ITB Asia has unveiled details of its programme partnerships for this year’s show along with increased exhibitor activity and 90 per cent of recommended buyers targeted to attend the event.
The two-day show will take place in Singapore at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, from October 25-27.
Organisers Messe Berlin (Singapore) report an increase in the number of hotel groups participating in the buyer’s programme, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Best Western Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International, Resorts World Sentosa, WorldHotels and Pan Pacific Hotels Group.
Closer collaboration with key associations, including Malaysian Association for Tour & Travel Agents, Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India and National Association of Independent Travel Agents, are helping to bring a fresh pool of buyers to the event.
“As the leader in the travel space, it’s essential that ITB Asia is always looking to keep one step ahead of the evolving needs of this sector,” says Katrina Leung, executive director of Messe Berlin (Singapore).
“We want to continue this momentum by working with our partners to bring a fresh pool of influential buyers from across the region.
“Working closely with our exhibitors this year, has allowed us to increase the number of buyer programme partnerships and deep dive into each local market to identify key areas of growth and demand.”
Organisers report that 895 buyers attended ITB Asia in 2016, leading to a 1:1 ratio between exhibitors and buyers while more than 50 per cent of buyers signed deals with exhibitors post event.
Some 43 per cent of attending buyers had purchasing power of between US$500,000 and US$1m while 85.7 per cent of attending buyers were direct decision makers.
Sharon Lee, senior director of sales at Meliá Hotels International adds: “The need to consistently innovate is a trait that both Meliá and ITB share. In today’s business climate, delivering strong returns for exhibitors is key and, on this front, ITB Asia is ahead of the curve.”
Olivier Berrivin, Asia managing director of Best Western’s international operations, says: “Our company has participated in every edition of ITB Asia since the event first launched in 2008, and we had no hesitation in confirming our presence for this year’s tenth anniversary show.
“We return to this event each year as it consistently provides us with high quality business leads for our Asian hotels and resorts. With pre-arranged face-to-face appointments, industry insights and excellent networking opportunities, this is an unmissable event.”
