Exhibitor bookings for ITB Asia 2012 up 33% over 2011

Thursday, 10 May 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Some of the world’s top international hotel groups will have a strong presence at ITB Asia 2012, which will be held from 17-19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

According to event organiser Messe Berlin (Singapore), major hospitality groups such as Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, Meliá Hotels International, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Wyndham Hotel Group and Far East Hospitality have confirmed bookings.

Pan Pacific Singapore has also come on board for the first time and will be the Official Partner Hotel for ITB Asia 2012.

“Asia has become one of the world’s most important travel markets and many hotel chains are now focusing on growing their presence aggressively in this region. ITB Asia, despite being the youngest travel trade show in Asia, is also one of the fastest growing in the region and will provide an invaluable platform of networks and knowledge for the whole travel and tourism industry to exchange insights and business leads,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.

Scott Swank, General Manager Pan Pacific Singapore said, “The hotel industry is becoming an increasingly integral part of the travel value-chain, and we very much look forward to showcasing our properties across Asia Pacific at this year’s show. With our hotel currently under transformation and set to open for business in September, the timing for ITB Asia couldn’t be better.”

Overall exhibitor bookings for this year’s show are also up 33% from 2011. In addition, there’s a 60% increase in exhibitor booth space bookings compared to last year.

Marina Bay Sands has more than tripled its exhibition space, and Las Vegas has doubled it. Indonesia returns with a larger presence, with Bali Village, which has more than doubled its space.

First-time exhibitors at this year’s show include the Catalan Tourism Board and Tourism Solomon Islands. Phuket Tourist Association will be setting up a dedicated pavilion at this year’s show.

Last year, the show attracted more than 7,500 attendees, representing over 90 countries. ITB Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, a mega travel and tourism festival week organised by the Singapore Tourism Board.