Category: Latest Travel News

Lisbon, Portugal, November 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Turismo de Portugal is the official Portuguese Tourism Board, responsible for the promotion, development and sustainability of tourist activity in the country. It thus unites in one single body all the institutional powers relating to the development of tourism, in all areas ranging from supply to demand, including a network of 12 tourism schools certified by UNWTO. Turismo de Portugal also has a network of tourism teams in 21 countries promoting Portugal as a tourist destination.

In 2017, the Portuguese Government approved the 2027 Tourism Strategy, managed by Turismo de Portugal, to embed sustainability into the national tourism policy. Resulting from a national debate, the ambitious initiative has outlined several crucial goals and targets to be reached across the three dimensions of sustainability in order to position Portugal as one of the world’s most competitive and sustainable tourism destinations in the world.

Aligned with this Strategy, Turismo de Portugal is launching Tourism Sustainability Plan 2020-2023 that covers many relevant issues as circular economy, plastic elimination and climate change, Clean & Safe Label 2.0, professional training in sustainability, Sustainable Tourism Observatories, innovation labs and tourist projects for cultural and nature valorisation.

“We warmly welcome Turismo de Portugal as a new important member of GSTC. Portugal has consistently engaged in pursuing a strategy of sustainable development of its tourism and it is recognized as an authentic and responsible destination,” says Luigi Cabrini, Chairman of the GSTC.

“We are very happy to join GSTC in this challenging moment for tourism all around the world and also in Portugal where it represents 15% of GDP. Turismo de Portugal is committed to building strong partnerships in order to achieve a responsible and sustainable recovery of tourism activity. We strongly believe that Tourism is a force for Good, based on a commitment with sustainability and with the regeneration of our destinations. We will do our job!” says Luis Araújo, President of Turismo de Portugal.

GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can lead to achieving certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

Madrid, Spain, November 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Restrictions on travel introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hit global tourism hard, with the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) showing a 70% fall in international arrivals for the first eight months of 2020.

According to the newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international arrivals plunged 81% in July and 79% in August, traditionally the two busiest months of the year and the peak of the Northern Hemisphere summer season. The drop until August represents 700 million fewer arrivals compared to the same period in 2019 and translates into a loss of US$ 730 billion in export revenues from international tourism. This is more than eight times the loss experienced on the back of the 2009 global economic and financial crisis.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

“This unprecedented decline is having dramatic social and economic consequences, and puts millions of jobs and businesses at risk,” warned UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This underlines the urgent need to safely restart tourism, in a timely and coordinated manner”.

This unprecedented decline is having dramatic social and economic consequences, and puts millions of jobs and businesses at risk

Recovery short-lived

All world regions recorded large declines in arrivals in the first eight months of the year. Asia and the Pacific, the first region to suffer from the impact of COVID-19, saw a 79% decrease in arrivals, followed by Africa and the Middle East (both – 69%), Europe (-68%) and the Americas (-65%).

Following its gradual reopening of international borders, Europe recorded comparatively smaller declines in July and August (-72% and -69%, respectively). The recovery was short-lived however, as travel restrictions and advisories were reintroduced amid an increase in contagions. On the other side of the spectrum, Asia and the Pacific recorded the largest declines with -96% in both months, reflecting the closure of borders in China and other major destinations in the region.

Demand for travel remains largely subdued due to the ongoing uncertainty about the pandemic and low confidence. Based on the latest trends, UNWTO expects an overall drop close to 70% for the whole of 2020.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Rebound in international demand expected by Q3 2021

UNWTO’s Panel of Experts foresees a rebound in international tourism in 2021, mostly in the third quarter of 2021. However, around 20% of experts suggest the rebound could occur only in 2022. Travel restrictions are seen as the main barrier standing in the way of the recovery of international tourism, along with slow virus containment and low consumer confidence. The lack of coordinated response among countries to ensure harmonized protocols and coordinated restrictions, as well as the deteriorating economic environment were also identified by experts as important obstacles for recovery.

London, United Kingdom, October 30,2020 / TRAVELINDEX / New figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveal that despite a slight improvement since June, a staggering 174m Travel & Tourism jobs could be lost in 2020 if barriers to global travel remain in place.

