ITB Asia Asks Delegates to Make a Difference

Delegates at ITB Asia 2011 will be able to contribute to a good social cause while doing what they do best, travelling around the world.

Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, has launched a special social media project to help raise funds for its adopted charity – Operation Smile Singapore.

The star of the project is known as the 'ITB Asia Stickman' - a smiling, bendable rubber figurine in the signature ITB orange. The ‘ITB Asia Stickman' and 499 other custom-made fellowmen will be available for adoption at this year’s show for a donation sum of choice. All proceeds from the donation drive will go to Operation Smile Singapore.

Exhibitors and delegates are encouraged to take photographs of the little orange models in different cities as they travel around the world for business or leisure, and upload them onto a dedicated ‘ITB Asia Stickman’ photoblog or through submission by email.

ITB Asia will then pledge US$10 for each of the first 250 photographs uploaded, to Operation Smile, a not-for-profit, volunteer medical services organisation that provides reconstructive facial surgery to indigent children and young adults. The total sum raised will go towards funding approximately seven life-changing operations.

The idea is the brainchild of Nino Gruettke, the Executive Director of ITB Asia. “Social media has significantly enhanced the way we share our travel experiences, stories and photos. Our travel photos not only capture memorable moments, but also celebrate local cultures, communities and inspire future generations of globetrotters,” explained Gruettke. “The success of this fund-raiser hinges on the concerted efforts of everyone who owns an ‘ITB Asia Stickman'. With close to 7,000 delegates from 60 countries expected to attend the show this year, we want to tap on their experiences and take advantage of the viral nature of social media outlets to contribute as an industry towards the fantastic work done by Operation Smile Singapore.”

The ‘ITB Asia Stickman' project will take place over a year, starting from 19 October 2011 until ITB Asia 2012 - or when the target of 250 photographs has been reached.

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