Messe
Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia has announced its first
ever panel debate jointly organised by leadingtravel industry
experts representing the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the
Singapore Tourism Board (STB), titled ‘Looking into Tourism in Asia
in 2030’.
Taking
place on the first day of ITB Asia 2012, 17 October, at 1pm, the
inaugural panel debate will reinforce ITB Asia’s positioning as an
invaluable networking and knowledge platform, as key industry experts
from ITB Asia, UNWTO and STB come together in an exchange of
expertise and insights on the features of tourism in Asia moving
towards 2030. Now in its fifth year, ITB Asia 2012 will be held from
17-19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention Center,
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
“With
a reputation that has grown alongside the show, ITB Asia draws
international industry leaders across the board of
different travel segments. Each year we congregate these
industry innovators to deliver insights to our delegates in order to
influence and maximise the potential of Asia’s tourism industry. We
take extreme pride in understanding our exhibitors and partners and
keeping the show's content relevant to their needs,” said Nino
Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.
“This
year, with our inaugural panel debate focussing on tourism trends
towards 2030, we hope to give delegates the opportunity to formulate
appropriate policies and strategies to future-proof
their businesses and
ensure sustainable growth despite uncertainties,” added Gruettke.
The
session will kick-off with an introduction to global and regional
tourism trends through the next two decades by John Kester, Director,
Market Trends and Marketing Techniques, UNWTO, based on UNWTO’s
landmark “Tourism Towards 2030” report.
According
to UNWTO “Tourism Towards 2030”, Asia is expected to be at the
forefront of the tourism boom over the next 20 years.
“Our
research shows an immense potential in the Asian travel industry.
Leveraging ITB Asia’s strength as an industry knowledge platform,
we believe that this session will be a catalyst in
preparing travel professionals for
future businessopportunities
and a critical element in providing delegates an overview of the
factors and trends which are expected to drive tourism growth in Asia
in the future,” said UNWTO spokesperson, Sandra Carvao.
According
to UNWTO’s findings, international tourist arrivals will surpass 1
billion by 2012, reaching 1.8 billion by 2030. Of these international
arrivals, Asia and the Pacific alone will account for 535 million by
2030, making up about 30% of total international arrivals, up from
22% in 2010.
The
panel debate will deliver insights on how industry players can
maximise the potential of such trends in ensuring steady growth for
their businesses. It will not only offer delegates an in-depth
understanding of the behaviour ofbusiness and leisure traveller
of 2030, but will also shed light on how to better prepare and
structure businesses to make the most of long term trends.
ITB
Asia concluded on a high note last year, attracting over 7500
attendees from over 90 countries, and delivering over 3000 minutes of
high-powered conference content. This year’s show promises to be
even bigger and better with its record conference line-up of over
3700 minutes. Aside from TTG Asia Media and Web In Travel who
return to deliver critical developments in the travel industry,
the show welcomes three new conference partners – MCI, National
Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and Panacea
Publishing Asia.
ITB
Asia is an international platform that unites leaders from the travel
and tourism industry to network, exchangebusiness
ideas and formulate business leads. ITB
Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, Asia’s most
influentialtravel trade festival
organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), held in Singapore
from 15 – 19 October 2012.
Into
its third year, TravelRave brings together top minds and opinion
leaders across the Asia Pacific to exchange strategic insights and
knowledge, network, and uncover potential growth opportunities that
will help ensure sustained growth in Asia’s travel and
tourism industry.
“Our
partnership with Messe Berlin and UNWTO strengthens TravelRave’s
position as a knowledge platform, delivering important insights that
will help companies navigate the fast changing Asian travel industry.
With Asia expected to lead the growth in global tourism, there is no
better time to deepen our understanding of the needs of Asian
travellers,” said Andrew Phua, STB’s Director of Exhibitions &
Conferences.
