ITB Asia wraps up 10th anniversary with record highs

ITB Asia 2017 has closed in Singapore this week, having posted 77% growth from its inaugural edition 10 years ago. The Asian travel show organisers claimed and a record 22,000 business appointments had been undertaken during the three-day show at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands. Over 900 exhibitors from 113 countries (11% up on last year) attended. 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 10 years. Speakers from big names IBM Asia Pacific and Google delivered insights on the potential of Artificial Intelligence; Ctrip presented its global strategy, while fast-growing start-ups Hiverlab, Zebra Design and Savioke discussed opportunities for augmented reality and virtual reality in hospitality and tourism. “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”, said Katrina Leung, executive director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB Asia. ITB Asia will continue to be held in Singapore, the organiser said, due to support from the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Exhibition Convention Bureau. The organiser also reported the highest exhibitor rebookings for ITB Asia 2018. ITB Asia 2018 will be held from 17-19 October 2018 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands. Photo caption: VIPs at the ITB Asia 2017 Opening Ceremony. L-R: Lionel Yeo, CEO of the Singapore Tourism Board; Sim Ann, senior minister of state, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Dr Christian Goke, CEO of Messe Berlin; Gloria Guevara,pPresident and CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council