ITB Asia 2024 begins in  Singapore, alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia bringing together travel trade for business, networking and conferences from 23 -25 October 2024.

Addressing the attendees at the opening of the ITB Asia 2024, Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin stated: “A very warm welcome to our 17th edition of ITB Asia, where, here in Singapore in Marina Bay Sands alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. Thank you all for joining us for powerful meetings of good discussions. ITB Asia 2024 is a key platform that brings together thought leaders from different areas to discuss travel and tourism, opportunities for proliferation and industry growth.”

“This years’ show promises to be the biggest and most diverse till now. The show is spread across 17,000 square metres filled with exhibitors from all over the world and guests,  showcasing everything from destinations, airlines, hotels to cruises and MICE. Cutting edge and groundbreaking technologies for the years to come would be showcased there. Over 60 Tourism organisations and convention bureaus have joined us. There is an increase of more than 75 per cent from exhibitors joining from the African region compared to the last year’s show. The European region also has an increase of over 25 per cent. We see new participants from the Asian countries, America and from ME. Among the exhibitors we have the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism from the Sultanate of Oman, Visit Norway, Tourism Armenia, Visit Jordon, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and many more.”

He concluded: “ITB Asia 2024 is all about innovating for tomorrow, strengthening future resilience in travel and tourism, we will be diving into critical discussions  and into leisure and corporate travel, MICE and rapidly evolving technologies. With over 160 speakers, 100 sessions and nearly 70 hours of fully packed programs. There remains a wealth of information to be imbibed.”

The Guest of Honour at ITB Asia 2024, Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Trade & Industry, Government of Singapore, he thanked all for coming and stated that the city is open for many events.

He said: “Singapore is a place to experiment. If you have new ideas, you have new suggestions and you need to try them out, then Singapore is the destination. We recently held the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 night race, that is extremely popular. We also we were also asked to hold the first international Olympic E ports week in Singapore. If you have a good novel idea, and you want to execute in Singapore, we are open for business. Thank you very much for your time and your confidence in Singapore, and have a great idea to be ITB Asia 2024.”

This was followed by the keynote address from Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to CEO World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited and Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited.

The premier event is covering key verticals in the travel industry – MICE, Leisure, Corporate Travel, and Travel Technology. Under this year’s theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism”, the agenda of the three-day conference comprises knowledge and insights across three focused tracks on how to adapt to changing consumer expectations, improve operational efficiency and create more sustainable and immersive experiences