Over
13,000 participants from 132 countries and territories attended the
record-breaking show over three days
ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show’,
came to a close today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands
in Singapore, having attracted a record number of 13,000 attendees from 132
countries and territories. The show saw strong participation this year with
over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 1,250 buyers. The three-day exhibition also
saw more than 27,000 business appointments made, a 7.4% year-on-year growth.
In its twelfth year running, this year’s conference programme brought together
thought leaders from across the MICE, Leisure, Corporate, and Travel Tech
sectors to explore how businesses can turn creative ideas into bold, yet
practical, initiatives to keep pace with technological developments in the
travel industry. Across the three days of the conference, attendees were able
to hear from more than 270 speakers, including Booking.com, Expedia, IBM, OYO China, TripAdvisor, Tujia and more. For
the first time, attendees also got a chance to gain detailed understanding of
some of the most important practices and trends that are defining the future of
MICE events at ITB Asia’s inaugural MICE Show Asia. With a turnout that
exceeded expectations, the successful debut gives grounds for optimism for the
future expansion of this dedicated marketplace.
Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Berlin said: “After 12
years, ITB Asia experienced strong growth again. This new record clearly
demonstrates that the show is well accepted by the industry around the world as
the must-attend event in Asia. Messe Berlin is delighted to continue the
strategic partnership with Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board
(STB) from 2020 to 2022. We very quickly realized that not only could we
benefit from the extension, but that the whole of the global travel industry
stood to benefit as well. I am also pleased to know that every year the team
and all partners involved work hard to design ITB Asia to go right to the heart
of the industry. At ITB, we build unforgettable emotions that link our industry
with its people. Attendees can walk away with new inspiration, cultivating
relationships and tangible takeaways.”
Marina Bay Sands will see a renewal of its partnership with Messe Berlin
(Singapore) as the show’s official partner hotel while the extension of the
relationship with STB will see Singapore as the host country for ITB Asia for
the next three years of the show.
Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism
Board, said: “Since its inaugural show in 2008, ITB Asia has strengthened the
travel industry in Asia. It has introduced new ideas, challenged prevailing
mindsets, and provoked countless important connections and discussions. The
travel industry in Singapore and throughout Asia has benefited immeasurably
from ITB Asia. With the extension of our partnership with Messe Berlin (Singapore),
STB looks forward to growing ITB Asia even further and making it even more
relevant to Asia’s travel trade.”
Mr George Tanasijevich, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Marina Bay Sands, said: “Building communities is core to
what we do at Marina Bay Sands. We are privileged to have contributed to the
success of ITB Asia, which has been staged at Marina Bay Sands since 2014. We
look forward to another three years of partnership with Messe Berlin, offering
creative solutions and flexible venue spaces to elevate the show experience and
to enable deeper engagements for all delegates.”
The next three editions of ITB Asia will take place from 21 to 23 October 2020,
27 to 29 October 2021 and 19 to 21 October 2022.
Great interest is already being expressed for ITB Asia’s 2020 edition with more
than 3,500 square metres of exhibition space being booked for next year’s show.
Among others, these will include Korea
Tourism Organization, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of
Indonesia, Singapore Tourism Board, Spain Tourism Board
and Visit Finland.
In addition, ITB Asia 2020 will be introducing Travel Tech Asia as a new show
under ITB Asia’s umbrella of events. Travel Tech Asia will provide the
travel-tech community with a platform to connect, create and enhance the way
people travel, meet and do business, with technology.
Mice Affairs is media partner for ITB Asia and ITB India 2020.
Fore more related news log on to www.miceaffairs.com