Tapping outbound @ITB Asia
Ahead of its 9th edition, Katrina Leung, Executive Director, Messe Berlin, reveals the importance of the India market for ITB Asia and the growing curiosity about its offerings.
QWhat are the highlights of ITB Asia 2016?
This year, ITB Asia is poised to be the biggest and most exciting edition yet as we continue to forge new partnerships and connect our delegates to hundreds of companies from MICE, corporate and leisure companies across the globe.
The focus is on the theme of creating a better customer experience through innovation and technology. We return with new collaborations with industry heavyweights including the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), Crescent Rating, Travel Massive, Singapore Outbound Travel Agents Association (SOTAA), Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and many more. For the first time ever, our keynote sessions will also be running across all three days of the show. Another conference highlight is our inaugural MICE day — a full day programme with representatives from leading companies such as Amway China and Oracle Corporation.
QHow important is the Indian market? The Indian market is very important to ITB Asia and we are appreciative of the strong support from our Indian exhibitors, having seen the numbers grow yearon-year. We are also expecting more Indian buyers in the leisure, MICE and corporate sectors this year. In addition to this, our international delegates are very interested to learn more about what India has to offer and leverage on the country’s dynamic business potential.
QHow many exhibitors from India this year? As of September 28, 2016, we have 28 exhibitors from India.
QWhat is the expected value of the event this year?
In 2015, the event recorded close to 760 exhibitors and 880 buyers from all around the world. The show also attracted almost 10,300 trade delegates and set up over 16,000 matched meetings. ITB Asia is currently working to finalise the number of buyers and exhibitors at this year’s show. However, we are confident that ITB Asia will continue to be a leading global platform for all delegates and this year’s numbers are set to grow.