Nino Grüttke is the new Executive Director of ITB Asia, tasked to take the show to greater heights.

Messe Berlin, the organiser of ITB Asia, appoints Nino Grüttke to lead the ITB Asia team in his new appointment as the Executive Director, effective 1 February.

The team's priority will be to develop participation from the Asian meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition (MICE) market. The second objective will be to expand the exhibitor base of ITB Asia, which takes place 20-22 October in Singapore.

After the inaugural show in 2008, ITB Asia in 2009 underlined its pre-eminence as the travel industry's leading travel trade show for the Asian market. Despite economically difficult times, visitor numbers at ITB Asia 2009 held up strongly while attendance numbers at competing trade shows declined.

Before joining Messe Berlin (Singapore) Grüttke held a number of executive positions at Messe Berlin head office in the German capital, including assistant to the Chief Operating Officer. Only 27, he is already regarded in the industry as a highly accomplished trade fair specialist.

Dr Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin's Competence Centre Travel & Logistics, said: "Nino brings new leadership, energy and strategic thinking to our already successful ITB Asia team. This year we are confident of renewed growth and another great show that will deliver impressive business results to exhibitors and buyers alike."

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