Inaugural ITB Asia Opens in Singapore

The inaugural and much anticipated ITB Asia opens today, 22 October, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Despite the global economic slowdown, 5,000 leisure, meetings and corporate travel representatives from over 50 countries will convene for three days of buyer-seller negotiations. The show, organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) with support from Singapore Tourism Board, will showcase global travel products to Asian buyers.

The impact of the global financial instability on travel bookings and the need for a coherent response will be addressed by hotel, aviation and  tour operator CEOs, including Mr Peter Long, Chief Executive of TUI Travel Plc in the ITB Asia Convention. ITB Asia is the brand extension of the mammoth ITB Berlin, the largest travel show in the world.

Messe Berlin (Singapore) Director, Dr Martin Buck, said, “The travel industry in Asia has seen good times and bad times. It always comes back  stronger after a setback. Travel industry leaders are forward looking, positive and solutions-driven. There will certainly be urgency and a buzz around the show floor this week.”

The ITB Asia opening ceremony takes place 0900-1000 on 22 October at the Theatre in Suntec on Level 2, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1000 at Level 6 in front of Hall 2.

In the evening of 22 October 3,000 ITB Asia delegates will be regaled at a welcome dinner and reception called “Singapore Ignites” hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board at the Marina Bay Floating Platform.

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