South America and Southern Africa Increase Presence @ ITB Asia

Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, has increased capacity for this year’s show by 20%.

Now in its fifth year, ITB Asia 2012 will be held from 17-19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

“Each year the show gets bigger and better. We increased capacity by 20% after a record performance in 2011 and with five months to go until ITB Asia 2012, we’ve not only filled the venue but there’s already a waiting list of companies still interested in participating this year,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia. “We’ve also decided to give the show a refreshed look to accommodate the growing number of visitors and exhibitors we expect to see at ITB Asia 2012. There will be a new central walkway which will enable visitors to navigate the different exhibiting regions with ease and exhibitors can also expect maximum exposure with the new layout.”

This year’s show is expected to see a strong presence from emerging markets across the world. South America and Southern Africa are two of the regions with a growing presence at ITB Asia 2012. Notable exhibitors from South America, which has doubled its floor space this year, include Promperu, Peru’s tourism board, returning after a three-year absence from the show, and a dedicated pavilion collectively set up by the tourism boards of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia and Venezuela.

Southern Africa, which has increased its floor space by two and a half times this year, will be represented by two dedicated pavilions at ITB Asia 2012.

“Asia Pacific is definitely one of the engines driving global tourism forward. Both inbound and outbound travel from this region is increasing steadily year on year and these figures confirm the optimism that international exhibitors are already demonstrating at this year’s ITB Asia," explained Gruettke.

Another region with increased floor space bookings is Southeast Asia. Within this region, Thailand has increased booth space, with the tourism boards of Phuket and Hua Hin setting up dedicated pavilions at this year’s show. Philippines Department Of Tourism also returns to ITB Asia 2012 after a three-year absence.

ITB Asia has also attracted a number of international hotel groups this year like Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and Hilton Worldwide. Pan Pacific Singapore, a first time exhibitor, will be the Official Partner Hotel for ITB Asia 2012.

Last year, the show attracted over 7500 attendees, an increase of around 14% from 2010, representing over 90 countries, 50% more compared to 2010.

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