ITB Asia grows to meet strong demand

ITB Asia continues to grow and believes it is achieving similar status in Asia to that enjoyed by ITB Berlin in Europe.

Raimund Hosch, CEO of ITB Asia organisers Messe Berlin, said space at this year’s show, which opened in Singapore yesterday, was sold out four months in advance. And next year’s event would go to “another level”, he added.

Exhibitor space in 2012 would increase by 20 percent to accommodate more than the 750 exhibitors from 70 countries represented at ITB Asia 2011.

Speaking at the opening of ITB Asia, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said Asia was in the box seat to capture the lion’s share of 1.8 billion international tourists expected by 2030.

“This is definitely the place to be for businesses and destinations,” he said.

Clement Wong, PhoCusWright regional director of research, said that while Asia Pacific represents almost one-third of the global travel market, it currently accounts for only 21 percent of online revenue.

“Nevertheless, rising Internet access and purchasing would see the online travel market enjoying double-digit growth in 2012.”

The online market would grow twice as fast as the offline market, he added.