote travel, building a sustainable future, and enhancing the workforce.

Travel and tourism plays a significant role in the economies of the Americas, not least in Mexico where the industry accounts for 9 percent of the country’s annual gross domestic product and employs approximately 2.5 million people. One of the highlights of the summit is sure to be the address from Mexico’s President Felipe Calderón who has positioned tourism as a national priority and driver of growth and prosperity.

In total, there are 8 sessions and 4 high-profile interviews over 2 days:

THURSDAY, MAY 17

The Presidential Perspective – an audience with President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa

A special interview with Carlos Slim

Session 1 – Working together for jobs and growth

A special interview with Robert Redford

Session 2 – Opening skies means opening up for business

Session 3 – Investing now in infrastructure for tomorrow

Session 4 – Succeeding with sustainability

Session 5 – Stimulating growth through freedom to travel

FRIDAY, MAY 18

A special interview with Roberto Hernández Ramirez

Session 6 – Enhancing the workforce for continued jobs growth

Session 7 – Keeping up with digital and social media

Session 8 – Marketing for growth

The summit will attract delegates from across the Americas, including Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and North America.

David Scowsill, President and CEO of the WTTC, said: “This inaugural WTTC Americas Summit is shaping up to be a great event. We have some of the biggest names in business in the Americas like Carlos Slim and Hector Ramirez, alongside leading figures in the travel industry globally speaking at the event and are confident that the sessions will be both lively and informative. The summit also represents a great place to meet, do business, and network.” (Article from Thomas Steinmetz)

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

UNLIMITED Press Release Distribution!

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• World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers -WAN-IFRA-
• European Economic Association -EEA-
• International Society of Intelligent Unmanned System
• Society for Experimental Biology -SEB-
• Party of European Socialists
• International Fiscal Association -IFA-
• The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry -UFI -
• European CanCer Organisation -ECCO-
• Conference of Regional Impact of Information Society Technology  -IST-Africa-
• Infections Control world Organization -ICWO - 
• International Society of Surgery -ISS/SIC-
• PRIMA - The Paper Network, Paper & Related Industries Marketing Association
• World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations -WFTGA-
• ILAE/IBE Congress Secretariat
• International Water Resources Association -IWRA-
• International Osteoporosis Foundation -IOF-
• European Association of Machine Tool Merchants -EAMTM-
• European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation  -ECCO-
• Latvian Trade Association
• For more information and to register please visit the website.

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

UNLIMITED Press Release Distribution!

Our press release distribution reaches thousands of travel professionals and hundreds of journalists from all over the world. In addition to distributing your news we will also publish it in the weekly "MICE-Business News". The subscriber base is growing strongly. Introduce your company to our readership and order your own press services. Register here!

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Paul D’Arcy, CEO of BCCK, said: “With her experience in the industry both on the supplier and the venue side, Debbie is ideally suited to be the driving force behind our continued thrust into the MICE Industry in line with our commitment to economic sustainability.”

“I am honoured by this exciting opportunity to work with BCCK, this is a stunning part of the world, a truly unique eco tourism destination, home to the second oldest rainforest in the world yet equipped with one of the most technologically advanced meetings facilities in the world.”

Stanford-Kristiansen worked with expo@bahrain and Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority for the last seven years. She helped increased the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre’s occupancy levels significantly.

"I can see that BCCK has the potential to be a major contributor to creating economic benefit and contributing to the meetings industry in terms of job creation, hotel utilization, transport utilization and other spin off effects from the delegates who are known to spend up to six times more than leisure tourists."

Stanford - Kristiansen has worked with expo@bahrain and Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) for the last seven years. Her major achievements in Bahrain included the development of the US$385 million dollar expo@bahrain project, the successful establishment of Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority in 2006, initiation and launch of "Team Bahrain" and increasing the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC)'s occupancy levels significantly.

Previously she was the Vice President of Global Sales of the IMEX Exhibition, where she successfully increased exhibitor floor space year on year and together with her team achieved more than 3,000 international exhibitors for the inaugural event back in 2005.

In addition of being an active member of various MICE Industry memberships, Debbie spent six years on the Board of SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) UK and Ireland Chapter and was elected Chapter President for two years. She has also worked closely with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and has served on the UK Chapter of MPI (Meetings Professionals International) for two years. She spent two years as Deputy Chair of the Middle East & Africa Chapter of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) between 2007 and 2008. (Source: ICCA)

About MICE-Contact

MICE-Contact is one of the most popular international Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry! The weekly "MICE-Business News" is subscribed by more than 78,200 MICE executives, key buyers and journalists around the globe. MICE-Contact cooperates closely with a number of organisations and we are represented at all major trade fairs around the globe and exclusively cover the newest trend and events. Our readership works and represents the business travel industry and appreciates our first-hand reporting which is editing by professional journalists.

UNLIMITED Press Release Distribution!

Our press release distribution reaches thousands of travel professionals and hundreds of journalists from all over the world. In addition to distributing your news we will also publish it in the weekly "MICE-Business News". The subscriber base is growing strongly. Introduce your company to our readership and order your own press services. Register here!

Please note: Users of our UNLIMITED Press Release Distribution can get a 25% discount on all Marketing and PR Offers from our magazine.