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Asia's largest event held at Marina Bay Sands The fifth installation of Asia’s largest trade show drew to a conclusion on October 19, 2012 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. ITB Asia, arguably the region’s most important event for the travel and trade industry is a fine example of how good event management can pool together the industry’s sharpest to network, reconnect, and create new businesses, vital to the growth of the trade. And where else is better to venture into, than in Asia? Looking at the healthy appetite for expansion, Asia’s dynamic identity creates ample opportunities for international collaboration and businesses. According to industry research authority, PhoCusWright, Asia Pacific is set to continue to lead as the world’s fastest-growing travel region next year, reaching US$357 billion, a 64 per cent increase over 2009. “This year will be the largest ITB Asia show to date and we’re seeing a double-digit growth in all segments of the show. We have 865 exhibiting companies from 72 countries, which is a 15% increase from 2011, and about 13% and 17% rise in gross and net floor space respectively compared to last year. We also have over 3720 minutes of conference content to be delivered this year, which is around 24 % up from 2011. It is without a doubt that ITB Asia has clearly established itself as the strategic gateway for the global travel trade to reach out to this region,” said Martin Buck, vice-president, Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia. But is Asia’s travel industry fed with a healthy dose of supply-driven demand or is it a self-sustaining market that can hold its own? International presence, in Asia Abu Dhabi for instance, sent its seven-strong delegation led by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and comprised of representatives from the hotels, resorts and destination companies. Sharing a pavilion, the Abu Dhabi team was well-poised to focus on Asia, putting the region top on its list of priorities. “Asia is now our top performing region in terms of hotel guests,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. Asia forms the strongest growth and forms a third of Abu Dhabi’s international guests, China, Korea and Japan being key markets. “Our destination has moved on significantly since we took part in the show last year and we are convinced that our new product offering, plus the soon-to-open power draw of Yas Waterworld, will heighten interest further and we will be looking to capitalise on this.”