The 18th edition of ITB Asia kicked off yesterday with inspiring opening remarks and the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Begonia room on level 3 at Marina Bay Sands was packed as the audience eagerly awaited speeches from Messe Berlin and the Singapore government.

Mr David Ruetz, Senior Vice President Messe Berlin, spoke to the quality of the ITB Asia Conference this year and underlined the importance of travel tech within the industry as a “driver of efficiency”. He extended a warm welcome to exhibitors, buyers, partners, media and government, wishing everyone “an inspiring, productive and successful ITB Asia 2025.”

Guest of honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of National Development, Singapore, described Singapore’s expanding events sector as well as the city-state’s ambitious goals for tourism, namely the 2040 tourism strategy. This project aims to significantly increase Singapore’s tourism receipts, especially in the MICE sector. He underlined potential wellness represents for tourism, and thanked Messe Berlin for their “long-standing partnership,” congratulating them on a record-breaking edition of the show this year.

For the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mr David Ruetz and Mr Alvin Tan were joined by Mr Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director, Exhibitions & Conferences, Singapore Tourism Board and Ms Katrina Leung, Managing Director & Vice President Asia Pacific at Messe Berlin. This officially opened the show along with a lion dance accompanied by live percussion kicking off three days of connections, collaborations and opportunity.