Asian countries will have a significant presence at next week's AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne, with exhibitors hoping that the predicted growth in business travel in the region will be evident at AIME.

Next to Australia, Asian exhibitors occupy the largest space at AIME 2005, with 13 countries participating in the event. Thailand will have the largest stand in the Asia section, followed by Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Increasing their space this year is India Tourism, Japan National Tourist Office, Vietnam and China.

"Asia is a major part of AIME, this year accounting for 27% of all exhibitors. As well as the strong exhibitor presence, Hosted Buyer numbers from Asia have also increased from 56 last year to 71 this year," said AIME Exhibition Manager, Rosemarie Sama.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will host the Thailand stand, with 195 square metres of space and 21 partners including the Peninsula Hotels, InterContinental Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Anantara Resort & Spa Group, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa and Hyatt Thailand.

Hong Kong Tourism Board, having recorded 248 conventions and 53 exhibitions for 2004, will be joined by 21 industry partners on their stand. Co-exhibitors include Cathay Pacific Airways, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 14 of Hong Kong's leading Hotels, three destination marketing companies, Hong Kong Disneyland and the Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

Tourism Malaysia will have 32 companies represented at AIME including Malaysia Airlines and the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards, and exhibitors from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.

The new Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, due to open in June, will be previewed at AIME. The high-tech centre includes a Plenary Hall seating for 3,000, a Plenary Theatre with seating for 500, four exhibition halls, a grand ballroom, a conference hall, a banquet hall and a further 20 meeting rooms.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is hosting a stand with 26 co-exhibitors reflecting the world-class attractions, venues and services available in Singapore.

Singapore currently has plans to expand Singapore Expo to 100,000sqm (10 halls), and upgrade Sentosa Island, due for completion in 2012.

Joining Korea National Tourism Organization on stand 3010 will be the Busan Convention Bureau, COEX Seoul, the Daegu Convention Bureau, Gyeongnam Provincial Govt., Holiday Planners Co. Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Seoul, leadersmate, Plaza 21 Travel Service, Rye Tours and the Changwon Convention & Exhibition Centre (CECO).

CECO is the latest venue under construction. Occupying a total space of 41,232 square metres, it will have the capacity to host 5,000 guests and 500 exhibition booths. The grand Conference Hall will be able host up to 5,000 persons in a 480 square metre space which separates into two halls.

AIME 2005, 13th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, will be held on 22 & 23 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia. Hours are 10am – 6pm on 22 February and 10am – 5pm on 23 February. For further information or to register online go to: www.aime.com.au