Recognised as the best platform for international travel sellers to meet Asian and Chinese buyers, the 17th International Travel Expo Hong Kong (ITE HK 2003) succeeded to attract 6,800 trade visitors to attend, representing an additional 200 more visitors compared to its last edition.

As the unique travel exhibition in town, the four-day show also drew 44,800 public visitors.
Stephen Ip, secretary for Economic Development and Labour, shared his appreciation of the annual travel and tourism event at its opening ceremony, “International Travel Expo has successfully established itself as one of the leading international travel exhibitions in Asia. Hong Kong is honor to host ITE HK 2003.”
Zhang Xiqin, vice-chairman of China National Tourism Administration nodded Ip’s opinion by flying in to attend the opening ceremony. Together with his presence, the participation of Chinese exhibitors was the greatest ever, occupying about 20 per cent of the total exhibiting surface. The paramount position of ITE HK 2003 as one of the most premier episodes of its kind in the region was thus unrivaled.
With vigorous support from the industry, the show programmes were delicately structured to fulfill the specific needs of the travel trade sector.
According to. Stanley Chu, chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services, the event organiser, new ideas were added to regular programs to create greater business opportunities and enhance better business communication.
The well-received travel forums and corporate seminars, with hot tourism topics such as spa and large influx of free independent tourists from Mainland China as its focuses, had brought valuable insight to the latest travel phenomenon.
Product presentation and ‘Buyer Meets Seller’ sessions continued to facilitate networking, thus paving the way for successful business co-operation.
A new program, Amazing World encouraging exhibitors to explore new travel attractions, ended with applause.