Category Archives: Exhibitions

As the countdown begins for the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show, Malaysia pledges partnership as the platinum sponsors for the event. The Malaysia pavilion will include eleven partners, Langkawi development authority (LADA), Adya hotel Langkawi, Westin Langkawi resort and Spa, Dayang Bay Resort Langkawi, Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd, Rebak Island Resort, Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd, Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Naam Sdn Bhd, Mega Water Sports and Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah. The success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021 subsequently, led to its third edition of the region’s most popular virtual event, the coveted Gulf Travel Show 2021. Recording over 50 exhibitors, 2,100 one-on-one meetings, 1,500 visitors which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media, the event has kept the momentum of the industry on a proactive level. Special sessions with industry experts The third edition promises an exciting line up of experts from the fields of travel, aviation, and hospitality as they share their insightful views with engaging panel discussions. Space tourism has caught on the Middle East market with the first astronaut from the UAE and then the recent expedition by Jeff Bezos has created a new emerging trend. YouGov will be sharing the research and data of this new venture at one of the sessions at the Gulf Travel Show. Buyer programme  The programme for hosted buyers is one of enthusiasm as each buyer has the opportunity to take one step further and secure their position to derive all pertinent information. Motivating engagement between the buyers and exhibitors, the leaderboard play a vital role in ensuring that the information is not just disseminated but …

ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, has announced that Trip.com Group will be the Official Travel Service Partner for this year’s show, held from 24 – 26 November 2021 in Shanghai with a virtual extension from 8 November to 31 December. Trip.com Group is one of the world’s leading online travel service providers with global travel brands under its umbrella providing hundreds of millions of travellers worldwide with accommodation reservation, transportation and attraction ticketing, vacation and tour packages, and corporate travel management services. Trip.com Group’s engagement at ITB China 2021 will include numerous on-site activities, sharing its latest market knowledge and forecasts at the ITB China Conference sessions, and added networking opportunities by co-hosting the ITB China Cruise Night for the fourth consecutive time, this year set to take place on the evening of 24 November. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: “I am very excited to attend ITB China in person this year. It has been a while, but it is wonderful to be able to meet up with industry partners again. While the pandemic has brought global travel to a standstill, we are working together at full speed toward travel recovery. ITB China 2021 will provide the travel industry with a trusted platform for personal encounters and successful business again. I can’t wait to seeing you all in Shanghai again soon!” As one of Trip.com Group’s flagship events, the 2021 ASIA-PACIFIC CORPORATE TRAVEL SUMMIT will be held concurrently to ITB China on 24 November in Shanghai to discuss the future development of the business travel eco-chain together with high-value corporate customers, airlines, hotels, MICE companies, travel payment and expense management companies. The event is also …

Travel professionals from around the globe are able to register for WTM London 2021, which will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format. The physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual – November 8-9, 2021. WTM London will be one of the first key opportunities for those working in the world’s travel and tourism to reunite in person as the industry embarks on the road to recovery. The new hybrid format means buyers and exhibitors will be able to conduct business face-to-face – then the virtual element enables companies and organisations to increase their brand awareness and join networking opportunities – even if they are not able to physically attend the show.  An important advantage is the fact that all exhibitors who exhibit at the physical event will automatically be included in WTM Virtual as part of their package. The physical event will feature all the elements for which WTM London has become well-known, including the WTM Ministers’ Summit, Responsible Tourism Day & Responsible Tourism Awards, headline speakers, seminars, speed networking, research & trends, Travel Forward – the co-located travel technology show and more. There will also be exclusive networking opportunities for senior buyers to do business. Simon Press, WTM London’s Senior Director, said “WTM London is always a crucial time for the industry to gather together, in order to plan, network and generate ideas. This year it is vital for us to meet face-to-face, to renew business relationships and forge new partnerships as we look to recover. As well as 40+ years of experience organising physical events, the WTM team …

