The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB unveiled its latest campaign to promote best environmental practice within the MICE industry at IMEX America 2011. 

It has been three years since TCEB launched its first Green Meetings program- an initiative to raise environmental awareness within Thailand’s MICE industry, to reduce waste, conserve energy, and use natural, recyclable materials as far as possible.The campaign was embraced by the industry, which has since seen major improvements in all these areas.

Today, TCEB continues to encourage Thai MICE operators to do more, and to bolster their capability to comply with the ISO 50001 standard, because we believe that efficient energy management is both good for the planet, and will also contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of the nation’s MICE industry in the long run.We are confident that in reaching compliance with the ISO 50001, Thailand will be recognized not just for its myriad other attractions and great value, but also as a world-class Green Destination.

Since launching TCEB’s Green Meetings program, the concept and practice of environmental responsibility has gained traction across all industry sectors worldwide, and in Thailand the industry is fast retooling, as environmental responsibility shifts from a market niche and is gradually being mainstreamed as a core industry value. Technological advances, rising energy costs as well as changing attitudes are driving higher expectations among industry professionals in this area.

Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, TCEB’s President, explained, “Realizing the trends and the potential for growth, TCEB has developed a brand new support package to help Thai MICE operators introduce their Green Meetings packages at international MICE trade shows worldwide, starting right here at IMEX America.

“TCEB chose IMEX  America  2011 to publicize this program because the world’s top event planners and influences will be here, and our market information tells us that the green meetings concept is one of the top priorities among American business travelers today, with almost 30 percent of corporate and association groups from the Americas requiring green meetings as standard for their business events.

TCEB has joined with the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) to introduce Thailand as a sustainable destination, and will through GMIC’s network, will be promote Thailand’s readiness and potential to business events travelers who attend IMEX America 2011. The president of TCEB gave a presentation under the topic “Thailand sustainable destination” on 12 October at sustainable center in IMEX America. So we’re confident that delegates and visitors to IMEX America 2011 will be able to see for themselves that Thailand is serious about meeting their needs and developing a top-notch reputation as a Green Meetings destination.”

Thailand has already certified 8 international convention centres as‘Green Venues’:
- IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
- Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)
- Bangkok International Trade & Convention Center (BITEC)
- Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH)
- Royal Phuket Marina International Exhibition & Convention Centre
- Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World
- Royal Paragon Hall
- Prince of Songkla University International Convention Center (PSUICC).

Thailand also has 170 hotels certified as‘Green Accommodation’and TCEB organizes a range of Green Meetings packages and CSR activities.