ITB Asia sees 60 percent increase in exhibitor bookings

SINGAPORE – Some of the world’s top international hotel groups are set to make a strong presence at ITB Asia 2012, the Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market, which will be held from October 17-19 at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

According to event organizer, Messe Berlin (Singapore), major hospitality groups such as Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, Meliá Hotels International, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Wyndham Hotel Group, and Far East Hospitality have confirmed bookings and are set to show strong presence. Pan Pacific Singapore has also come on board for the first time and will be the Official Partner Hotel for ITB Asia 2012.

“Asia has become one of the world’s most important travel markets, and many hotel chains are now focusing on growing their presence aggressively in this region. ITB Asia, despite being the youngest travel trade show in Asia, is also one of the fastest growing in the region and will provide an invaluable platform of networks and knowledge for the whole travel and tourism industry to exchange insights and business leads,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.

Scott Swank, General Manager, Pan Pacific Singapore, said: “The hotel industry is becoming an increasingly integral part of the travel value-chain, and we very much look forward to showcasing our properties across Asia-Pacific at this year’s show. With our hotel currently under transformation and set to open for business in September, the timing for ITB Asia couldn’t be better.”

Overall exhibitor bookings for this year’s show are also up 33 percent from 2011. In addition, there’s a 60 percent increase in exhibitor booth space bookings compared to last year. For example, Marina Bay Sands has more than tripled its exhibition space, and Las Vegas has doubled its space. Indonesia returns with a remarkable increase in presence, with Bali Village, which has more than doubled its space.

First-time exhibitors at this year’s show include the Catalan Tourism Board and Tourism Solomon Islands. Phuket Tourist Association is showing a strong presence and will be setting up a dedicated pavilion at this year’s show.

Last year, the show attracted more than 7,500 attendees, representing over 90 countries. ITB Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, a mega travel and tourism festival week organized by the Singapore Tourism Board.

ABOUT ITB ASIA 2012

ITB Asia 2012 will take place at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, from October 17-19. It is organized by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd. and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The event will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also corporate and MICE travel. ITB Asia 2012 will include exhibition pavilions and tabletop presence for business start-ups providing travel services. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities, and travel technology companies are all expected to attend. www.itb-asia.com

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