Research reveals small yet positive job gains, driven by the return of domestic travel in a number of markets. Already in present circumstances, 143m jobs will be impacted. Worst forecast can be avoided if an immediate coordinated response is implemented

The new figure comes from WTTC’s latest economic data, which looks at the punishing impact of COVID-19, as well as local and global travel restrictions on the Travel & Tourism sector.

If the current restrictions to international travel continue through to the end of 2020 – resulting in a limited recovery – the impact will be devastating, with as many as 174m million jobs lost globally.

Down from the 197m jobs as detailed in the previous study in June, WTTC says this positive gain is in most part driven by the return of domestic travel in countries such as China, which has shown a particularly strong recovery of its domestic market. It has also implemented a comprehensive testing and contact tracing programme, alongside health and hygiene protocols, further contributing to this significant increase.

However, the analysis shows that should current travel restrictions be removed sooner, globally, a staggering 31m jobs could be saved by the end of 2020.

This equates to more than half a million jobs saved every day between now and the end of 2020, which is the equivalent to almost the entire population of the U.S city of Atlanta, the Portuguese city of Lisbon, and would fill the Camp Nou – the home of Barcelona FC, more than five times over.

Prolonged travel restrictions could also eliminate $4.7 trillion in the sector’s contribution to global GDP, equating to a loss of 53% compared to 2019.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our latest data reveals the gravity of the long-term negative impact facing the global Travel & Tourism sector, if we don’t work together to resume international travel immediately.

“As travel restrictions around the world remained in place over the summer months, our estimates report an increase from 121m, to 143m jobs lost. In the space of just four months, our study has shown a further 22m jobs under threat worldwide. This is devastating news, and we need international coordinated action now.”

“The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, cost-effective testing at airports on departure, and air corridors. The longer we wait, the more the ailing Travel & Tourism sector faces total collapse.”

Just a few weeks ago, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC who, at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented the 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan to save the already crippled Travel & Tourism sector, and 100m jobs globally.

The game-changing plan was created with input from WTTC Members and covered a range of key initiatives which hinged on securing strong international coordination to re-establish effective operations and restart international travel.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

Among other measures, this included  eliminating quarantines and other travel barriers through the implementation of an international testing regime, combined with rigorous health and safety protocols, to enable the world to adapt to living with the COVID-19 virus while minimising the risk of it spreading further.

According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million in total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.

Madrid, Spain, October 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The United Nations, of which UNWTO is proud to be a part, was established to promote peace among nations and allow us to work together to build a better future for all.

75 years on, this mission is more relevant than ever.

The ideals that lie at the heart of the United Nations system: solidarity, cooperation and the drive for equality are the same ideals needed to ensure our recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is true for every part of our societies, not least for tourism. Around the world, many millions of people are eagerly waiting for tourism to restart. For many, their livelihoods depend on it.

For this reason, UNWTO has pledged to not stand still. Even where others urge caution, we have a responsibility to move forwards – and to bring the rest of the sector, as well as political leaders, with us.

The sixth meeting of our Global Tourism Crisis Committee emphasized just how determined every part of global tourism is to get moving again. Once again, through the Committee we succeeded in bringing together a wide range of voices, reflecting the diversity of tourism itself. These included both political and business leaders – those in a position to transform ideas into action.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Only together are we stronger. We will draw on both the power of the private sector and the determination of governments to introduce a new set of Common Safety Protocols for tourism.

These will provide a clear and harmonized set of safety and hygiene protocols, vital if we are to raise confidence in international travel.

At the same time, we realize that people don’t just want to feel safe when they travel. They also want to be reassured that they will be supported in times of uncertainty.

For this reason, UNWTO will also establish an International Code for the Protection of Tourists, and we are working to ensure all our Member States, not just those in the EU zone, are included in plans to for the safe relaunch of free movement of people across Europe.

All of our actions are guided by clear, objective analysis of this rapidly-evolving situation.

Just as misinformation about the health risks of COVID-19 puts lives at risk, so too does misinformation about the safety of international travel place livelihoods in jeopardy.

From the very start of this crisis, UNWTO has been the trusted, verified source of information for every part of our sector, as well as for governments and international organizations. Our data and insights have guided tourism’s response and now inform its recovery.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

As the UN celebrates 75 years of cooperation and progress, we stand behind the “Verified” campaign, launched by Secretary-General António Guterres to prevent the spread of false information while at the same time respecting freedom of opinion.

