Thai bureau gets green light from government

By David Johnson BANGKOK The Thai government has approved the plan to set up the Thailand Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB) by early 2002. The TCVB will be launched with a budget of US$4.5million. "We need this investment because we cannot rely on private sector funds," Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor Ms Juthamas Siriwan said. "I would say the government would have to subsidise the bureau for at least the first five years of its operation." "The convention bureau will work very closely with the TAT, such as using space in TAT overseas offices but it will be a separate entity." The TCVB will have a staff of 37 who will focus on marketing, research and sales support. "They will also promote more government involvement and co-operation between the aviation sector and customs to assist the movements of large corporate groups." The private sector has welcomed the approval. "The establishment of the bureau is a very positive development for Thailand's conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) industries," CMP (Thailand) executive director Mr M Gandhi said. "It means an official body can now focus on CEI business, plan long-term and implement improvements faster. "Thailand has international-calibre exhibition venues, hotels, facilities, transportation and communications systems, and hospitable people." Outside of Bangkok, the reception of the news has been equally warm, yet Pattaya's Royal Cliff Beach Resort general manager Mr Andrew Wood remains mindful of implementation. "We should look at marketing for the bureau, urge the cabinet to consider the objectives and recognise having city- specific recommendations will help marketing," Mr Wood said.