ITB Asia opened its doors today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Under the overarching theme, “Travel Reimagined”, top industry leaders is going to deliver insights on the key trends provoking disruption across the travel industry and how brands are innovating to stay competitive. The 2018 edition is expecting over 1,000 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers.
“ITB Asia continues to maintain its position as the leading travel trade show in Asia. It remains one of the top business platforms for connecting exhibitors and partners with key decision makers in the MICE, Corporate and Leisure travel industry. Working in close collaboration with our partners and exhibitors, we are delighted to unveil one of our most engaging and exciting programmes yet. We look forward to welcoming visitors to this year’s show!” said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB Asia.
As part of the keynote line up today, Microsoft and Google has provided insights on what will disrupt and change the way we travel and do business, whilst Ctrip has talked about challenging the international travel market. Tomorrow, leading companies discussing the future of travel distribution, will include Booking.com, Hotelbeds Group, Jacobs Media Group, KAYAK, Skyscanner and Triptease. On Friday, the final day of the show, Thomas Cook, Mileslife, Tujia, Fliggy & Dragon Trail Interactive will discuss how Chinese travellers are changing the world and how brands can win them over.
According to organizer, the number of Corporate and MICE participants at ITB Asia has increased by 49 per cent compared to last year. The show has seen a 20 per cent increase, compared to 2017, in new exhibitors signing up for this year’s show following the growth in demand from Asian and European participants. This year’s new registrations include National Tourism Organizations (NTO) and Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO). ITB Asia is pleased to welcome new NTO exhibitors from Abu Dhabi, Botswana, Croatia, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea as well as RTO exhibitors such as Fukuoka, Kansai, Rovaniemi and more.
