Northstar

The Indispensable Travel Industry Read Chasing MICE in Asia Feature Highlight Vol. 5 | 16 November 2010 | www.travelweeklyweb.com | Published by Travel & Meetings Group, Ten Alps Communications Asia Pte Ltd News Marriott International and Ctrip sign distribution agreement Page 3 News UFI's 77th in Singapore breaks records Congress (From left to right) Edward Liu, SACEOS president, Manfred Wutzlhofer, UFI president and Melissa Ow, STB assistant chief executive. This year marks a milestone for Singapore as the 77th UFI Congress returns to Singapore. The last time, it was held in Singapore was in 1994. UFI President, Manfred Wutzlhofer said, "Despite the way in which the world financial crisis caused significant economic problems, the exhibition industry has shown that its development is stable and strong. Participation at exhibitions by companies of all types and in many sectors of the economy continues to be an essential part of their business development programmes. It can give them fresh impetus in diffi cult times and, at best, help them move back onto an upward trend" The 77th UFI Congress which was held at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) from 10-13 November had drawn record breaking attendance to the association's annual event. Sharing their professional views on the course of the industry, exchanging ideas and networking with one another in the outstanding MBS venue were 475 leaders and strategic thinkers from the global exhibition industry from 50 countries. Edward Liu, SACEOS President, stated "We are delighted to welcome par t icipant s at this November gathering of the global captains of the exhibition industry in Singapore. This marks a signifi cant milestone in the continuing expansion and growth of the Asian exhibition industry in the new millennium. SACEOS is indeed honoured to play host to this international gathering." Mel issa Ow, assistant chief executive, Industry Development (II) Group, Singapore Tourism Board, added, "As Singapore's economy records strong growth this year, The Sukhothai Bangkok unveils new website Page 6 "Successful Business in Changing Times". Said Wutzlhofer, "Drawing on Eric Everard, UFI president 2010/11 the MICE industry has also grown in tandem. Indeed, over the years, we have built a robust calendar of tradeshows and business events. UFI 's decision to hold its 77th Congress in Singapore underscores our city's position as a leading exhibition hub in the Asia Pacific." This year's Congress theme is, the findings of UFI's Global Baro- meter research which has been conducted regularly since late 2008, I can tell you that the impact of the economic crisis on exhibition organiser turnover also ref lects regional differences. The Middle East and Africa region appears to have been least affected on average, with a minimum of 50 percent of the companies declaring an increase during almost all periods. For the other regions the return to increased turnover varies from the second half of 2009 for Asia/Pacific to the second half of 2010 for Europe." The new president of UFI was also announced at the Congress, who is Eric Everard – UFI President 2010/11.

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