ITB Asia 2017 has completed its milestone anniversary event with record-breaking numbers, according to trade show organisers Messe Berlin (Singapore).
The tenth edition of ITB Asia came to a close Friday, October 27, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
ITB say that over three days the event hosted about 940 exhibitors from 113 countries, an 11 per cent increase over the previous year. It also reported that this year's show welcomed its strongest buyer participation across the corporate, MICE and leisure sectors. Since 2014, ITB Asia has seen a 1:1 ratio for exhibitors and buyers.
ITB Asia said more than 22,000 business appointments recorded during the show.
It also reported the largest exhibitors showcase yet with a 77 per cent growth from its inaugural edition, featuring new exhibitors such as the Rwanda Development Board, Tourism Tunisia, Promote Iceland, Tourism & Foreign Affairs Department of Almaty City, Republic of Kazakhstan, Jeju Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others.
Organsiers say exhibitors also invested more in the quality of their booths, with Greece, Japan, Russia and Korea singled our for "impressive and engaging experiences".
This year’s conference programme looked at the role of technology, setting the tone for the changes that the industry is likely to see in the next ten years.
Speakers from IBM Asia Pacific and Google delivered keynotes on the potential of Artificial Intelligence, Ctrip presented its global strategy, while fast-growing start-ups Hiverlab, Zebra Design and Savioke spoke on opportunities for augmented reality and virtual reality in hospitality and tourism.
“In view of ten years of ITB Asia, we’ve taken every effort to celebrate the past as well as to provide attendees with a useful view to the future," said Katrina Leung, executive director of Messe Berlin (Singapore).
"While we are very pleased with our achievements in terms of the quality and numbers, what brings us most satisfaction is bringing together all the different stakeholders across the industry to network and inspire each other. The relationships built and strengthened will continue to boost our efforts in making ITB Asia the region’s go-to event and a hub for unforgettable content and enriching experiences for many years to come.”
