Tapping outbound @ITB Asia
The 9th ITB Asia, to be held from October 19-21, 2016, is poised to be the biggest edition till date. Katrina Leung, Executive Director, Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, lays emphasis on the Middle East outbound market.
QWhat are the highlights of ITB Asia 2016?
This year, ITB Asia is expected 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. QMiddle
How important is the
East market for ITB Asia?
The Middle East is one of the key growth markets for ITB Asia and we have continuously received strong support from exhibitors and partners in this region. According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015-2016, the Middle East outbound travel market was actually the world’s fastestgrowing market this year with a nine per cent increase in outbound trips over the first eight months in 2015. QJCXG
How many emirates
EQPſTOGF RCTticipation this year?
As of August 31, 2016, as many as 24 exhibitors from the Middle East region have confirmed participation. Qatar Tourism Authority, Dubai Parks Destination Management, Jordan Tourism Board, Iran Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha, Ritz Carlton Doha, Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha, Arabian Adventures Qatar, Atlas Travel & Tourist Agency, Sunway Tours, Al Ola Tourism and Amiel Tours are some of the attendees that have confirmed participation.
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
According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015-2016, the Middle East outbound travel market was actually the world’s fastest-growing market this year with a nine per cent increase in outbound trips over the first eight months in 2015
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.