ITB Asia Attracts Almost 50 Percent New Buyers

02 October 2010 5:19pm

ITB Asia Attracts Almost 50 Percent New Buyers

Messe Berlin (Singapore) has announced that 47 percent of hosted buyers at ITB Asia 2010 will be new buyers. The majority of them have been recommended by exhibitors.

Some 62 percent of all hosted buyers scheduled to attend will represent travel markets in Asia Pacific. ITB Asia organizer, Messe Berlin (Singapore), expects Europe will supply 26 percent, up from 16 percent last year. Some 7 percent of buyers will come from the Middle East, 4 percent from the United States and 1 percent from Africa.

A full 43 percent of buyers will represent the MICE sector, up from 32 percent last year. Some 47 percent of all buyers will represent leisure travel companies and 10 percent are primarily interested in corporate travel.

Gruettke said that MICE buyer representation had spiked this year due to ITB Asia’s Association Day, 20-21 October. The specialist event will focus on best practice, the latest operational realities and new opportunities in the association event sector. Association Day attendees from four continents, representing over 17 countries are expected to attend ITB Asia, which takes place in Singapore in October.

Messe Berlin (Singapore) this year emphasized the importance of quality buyers. In addition, the diversity of buyers and sellers at ITB Asia and the insights they bring will create ideas and strategies for new business.

Another new buyer, Beverley Pridmore, Regional Product & Contracts Manager for TUI UK, highlighted the importance of Asia as a driver for global travel growth. “We are seeing a big upsurge in travel demand from consumers in Asia. I believe ITB Asia has an important role in showing the latest world travel products to the Asian travel market,” she said.

Asian buying power and the new products in the region were a key factor in attracting Asia Escape Holidays from Australia to ITB Asia for the first time. ITB Asia takes place 20-22 October 2010 at the Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre.