Thailand stays on top

Synovate, Asia's second largest independent market research organisation, undertook this major project on behalf of CEI Asia Pacific. Based on the feedback of over 300 industry decision makers, the findings are groundbreaking for three reasons — the depth of coverage of the conference, exhibition and incentive industry, the calibre and range of responsibilities of the survey respondents and the seniority of the respondents: approximately half are the senior management of their organisations. This summary is divided into two sections, being a country review and the outlook for 2005. For the reader of this summary and accompanying detailed findings, this is an opportunity to gain a much fuller understanding of the overall CEI sector and identify opportunities in the year ahead. In 2004, Thailand surpassed other CEI locations within the region, according to 291 respondents of the CEI Annual Survey, who have held CEI events last year. Last year, one third (34 percent) of those who held events last year held theirs in Thailand, especially for conferences (22 percent) and incentives (18 percent). Apart from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, Thailand is offering the CEI sector more and more options in upcountry locations such as Khao Lak, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin and Krabi. Thailand was also rated as having the best hotels and best resorts in Asia — to 20 percent and 25 percent respectively of 128 corporate CEI buyers surveyed. New convention facilities (such as the expansion of IMPACT), the new subway in Bangkok, the forthcoming new international airport, all favour the development of Thailand's CEI and tourism. China, Singapore and Hong Kong were the runner-up CEI destinations in 2004. Being the world's largest consumer market, China was the top exhibition destination in the region last year — 18 percent of those who held events last year held exhibitions in China. The CEI Annual Industry Survey aims at collecting views and opinions from the CEI industry, as well as expecting changes and trends in the market. This survey was conducted in October to November, 2004. A total of 328 CEI respondents took part in the online survey, among which 39 percent are corporate buyers. Approximately half of the respondents (47 percent) hold top management positions, including CEO, chairman, managing director, general manager and director.