TTG Asia Media, the organiser for IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific has confirmed soon-to-be Bangkok’s newest landmark – the Central World Hotel and Convention Centre – as the venue for 2007.

Having staged the two trade events for the MICE and corporate travel industries in Bangkok from 2001 to 2004 and in Pattaya from 2005 to 2006, the decision to return to the Thai capital is part of the host country’s celebrations to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80th birthday which falls on 5 December 2007.

“Thailand has been home to IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific for five good years. As a tribute to Thailand’s reigning monarch and in response to the excellent support from our Thai partners, especially Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Thai Airways International and Thailand Incentive & Convention Association, we are indeed happy to play our part in the nation’s year-long celebrations by holding the two shows right in the heart of the country, Bangkok.” said Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media.

Riding on the robust growth of the MICE industry, TCEB is forecasting a 30 percent expansion this year, reinforcing the government’s affirmation to position Thailand as a premier exhibition hub in the ASEAN region.

The modern Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport is positioned to become Asia’s biggest and regional aviation hub with a planned opening capacity of 45 million passengers per year and up to 100 million when operating at full capacity.

Hi-tech communication and IT resources are also now in place, making Thailand an ideal business meeting point for international travellers and MICE visitors  with world-class facilities, new expressways, sky train “BTS” and subway system “MRT”.

“Central Hotels & Resorts with our brand new flagship strategically located in the centre of down-town Bangkok – the Central World Hotel and Convention Centre – feels honoured to be chosen as the venue for IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2007. When completed, this latest complex will have a total convention and exhibition space of about 17,000 sqm, including a 5,500 sqm Main Hall and a five-star hotel with 505 guestrooms which will be complemented by 6,000 – 7,000 deluxe and first-class guestrooms in the immediate vicinity.” said Mr Gerd K. Steeb, President, CENTRAL Hotels & Resorts.

Mr Steeb added ”In fact, playing host to the largest gathering of MICE professionals from all over the world during IT&CMA and CTW is a great opportunity for us to kick start the opening of our venue.”

Supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thai Airways International and Thailand Incentive & Convention Association (TICA), this year’s IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2006 will be held for the second time at the Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Hall (PEACH) in Pattaya from 10 – 12 October 2006. The two shows will then move back to Bangkok for 2007.