Thailand has moved up the World Tourism Barometer ranking to number 11 in 2011. The statistics are compiled by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It is also one of the 5 global destinations with high increase in tourism earnings. 

Thailand is a destination for incentive travel programs and business events, large and small. The country hosted the 103^rd Rotary International Convention in early May. The convention exceeded expectations by nearly 20%, having welcomed slightly 35,000 delegates while expectation was 30,000. This is testimonial to Thailand's appeal and attractiveness as a destination which travelers prefer. Delegates from 175 countries stayed in Bangkok for the convention, toured, shopped, dined and enjoyed the city and traveled to other destinations domestically and regionally. Bangkok is indeed the hub for traveling in southeast Asia.  

CDM was trusted to organize the cultural presentations for the 2 seatings of the Opening Plenary, including the traditional Flag Bearing Ceremony. Seats were prepared for 22,000 at each Opening Plenary, the maximum capacity of the huge Challenger 1 and 2 halls at the IMPACT Convention Center. CDM arranged 50 dancers performing reach of the dances of the four regions with the Flag Bearing Ceremony in between two dances, borne by the dancers in colorful costumes. The audiences sere most enthusiastic and great fun was had by all.

The Rotary International Convention as the largest international event hosted by Thailand. But Thailand is also favored by planners of smaller events in the hundreds and the thousands, and many have held their programs in Thailand with success.

Contact CDM for information and suggestion of programs to impress, inspire and motivate.

Asiatique The Riverfront debuts as Asia's largest lifestyle venue

The new Bangkok landmark is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya, known as the River of Kings on the east side (Bangkok side) with easy access by road or river shuttle. It is styled from former warehouses whose original structures have been preserved and refurbished to maintain the ambiance of the trading center in the old days of junk and large sail cargo boats plying trading routes from east to west. Areas are divided into small shops - there are 1,000 of them!, restaurants and a spacious and breezy riverside walk. There are also the performing theaters of the famous Joe Louis Puppet and Calypso cabaret style impersonation show. Asiatique The Riverfront is already a most talked about venue for night time enjoyment in Bangkok.   

During the past few weeks, Thailand has been getting attention on news with flooding in the country.

Since mid-November, flood waters have been receding in most of the affected areas of Thailand's central provinces and several districts of greater Bangkok. Central Bangkok was not affected by the flood. No provinces in the south, north, and northeast of Thailand are affected by the flood. Almost all key tourist destinations and attractions throughout Thailand were not affected by the flood.

As the flooding situation has become more stable, below are some updates to reflect actual and changing conditions.

In the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, the central part of the city where most tourists frequent was not affected by the flood. It is expected to remain dry. Flood water is receding in many districts of Bangkok. This includes the Chatuchak District, where Chatuchak Weekend Market is located. The market itself is not flooded.

Areas still flooded in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area include suburbs in the east and west, the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and districts in the northern part of the city.

In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, shops and tourist attractions are open as per normal in all areas. Hotels monitored the situation constantly and were not affected by flooding.

The Skytrain and Subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks - one of Bangkok's icons, are available as per normal. Boat services on the Chao Phraya River have resumed.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international gateway to Thailand, remains open and will not be affected by the flood. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and other airports in Thailand.

Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open.

The two low cost domestic airlines normally based at Don Mueang Airport, which is still closed due to flooding, continue operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thailand is fortunate that there is a choice of destinations within the country, and some planners did divert events scheduled for Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and other destinations not affected. We are confident that the flooding situation will improve in a timely manner and that planners and organizers of business events can offer Thailand to your clients with complete certainty of trip delivery and program success.
Contact CDM, Euromic World Affiliate for Thailand for creative program proposals.

Click for testimonial video (2.45 minutes): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frg4BfyBIgc

Thailand is an incentive destination which impresses planners and inspires achievers. Thailand has all ingredients of a successful program, from convenient accessibility, fully developed infrastructure, world class quality facilities, exotic attractions, attentive services and, most uniquely, friendly and hospitable people admired the world over, so much that Thailand is called "The Land of Smiles"

As a country, Thailand offers a variety of destinations for two or three stop programs which will create a flow and mood to offer an experience that trip participants cherish long after. Programs to Thailand have proven to generate higher participation, assure achievement of objectives and provide long lasting inspiration.

