TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Three-day ITB Asia begins in Singapore from 23 October 2024. TRAVTALK is the media partner for the event, being held under the theme ‘Innovating for Tomorrow: Shaping the Resilience of Travel & Tourism’.
Dr Shehara Rizly
About 24.5 per cent of exhibitors at ITB Asia are travel agents, tour operators and DMCs, while 22.3 per cent are hotels and accommodation providers, according to Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, the organisers of the event. Giving further details, Joyce Wang, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, said that tourist attractions at the event represent 8.2 per cent, showcasing a wide range of experiences for travellers. Business travel and MICE make up 9.6 per cent, airlines 8.3 per cent, National Tourist Organisations (NTOs) 6.8 per cent and travel technology exhibitors 11.8 per cent, presenting innovations and digital solutions for the industry.
Four exhibition halls and conference rooms, spanning three floors at Sands Expo and Convention Centre will provide an ideal platform for travel industry professionals at ITB Asia 2024. Among the exhibitors from the Middle East include the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, Visit Jordan, the Palestine Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Visit Saudi.
Strengthening tourism future
ITB Asia Conference 2024 will unveil latest trends and innovations. The conference spans over three days alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, across three stages, renowned industry experts, including notable figures from Almaty Tourism Bureau, Booking.com, Croatian National Tourist Board, Dubai World Trade Centre, FCM Meetings & Events, Live Group, MG Group, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), will explore, debate and discuss the latest insights revolutionising the travel and tourism sector.
“ITB Asia Conference is where tourism leaders gather to take the pulse of the future and discuss trends on business continuity and resilience. ITB Asia is jam-packed and full of energy, celebrating the vibrant travel and tourism scene with its cultural and destination showcases, complemented by a seamless B2B business meetings scheduler,” Wang said.
“The most pressing topics critical to the future of MICE, corporate travel, leisure travel, and travel technology will be discussed by a line-up of high-calibre international speakers to strengthen the industry’s resilience and pave the way for the future,” he added.
Opening keynote
The opening day will feature a keynote speech by Liz Ortiguera, MD, Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to CEO, WTTC, titled ‘Global Trends for Sustainable Travel and Tourism’. Attendees will gain an economic outlook on the travel and tourism industry in Asia-Pacific, as well as global and regional trends that are influencing the sector’s transition. Those seeking insight into the transformative impact of technology in the industry will benefit from the keynote speech, ‘Navigating the Future of Travel: Embracing Technological Innovation’, delivered by Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited and Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited.
