Asian Travel Industry Unites at ITB Asia as Economic Clouds Gather

ITB Asia 2008, SINGAPORE—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Despite financial uncertainties in the global economy, the number of travel industry delegates attending ITB Asia in Singapore this week exceeded organiser expectations.

Over 6,000 delegates attended the inaugural ITB Asia B2B show for the Asian travel market. “Buyers and exhibitors have turned out in force to attend ITB Asia. We have had virtually no cancellations attributed to the new economic crisis,” said Mr Raimund Hosch, CEO of Messe Berlin, the event organiser.

“This tells us that in good times, or bad, the travel and tourism industry is committed and resilient. We believe ITB Asia delegates correctly saw this week as their chance to come together from all corners of the industry to discuss proactive policies and plan for the recovery to come,” he said.

Buyers and sellers took part in 41,000 pre-set appointments during the event which features the full range of leisure, corporate travel and meetings industry products and services.

In the show’s debating forum, the ITB Asia Convention, CEOs from the hotel, online supplier, tour operator and airline sectors conceded that the remainder of 2008, and most likely much of 2009, will be tough for travel and tourism in Asia and the rest of the world.

The Convention was addressed by Mr Peter Long, CEO of TUI Travel Plc, a major Europe-based leisure travel company which takes over 30 million customers on holiday each year. He said: “The situation is clearly challenging. But we have had equally challenging times in the past.”

What remains unknown, noted Mr Long, is how much consumer demand will weaken. He said this uncertainty requires a more flexible approach together with careful planning.

Tourism leaders said the travel industry in Asia was accustomed to short-term setbacks. They said downturns must be seen in the context of strong longterm demand from usually fast-growing economies where middle class Asians have discovered a passion for travel.

“Crisis always opens up new opportunities to change the way we do business, said Mr Gerry Oh, Regional Vice President Southeast Asia and Australia for India’s Jet Airways, who addressed the Convention. “In a crisis, we must get very focused on customers’ needs.”

Contacts
Messe Berlin
Michael T. Hofer
Director Press & Public Relations
for the Messe Berlin group of companies
or
ITB Asia and ITB Berlin
Press Officer
Astrid Ehring, +4930 3038-2275
Fax: +4930 3038-2141
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.messe-berlin.com
or
ITB Asia PR Contact for the Asian Region
ScottAsia Communications
Ken Scott, (+66) 2860 8227
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.ScottAsia.net
or
For additional details
http://www.itb-asia.com