Best Convention Bureau

14-Jan-10, 09:18

Singapore Tourism Board takes top honours once again

1 Singapore Tourism Board
2 Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong
3 Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau






The top three rankings hold their titles again: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the Best Convention and Visitors Bureau, followed by Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

STB received a high number of votes from readers, an acknowledgemnt of the timely initiatives it undertook last year to strengthen the business events sector and help industry partners to weather the downturn. The bureau’s successful programmes included the enhanced Business Events in Singapore (BEIS) incentive scheme, which formed part of the US$60 million Building on Opportunities to Strengthen Tourism (Boost) initiative launched in February, and the 2009 Reasons to Meet in Singapore attendance-building campaign introduced in May to secure Singapore’s share of global business events and strengthen its leadership position.

Through the enhanced BEIS, events receive financial support such as for costs incurred in bidding efforts, overseas marketing and event organisation. In addition, organisers can promote their events in key markets through STB’s network of regional offices and travel trade partners, via electronic direct mailers, publicity on websites and participation in international trade shows and roadshows.

The second ITB Asia show in October, for example, had strong backing from STB. Raimund Hosch, CEO of organiser Messe Berlin says: “Despite the economic waves battering its shore, STB has stood by Messe Berlin. The bureau has been a great ambassador, not just of travel to Singapore, but of Asian tourism at large.”

Melissa Ow, assistant chief executive, business travel and MICE group, STB, says: “Our win underscores the close collaboration between the STB and our industry partners. Faced with adversity, we rallied together and worked tirelessly to overcome challenges. We appreciate the unwavering support from our valued industry partners and look forward to closer cooperation and greater synergy to entrench Singapore’s position as the world’s preferred destination for business events.”

MEHK has had a successful start since its inception in November 2008. The convention bureau has proven a helpful government liaison and a committed partner for large groups holding events in the city. The introduction of express immigration channels at Hong Kong International Airport in September was also well received.

"It is our great honour to be voted as the runner-up for the Best Convention Bureau by the readers of CEI Asia,” says Anthony Lau, executive director, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

“Since the launch of MEHK, we have been working closely and teaming up with our trade partners in an effort to make Hong Kong an irreplaceable international business hub. We could not have achieved such excellent an result without the continuous support and concerted efforts of the
whole industry.”

Last May, TCEB introduced three strategic initiatives to boost awareness and restore confidence in Thailand as a MICE destination. Meetings More Memorable and Meetings Plus is for smaller groups of between 25 and 50 delegates from long-haul markets. Cluster marketing will promote the advantages of holding events in five different parts of Thailand.

Through testimonials from organisations hosting business events in Thailand, TCEB hopes to improve confidence and allay organisers’ concerns. The bureau’s senior manager for meetings and incentives Puripan Bunnag, says: “The initiatives have been launched to rebuild confidence and provide a financial guarantee to event organisers who are considering Thailand as a destination.”

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