The THAILAND CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION BUREAU (TCEB) first launched its Green Meetings programme three years ago. This initiative hoped 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 recently at IMEX America, “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”.

America is a key source market, and market information confirms that the green meetings concept is one of the top priorities among American business travellers today, with almost 30 percent of corporate and association groups from the Americas requiring green meetings as standard for their business events.

Located only an hour away from bustling Bangkok the ROSE GARDEN RIVERSIDE RESORT, an exhibitor at IT&CMA and CTW 2011 and winner of the ‘Stickiest Green Booth’, is committed to promoting community tourism, organic agriculture and the traditional Thai way of life. The Rose Garden Riverside is an ideal meetings and incentives venue with teambuilding packages that include community activities and CSR.

Perched high up on the hills on Thailand’s border overlooking Myanmar and Lao, ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT & SPA has implemented and integrated sustainable practices into the resort’s operations and have been awarded Green Globe certification.  The Resort is perfectly located to provide travellers with an introduction to some of the world’s most pristine rainforests, as well as the great ethnic diversity of the region. In addition they are a proud sponsor of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and encourage guests to visit and support its activities in preserving the wellbeing of these iconic animals. Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa offers a number of incentive experiences, including the wonder of riding an elephant through bamboo jungle, the rush of a longtail boat ride up the Mekong River sublime spa experiences as well as interactions with local communities ( e.g. immerse yourself in the local culture with the on-site elephant camp, or learn to create authentic Lanna cuisine at the cooking school).

The SIX SENSES EVASON HUA HIN RESORT & SPA is a beautiful place with tropical gardens, lotus ponds and waterways, and guest rooms that are fresh and unconventional. This resort offers MICE delegates a laid-back beach environment that has a strong ethos of both social and environmental sustainability.

www.tceb.or.th