International travel can return safely – we have seen this first-hand through the return of in-person events. And we are working closely with airlines, airports and tourism accommodation providers to make clear that tourism is proactively leading the way in adapting to our new reality.

The benefits of restarting tourism will be felt far beyond our sector. It will help kickstart the recovery of our economies and societies.

And it will help us begin the next 75 years of the United Nations’ mission to bring peace and prosperity for all, with the determination to leave nobody behind.

UNWTO Secretary-General
Zurab Pololikashvili

London, United Kingdom, October 28, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The opening of ‘air corridors’ between the UK and the Canary Islands, the Greek island of Mykonos and the Maldives is great news for British holidaymakers and a boost for the hard-pressed Travel & Tourism sector.

“Hard working British families can enjoy relaxing in the late Autumn sunshine at these island holiday hotspots while hotels, bars and restaurants will all benefit from the influx of tourists.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“It will also bring much needed welcome news and a glimmer of hope to travel agents and tour operators up and down the UK, desperate to secure whatever business they can after a dismal summer.

“This demonstrates that travel can resume when, through cooperation and coordination, the correct measures and protocols are in place to ensure hygienic and Safe Travels.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“However, we are disappointed that more destinations have gone back on the government’s quarantine list as this will once again have a damaging impact not only to travellers, but the entire Travel & Tourism sector.

“The current approach with last minute quarantines must change. As COVID-19 has adapted, so must we. We need to learn to live with the virus and replace ineffective and costly quarantines with a global standard testing regime upon departure.”

Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has taken the bold move to make significant changes to the design of its organisational governance at the recent Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting held on October 12 and 14, respectively.

Over the past three years, PATA has been reviewing leading organizational models and been in consultation with a wide range of experts to create a design that modifies and refines the Association for more efficient outcomes and engaged participation. The major changes are a shift from an appointed Board to an elected Board by all members that is also substantially reduced in size, in addition to a reduced and fully elected Executive Board.

A unique feature of the new design is a shift from an expansive array of committees to Expert Task Forces (ETFs), which draw upon the deep knowledge and experience within the PATA network to address issues of interest to the Association and the industry. The ETFs are established to focus on a specific task within a specified time-frame and disband upon completion. New ETFs will be formed on new issues as they arise. The goal is to enable the active engagement of members in dynamic and meaningful activities that support PATA’s purpose of facilitating the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

Over the past year, three pilot ETFs have been formed with strong results. Two ETFs helped frame and facilitate the development of the PATA Crisis Resource Center and Tourism Recovery Monitor, both designed to support members through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and assist towards recovery. A new ETF is currently in process to help envision the future of PATA in a post COVID-19 environment to maximise benefits for current and future members of the Association.

As noted by Immediate Past Chair Dr. Chris Bottrill, who oversaw the governance redesign during his tenure as Chair, “I believe the meetings last week were a pivotal moment for PATA. Through the work of dedicated leaders and the input of members, we have committed to a new design that builds upon the legacy of PATA and sets us up for future growth, impact and success. It is a proud moment for the PATA community to have embraced change with the goal of strengthening the Association now and for the future.”

The changes to the Association’s organisational design and comprehensive revision of its bylaws brings its governance in close alignment with common business practices. For associations to prosper and remain relevant in an increasingly digital world, PATA must be as agile as the organisations it serves. Hence, the new structure is designed to enable a voice for all members. The ETFs along with the Board, Executive Board, and Management initiatives will encourage greater member engagement through ‘micro-volunteering’ by facilitating ‘bite-sized’ feedback on issues that matter to members, while assuring the agenda remains relevant, timely, dynamic, engaging, and beneficial for all industry stakeholders. PATA will retain its legacy of a strong community and a balance of public and private sector members in the new design, but the changes will enable broader participation of members to facilitate greater equity and diversity in all aspects of governance and operation.

PATA Chair Soon-Hwa Wong added, “In the VUCA world, the one who can adapt best is the one who will survive and thrive. To facilitate true transformation, we need to remove all the hindrances and barriers. Besides the collective will, we must have in place an effective governance structure to deal with the many unknowns that lie ahead. There is no perfect time for change. Organisation redesign is a must have and not a nice-to-have, if PATA is to lead the industry into the future. And the Future is Now.”

