ITB Asia 2009 - Closing Report
The 2nd ITB Asia closed today in Singapore with 6,149 attendees joining the three-day event, compared to 6,208 last year. Messe Berlin (Singapore) Director, Dr Martin Buck, said: “The result is solid considering the nature of 2009. The performance is a strong base which promises real growth in 2010.”

While the number of exhibiting organizations increased to 679 compared to 651 last year, companies sent fewer representatives.

Invited buyers declined from 812 last year to 553 because Messe Berlin implemented higher vetting standards. It was a policy that paid off.

Messe Berlin (Singapore) introduced one-day trade visitor passes this year for the first time. Many trade visitors took advantage of it as it gave show floor access for only US$50. Trade visitor attendance on the last day rose 52% compared to last year.

A preliminary onsite trade visitor survey conducted by Gelszus Messe-Marktforschung, a market research company based in Germany, showed that overall trade visitor approval ratings for the 2009 show were 80.2%. Some 85.6% of trade visitors said they would recommend ITB Asia to colleagues and business partners. In the survey, 87.2% said they would attend ITB Asia next year.

Charlie De Lorme, Director Economic Development & Visitor Services, Utah Office & Tourism, said: “We have interest from Singapore, India, Korea, Russia, China and Australia. We are very pleased with the quality of the leads and contacts, especially from the MICE segment. In fact, we forwarded some inquiries to our suppliers in Utah and they are already in touch with these contacts.”

Discover America Pavilion offers:

Sponsorship and promotional opportunities
Optional rental furniture, plants, equipment
Custom signage and graphics
Custom booths
In- booth Wi-Fi Internet
On site labor
Booth staff and interpreters
Consolidated shipments
Hotel accommodations
VAT refund service