An ideal itinerary features metropolitan Bangkok, mountainous and enchanting north with a final portion at a beach paradise. Below is an example to tempt and tantalize;  

Arrive Bangkok and settle in. A choice of hotels along the Chao Phraya River or in the downtown area. Welcome function at hotel poolside or a special venue.  

Breakfast with a destination orientation brief before setting off on Bangkok Medley, a tailor-designed sightseeing composition to introduce the city's best attractions, using a varity of transportation with pleasant surprises en route. Visit a local restaurant to experience "family style" Thai lunch, enabling sharing and tasting a number of dishes.

Afternoon at leisure prior to fine dining evening at a rooftop venue. Option to watch real Thai boxing before dinner.

Pillow gift: miniature tuk tuk the infamous 3-wheel taxi.

This day can feature a team bonding activity covering various parts of the city and experiencing indigenous attributes, or a full day trip to the floating market with biking through plantations, the River Kwai valley or the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a World Heritage site or simply a Day of Indulgence with guests doing their own thing of pre selected activities. Spa, golf or shopping are just some of the options. Dine around evening with choices of western, Thai and other Asian cuisines OR at a unique private venue,

Pillow gift: lifelike carved wooden elephant

Depart Bangkok for Chiang Mai, often called Rose of the North. Orientation of the city and lunch at a riverside restaurant. Drive up Suthep Mountain to the most important temple of the north with a panoramic view. Chime large bells around the chapel for good luck and attend a short sermon by the abbot. Drinks and snacks at a rest stop half way down the mountain. Dinner on the hotel's spacious grounds with decor and props representing the six hill tribes living in the area of the Golden Triangle.

Pillow gift: personalized umbrella or lacquerware box with name inscribed in English and Thai

A soft adventure outing visiting an elephant camp, elephant riding for an hour through plantations, along wooded hills and crossing streams, bamboo rafting and oxcart riding. "Jungle" lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, see why Chiang Mai is the center of arts and crafts, visiting umbrella and fan making factories, silver, silk & cotton, ceramics, woodcarving. In the evening, dress in Lanna costumes for a theme night at a temple ruin site complete with decor, entertainment and a surprise cultural ritual. Lanna means Land of a Million Rice Fields.

Pillow gift: beach bag with goodies set

Depart Chiang Mai for Phuket on a midday direct flight. Lunch and leisure afternoon.
Cocktail and dinner at poolside or beachside.

Pillow gift: Thai silk monogrammed bathrobe for him and her

An outing in paradise. The highlight of the trip. Speedboat into the scenic Phang Nga Bay, pass James Bond Island with an option to step onto the beach for a shaken-not stirred tipple. Change onto inflatable sea canoe and row under a small opening into a total separate world inside a sea mountain chamber. Surprise barbecue lunch on a secluded beach with leisure time for swimming, sunbathing or relaxing Dinner at a local restaurant by the beach or on the hilltop

Pillow gift: more items to add to the beach goodies set

Day at leisure for own activities such as spa, golf, cooking, deep sea fishing or snorkeling.

Farewell evening barefoot black tie dinner on the beach with firework extravaganza

Pillow gift: a jewelry item for her and him (i.e. brooch & cufflinks)

Depart Phuket for Bangkok and connect an onward flight home 

Thailand's new campaign for the coming year with the objective to instill confidence to decision makers of business events was launched at IT&CMA & CTW 2010. The event is one of the grandest trade shows of Asia Pacific and is specific for meetings and business events with several hundreds of qualified buyers from all continents and leading suppliers of the MICE industry.

Developed by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the campaign is aimed at restoring Thailand's image as Asia's preferred MICE destination with close cooperation from all parties concerned, 'Believe in Thailand' 2011 was born out of the roadmap white paper to reassure international operators' confidence towards Thai MICE industry. It will highlight the country's three major strong points which cover 'countless business opportunities' it can offer, 'renowned hospitality' and its 'great variety of amazing tourist attractions'. TCEB will be using cluster marketing as an approach to promote MICE industry in Thailand in line with this campaign.

'Investment worthiness' will also be an additional appeal and Thailand has long proved to have a value-for-money aspect that attracts convention and exhibition organizers. It is hoped these organizers, as inspired by the campaign, will help bring more MICE events and travelers to the Kingdom of Thailand.

Contact CDM for travel and business-driven programs in Thailand for the success of your performance improvement, relationship management or association congregation plans