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATA mPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London. PATA’s Annual Theme for the 2020 calendar year is ‘Partnerships for Tomorrow’.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, October 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Canary Islands has been confirmed as the latest member of the growing International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), overseeing the responsible development of tourism worldwide. The announcement came as INSTO, an initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held its annual meeting, bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Since its establishment in 2004, the network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories has steadily grown in both size and influence. Now, as its members help guide tourism’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it met virtually for the second time since the start of the current crisis. The annual meeting provided more than 100 international experts with a platform for open dialogue about the future direction of tourism and on the support destinations need to maintain their efforts to place sustainability at the heart of future growth.

Warm welcome to new member

The Tourism Observatory of the Canary Islands, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, will join the other 30 INSTO members in monitoring and measuring tourism and providing clear, objective data to guide evidence-based decision making.

UNWTO warmly welcomes the Canary Islands into our global network of observatories. This demonstrates the Islands’ strong commitment to tourism as a force for sustainability and development

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO warmly welcomes the Canary Islands into our global network of observatories. This demonstrates the Islands’ strong commitment to tourism as a force for sustainability and development. It will facilitate the generation of more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impacts that tourism has on the Canary Islands.

Ms. Teresa Berástegui Guigou, Vice-Minister of Tourism for the Canary Islands, added: “The incorporation of the Canary Islands into the UNWTO International  Network of Sustainable Observatories  takes place at a crucial and decisive moment for the global tourism sector, due to the health crisis and the growing importance of working both on the sustainability of destinations, and on the generation of tourism knowledge for decision-making.”

Immediate concerns and long-term objectives

A range of pressing issues were discussed during the annual INSTO meeting, with inputs from the public and private sectors and from civil society, including academia. Specific issues addressed included measuring the needs of destinations, emerging public health indicators, and varying tourism products in order to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the current crisis.

The meeting also focused on ongoing issues for INSTO members, including measuring the satisfaction of both tourists and residents of tourists destinations, assessing and improving governance, and identifying how combined national and local actions are paving the way for a sustainable response, resilience and recovery.

Denpasar, Bali, October 26, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The island’s once-thriving MICE sector will play a significant role, more so than the leisure sector, in the government’s tourism recovery plan. Critical for Bali’s MICE associations to “prioritise togetherness, not competition,” in order to win, says province deputy governor.

As provincial and central governments focus on restoring Bali’s economy — the hardest-hit in Indonesia due to Covid-19 — harnessing the MICE sector’s potential to contribute to recovery has emerged as a priority.

Bali’s MICE sector has received increasing government recognition in recent years as a major contributor to the island’s gross regional product, of which 58% is drawn from tourism, according to its Central Statistics Agency.

To signal the government’s commitment to supporting the sector, in mid-October Bali’s deputy governor, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, known as Cok Ace, ratified the formation of the Bali MICE Forum.

Members include the Bali Tourism Board, the central bank’s Bali office, and local representatives of four national MICE associations: the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA), the Indonesia Event Industry Council (IVENDO), and the Society of Indonesian Professional Convention Organizers (SIPCO).

“We can’t just stand by,” said Cok Ace at the signing event. “For this reason, it is very important for Bali’s MICE associations to unite to rise up and win the competition. By prioritising togetherness, not competition, we must unite to rise up.”

The head of Bank Indonesia’s Bali office, Trisno Nugroho, added that “the potential of MICE in Bali is extremely large. We must collaborate for the awakening of MICE and the progress of Bali”.

According to Bali Hotels Association’s (BHA) government relations director, Fransiska Handoko, the hotels that rely more on MICE to generate revenue are among the worst affected by the global halt in travel.

“We need a strong back up from the government to make Bali a leading MICE destination in 2021. We are all waiting for what they are planning to do and how they will support the industry with clear and measurable results,” said Handoko in response to the formation of the Bali MICE Forum.

Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach, Nusa Dua believes the MICE sector is “the only hope” to reignite Bali’s economy. Pictured: Mandalika Ballroom.

Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach is one of the island’s hotels catering for the MICE sector. Its director of sales and marketing, Tina Tandun, believes that the government should “prioritise all meetings in Bali as 2021 will still be a soft year for international MICE in Bali”.

Tandun explained that it is highly unlikely domestic companies will prioritise meetings outside their location next year, “so the only hope is for the government to support Bali’s economy through the MICE sector”.

An earlier setup during Bali’s rosier days, by event styling company Heliconia Group.

