Since signing an agreement with Messe Berlin to host the first ever Asian edition of ITB, Singapore’s Tourism Board has received a strong response from the international travel industry, confirming more than a hundred exhibitors from 32 countries over ten months in advance of the event. 

To be held at Suntec Singapore from 22 to 24 October 2008, ITB Asia will be an international platform which will hold a strong focus on Asian buyers and sellers, and the Asian travel source markets, without neglecting key buyers and exhibitors from other regions.  ITB Asia will also be organised by Messe Berlin. 

The exhibitors include some 30 National Tourism Organisations including; those of Germany, Maldives, Spain and Singapore, major travel organisations such as Silversea Cruises, Orient Express Travels & Tours, Commonwealth Travel Service and Hong Thai Travel; leading accommodation providers including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd, Millenium & Copthorne International, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd, Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; as well as online industry players such as HRS.

“Obviously the vision and format of ITB Asia meet the zeitgeist (ethos) of the travel industry. Besides focusing on the Asian travel source markets without neglecting key buyers from other important markets, ITB Asia concentrates on small and medium size enterprises that cater to the rising travel demand for innovative niche products and it promises to be the platform not only for leisure buyers but also for meeting planners and corporate travel managers,” said Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin Singapore. 

The inaugural ITB Asia is expected to attract approximately 5,000 delegates, including tourism exhibitors and trade visitors from around the world, especially travel trade players in Asia, such as airlines, tour and hotel operators.