Tourism Breaking News
The official opening ceremony of the 17th edition of ITB Asia, Singapore was graced by Alvin Tan – Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore, Mario Tobias- CEO Messe Berlin and David Ruetz – Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin, reported TravTalkME as media partner of the event. Bringing together over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus from across the globe, the 17th edition of ITB Asia promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet. The 3-in-1 show features a 75% increase in African exhibitors and 25% growth from Europe. This year, attendees will gain insights from 160 expert speakers and 100 sessions across three conference tracks, all centered on the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism.”
Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s leading travel trade show’ opened its doors today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Over the next three business days, travel industry professionals will be able to look forward to the largest and most diverse exhibition event and conference programme to date.
Spanning across three massive halls, ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia will showcase a diverse range of exhibitors from destinations, attractions, airlines, hotels, cruises, and the MICE industry. Meanwhile, Travel Tech Asia will host the latest travel technology suppliers and startups in an additional hall dedicated to Travel Technology companies, displaying their most innovative tech solutions.
With over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus, a 75% growth in African representation, and a 25% increase from Europe, the event will offer attendees unmatched opportunities to explore new markets, build partnerships, and gather key takeaways for business growth.
The official opening was graced by Mr. Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, Dr Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin and Mr David Ruetz, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin, who led the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony amidst the vibrant beats of a traditional lion dance.
Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, remarked on this year’s event: “ITB Asia has grown beyond just a marketplace; it’s now a global hub for travel innovation and industry development. ITB Asia 2024 offers a comprehensive platform, addressing every facet of the travel trade, ensuring attendees leave with actionable insights to enhance their business. The increased presence on the exhibition floor mirrors the industry’s confidence and the rising demand for travel.”
This year’s exhibition is expected to be the largest and most diverse yet, with participation from key tourism authorities such as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, Visit Norway, Tourism Armenia, Visit Jordan, Ministry of Tourism Government of India, and many others. Asia and Oceania will account for 56% of exhibitors, while Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East will contribute the remaining 44%. Exhibitors span the entire tourism supply chain, including Tourism Promotion Boards (28%), Tour Operators & Attractions (34%), Accommodation (27%), and Transportation & Travel Tech (11%).
Participating Tourism Organisation and Convention Bureaus, representing the full spectrum of the global travel industry, include Bangladesh Tourism Board, Business Events Perth, Czech Tourism, Guam Visitors Bureau, Ho Chi Minh Tourism Promotion Centre, Hokkaido Tourism Organisation, Johor Tourism Board, Malta Tourism Authority, Marianas Visitors Authority, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Tourism Government of India, Penang Tourism Board, Philippines Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Armenia, Visit Almaty, Visit Anchorage, VisitBerlin, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland, Visit Jordan, Visit Rovaniemi, Visit Sarajevo, Zagreb Tourist Board.
well. In terms of the breakdown of attendees he shared that 24.5% of their exhibitors are travel agents, tour operators and DMCs, 22.3% are hotels and accommodation providers with tourist attractions representing 8.2%, showcasing a wide range of experiences for travellers. Business Travel and MICE make up 9.6%, airlines 8.3%, National Tourist Organisations (NTOs) 6.8% and Travel Technology exhibitors 11.8%, presenting innovations and digital solutions for the industry.