Michael Pritchard, the founder and director of event styling company Heliconia Group, which has offices in Bali, Bangkok and Phuket, said in terms of the sector’s recovery, “I can’t see anything bouncing back. MICE and all large events are booked years in advance. It can’t be immediate. One would hope that the government does all it can to support the sector.”

One major event that will bolster the sector is the recently announced United Nations Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held in Bali in 2022. Up to 7,000 people from 193 countries are expected to attend, The Jakarta Post reported.

Singapore, Singapore, October 24, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, successfully concluded today rounding off the first virtual event in its 13-year history.

The highly-anticipated trade show was hosted virtually on the newly established online platform, ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community). Over three days, the virtual event welcomed over 35,000 travel professionals from around the world who participated in the show’s vibrant agenda of conference and networking sessions, supported by world leaders and leading destinations. With the virtual platform providing the perfect space for networking, attendees also took part in online business appointments, fuelling confidence in the industry’s future.

Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, shared: “We are proud to be the leading travel trade show in Asia, playing our part in creating a close-knit community who support one another through the good times and the more difficult ones. The past three days have been a testament to the resilience of our peers with industry leaders coming together, united by a common purpose of paving the way forward in the face of the new normal.”

New exhibitors signal confidence in the industry
This year, exhibitors were present at ITB Asia 2020 Virtual’s exhibition through digital exhibition booths. The virtual exhibition featured major players in the hotel, tourism and travel sectors, including Advantage Austria, Inspired by Iceland, Korea Tourism Organisation, Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation, Malta Tourism Authority, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development, Saudi Tourism Authority, Singapore Tourism Board, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Visit Finland, Visit Rovaniemi and more. The show floor also featured Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Govt, Park Hotel Group, Promotion Bureau of the Principality of Monaco, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Shizouka Prefectural Govt and Switzerland Tourism joining ITB Asia’s exhibition grounds for the first time.

Conferences on reinventing travel and navigating through challenges
Themed “Reinventing Travel in the New Normal”, ITB Asia 2020 Virtual’s conference saw more than 160 top speakers from major global brands lead more than 100 conference sessions. This year’s conferences specially focused on helping travel industry professionals reinvent traditional business models to adapt to current times and prepare for the industry’s recovery.

At the conferences, a specially curated line-up of industry heavyweights shared innovative perspectives on ways to build a more resilient travel industry, as well as solutions to move the industry forward.

Keynote sessions and topics focused on major themes ranging from MICE, corporate travel, travel technology, tours and activities, destination marketing, air travel, and hotel revenue and distribution.

With the new virtual format of the show, recordings have been made available on-demand for all registered delegates to view and watch again.

Paving the way for a new show model for ITB Asia
Next year’s edition of ITB Asia will be a hybrid show featuring a live and an online model to facilitate continuous engagement with industry stakeholders. Scheduled to take place in Singapore from 27-29 October 2021, the live segment of the event hopes to bring back human connections through face-to face business meetings and networking sessions. Complemented by a proven virtual segment, key functions of the show such as online business matching, on-demand content (insights articles and videos) for all-year-round business, networking and learning will further strengthen ITB Asia’s offering as the leading travel trade show.

Interest is already being expressed for ITB Asia’s 2021 edition, with more than 40% of the exhibition being booked. Confirmed exhibitors will include Advantage Austria, Best Western International, Inspired by Iceland, Korea Tourism Organization, ITB Asia’s official hotel partner, Marina Bay Sands, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and many more.

ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia 2021
The ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia live event will be rescheduled to next year, 27 – 29 October 2021, at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.

About ITB Asia
ITB Asia is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The annual three-day B2B trade show and convention will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also MICE and corporate travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities and travel technology companies are all expected to attend.

ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing business relationships with the most important players in the region. ITB Asia’s 2019 edition saw huge success with over 1,300 exhibitors, over 1,250 quality buyers, more than 7,000 minutes of conference and more than 13,000 attendees.

About MICE Show Asia
MICE Show Asia is where the incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. The annual three-day business-to-business trade show and convention featured industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals to up-and-coming MICE innovators from a wide range of disciplines, sectors, and all levels of seniority. The show is co-located with ITB Asia.

About Travel Tech Asia
Organized by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, the inaugural three-day conference will feature leading travel brands and innovative start-ups to attendees from all levels of seniority across a wide range of disciplines and sectors in the travel industry. The conference will be co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia.