Strong demand from the international travel industry for ITB Asia shows early success.

Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Messe Berlin, organizer of the world's largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin, and the Singapore Tourism Board in April 2007 for Singapore to host the show's first-ever Asian edition of ITB, significant progress has been made, reflecting the show's popular appeal among key global travel trade industry players.

To be held at Suntec Singapore from 22 to 24 October 2008, ITB Asia is a unique international platform with a strong focus on Asian buyers and sellers, and the Asian travel source markets, without neglecting key buyers and exhibitors from other regions.

Organised by Messe Berlin, ITB Asia has seen stronger than expected demand from the international travel industry, reflecting the buoyant outlook of the Asian outbound travel and the growth potential of the travel trade in the region.

Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin Singapore said, "We are pleased to have confirmed more than a hundred exhibitors from 32 countries, more than ten months in advance of the event."

Exhibitors include some 30 National Tourism Organisations including those of Germany, Maldives, Spain and Singapore; major travel organisations such as Silversea Cruises, Orient Express Travels & Tours, Commonwealth Travel Service and Hong Thai Travel; leading accommodation providers including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd, Millenium & Copthorne International, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd, Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; as well as important online industry players like HRS.

"Obviously the vision and format of ITB Asia meet the zeitgeist (ethos) of the travel industry. Besides focusing on the Asian travel source markets without neglecting key buyers from other important markets, ITB Asia concentrates on small and medium size enterprises that cater to the rising travel demand for innovative niche products and it promises to be the platform not only for leisure buyers but also for meeting planners and corporate travel managers," said Dr Buck.

Buck also stressed the very competitive pricing of ITB Asia. Not only that the price of 2,500 US Dollars for the first nine square metres includes three exhibitor passes. There is also a 10 percent early bird available and -most important- a special product for small and medium sized exhibitors that costs still 40 percent less.

Feedback from exhibitors also echo the vision for the show. As Frank Trampert, VP Distribution Services & IT, Carlson Group puts it: "Asia deserves an ITB". Eric Bello, VP Sales, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, adds: "ITB Asia may be the dominant travel trade show of Asia."

Mr Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive of the Business Travel and MICE Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "We are heartened to see such an encouraging response to the inaugural ITB Asia. ITB Asia is undoubtedly a jewel in our crown of business events in the travel and tourism cluster, and will contribute significantly to our Tourism 2015 targets. We look forward to a successful show next year, and in welcoming all delegates and visitors to Uniquely Singapore."

The inaugural ITB Asia is expected to attract around 5,000 delegates, including tourism exhibitors and trade visitors from around the world, especially travel trade players in Asia, such as airlines, tour and hotel operators.

Travel trade players can network, share knowledge on the latest trends and discuss key issues and challenges related to different parts of the value chain for travel and tourism businesses through avenues such as conference, seminars and workshops at ITB Asia.