It is once again an exciting time as Middle East’s only virtual travel show is back with its third edition. Connecting the trade digitally, the Gulf Travel Show will introduce new features in this edition including a day focused only on buyers from Saudi Arabia.  Partnering for the third edition, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority commented: “The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is looking forward to participating in the upcoming Gulf Travel Show 2021, an event that complements our commitment to positioning Sharjah as the ideal global destination for family holidaymakers, while also emphasizing the emirate’s status as a well-known cultural hub for historical and natural heritage. The Gulf Travel Show is an ideal platform to forge new collaborations while showcasing the emirate’s dedication to moving forward safely and successfully after the events of Covid-19 and highlighting Sharjah’s many new projects and attractions as well as our beautiful beaches, museums, wildlife reserves and other favorite destinations.” The Gulf Travel Show 3.0 announced that there will be a special day dedicated to VIP buyers from the region and a day focused to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Back with its third edition on popular demand, Gulf Travel Show promises to be bigger and better with focused prescheduled meetings.  SanJeet, Director, Gulf Travel Show shared, “the success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021, led to its third edition of the Gulf Travel Show 3.0. We are making this edition unique from the earlier editions hence we are launching for the first time a special day dedicated to buyers from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to meet with …

Middle East’s First and unique Virtual Travel Show, the Gulf Travel Show 3.0 announces a special day dedicated to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The idea is to have buyers only from Saudi Arabia on the day.  SanJeet, Convener, Gulf Travel Show shared, “the success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021, led to its third edition of the region’s first-ever virtual event, the coveted Gulf Travel Show 3.0 to be held in September this year. We are making this edition unique from the earlier editions hence we are launching for the first time a special day dedicated to buyers from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to meet with exhibitors from across the globe. Saudi Arabia is a very popular and upcoming destination with a strong outbound travel arm and we want to provide an opportunity to our exhibitors to make the most of this. We took this decision based on the feedback we received from the last two editions.” The third edition will continue to keep the momentum of the industry on a proactive level with the specialized panel discussions that feature experts from across the globe and the region sharing their insights on the way forward. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts becomes the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China 2021, which is set to take place as a physical event in Shanghai from 24 – 26 Nov 2021, with a virtual extension from 8 Nov to 31 Dec 2021. With over 8,900 hotels and 21 established brands across nearly 95 countries, the world’s largest hotel franchising company becomes the official partner hotel of ITB China for the third year in a row. The corresponding agreement was formally signed on 29 June, by Jane Yang, Senior Director, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), the organizer of ITB China. The hotel industry giant will have a strong presence on both the physical and digital show floor of ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry in one place. Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China, said: “We are very delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The dynamics and synergies that come from our show has helped forge many mutually beneficial industry partnerships. We believe that the new hybrid format of ITB China 2021 will be the perfect platform for our partners to develop their business and organize marketing campaigns.” Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Asia-Pacific, said: “As the largest B2B show for the travel trade in China, ITB China is an excellent platform for hoteliers to form meaningful connections with travel agencies, convention organizers and corporate clients. We are honoured to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time – a strong testament of our long-standing partnership as well as …

It was announced at the global press conference tickets for a once in a lifetime experience will go on sale worldwide from 18 July 2021, opening up a spectacular world of innovation and entertainment for every visitor across 182 visually striking and emotionally inspiring days from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. With three months to go, Expo 2020 has announced three ticket tiers to ensure every visitor will be able to enjoy the spectacular event, regardless of the duration of their visit to Dubai. One-day tickets are priced at AED 95 (USD 26); multi-day tickets, offering unrestricted entry for 30 consecutive days, are priced at AED 195 (USD 53), and season passes, with unlimited entry for the entire six months of Expo 2020, are priced at AED 495 (USD 135). Expo 2020 tickets include access to all pavilions, events and live performances, providing limitless opportunities to enjoy Expo’s dynamic, diverse and ever-changing entertainment programme, with up to 60 live events each day, from world-class music, dance and art to insightful talks and colourful national day celebrations. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “The scale and diversity of what Expo 2020 Dubai has to offer is remarkable, and a testament to the commitment, tenacity and collaborative spirit of each and every individual who has made this happen. “Excitement is building, and we are ready to welcome everyone to an unmissable six-month celebration, the likes of which the world has yet to experience. No two days at Expo will be the same, and with so much on offer, every guest will be inspired to visit as …

Region’s leading hospitality investment conference, AHIC, has confirmed the first 50 speakers for this year’s event, being held live and in-person from September 20-22, 2021 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala; Samih Sawiris, chairman, Orascom Hotel and Development; Olivier Harnisch, head of hospitality, Public Investment Fund; Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority; and Olivier Granet, managing partner and chief executive officer, Kasada Capital Management, are among the names representing the Middle East and Africa’s mega projects and funds. Leaders from some of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups are also confirmed to speak, including Sébastien Bazin, CEO and chairman, Accor; Federico J. González, Global CEO, Radisson Hotel Group; Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited; Simon Vincent, president EMEA & EVP, Hilton; Kenneth Macpherson, chief executive officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, IHG; Guy Hutchinson, president and CEO, Rotana; Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality; and Hamid Sidine, Chief Operating Officer, MEA, Milllenium & Copthorne. Under the theme Rise Together, these hotel owners, developers, investors and operators will lead debate and discussion to navigate the ‘Great Reset’ born out of the pandemic, with many more speakers set to join them over the coming months. Jose Silva, chief executive officer, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, host sponsor of AHIC, will address the audience in one-on-one interview live on stage, while the world of F&B will also be represented, with Jillian Maclean, founder and CEO, Drake & Morgan; Chris Miller, founder, White Rabbit Fund; Lynne Bellinger, director of food and beverage development, Marriott International; and Robin Rowland OBE, Operating Partner, TriSpan on the line-up. Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench and founder …

From April to June, Hong Kong’s exhibition scene has been picking up more momentum with the return of a series of close to 20 physical exhibitions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring a wide variety of products and services ranging from technology, and lifestyle, to arts and jewellery, the successful fairs attracted over a million visits under the pandemic, which is a promising sign for the exhibition industry. The positive response clearly indicates that the value of physical shows is high and Hong Kong has demonstrated how to safely and seamlessly resume large-scale business events gradually, and pave the way for further recovery including international conventions and trade fairs. Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, shares that “We are delighted to see such a strong pick-up in demand for physical fairs. These events are a good demonstration of Hong Kong’s readiness to welcome business events of any scale, and also an encouraging sign for the exhibition industry that the physical show is invaluable and we are very much looking forward to a resumption of more trade fairs in the coming months.” Inaugural physical show drives future of business “GOVirtual Business Expo is newly launched to provide a one-stop trade platform to support enterprises to unlock and capture the boundless potential of virtual business in the post-pandemic economy, and to encourage active interactions between tech industry and business sectors which will inspire frequent cooperation,” says Culsin Li, Managing Director of Baobab Tree Event, organiser of GOVirtual Business Expo, with which the GS1 HK Summit is co-located. Li adds, “we are thankful to host this new show safely and help our …

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has launched ‘Tourism 365’. The new company will support in creating experiential travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi, and enhance the emirate’s regional and global positioning in the wider tourism sector. The launch of the company is in line with ADNEC’s new broader role to support the growth of Abu Dhabi as a tourism destination, increasing leisure visitors, enhancing guest experiences, and extending their stay in the UAE’s capital. “Tourism 365” will work in concert with key stakeholders across Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and the UAE. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, commented, “In launching Tourism 365, ADNEC continues to fulfil its strategy in developing Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. Through strengthening and enhancing our business portfolio in tourism, and expanding to include leisure tourism, we actively amplify the economic impact of ADNEC Group. Tourism 365 will play a critical role in growing the emirate of Abu Dhabi as one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations. It will do so through close collaboration with partners across the government and private sectors, most notably the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), alongside local and global companies specialised in this critical sector. “Tourism 365 will contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tourism ecosystem, bringing significant returns on investment to the emirate. It will do so by launching a range of companies that will promote the tourism industry and other supporting sectors, securing major partnerships with dominant international and travel companies. Finally, ‘Tourism 365’ will enable innovation across the tourism sector, increasing the emirate’s attractiveness to international visitors, and showcasing all …