Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, ‘The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market’, has announced that Japan will be the partner country for this year’s show held from October 19 – 21 in Singapore. This partnership is a multi-agency initiative made possible with the support of Messe Berlin, Singapore Tourism Board and Pico. ITB Asia will provide a strategic platform for Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) to showcase the country’s impressive recovery since the March 11 earthquake and promote the destination to over 6,000 attendees expected at the three day trade show.
“Japan is a key player in the global travel industry and tourism is a major contributor to the nation’s economy. By rallying the support of the regional travel industry through ITB Asia, we hope to spur on a faster recovery and contribute towards its overall social and economic growth,” says Nino Gruettke, executive director of ITB Asia.
According to PhoCusWright, Japan was the largest total and online travel market in Asia Pacific in 2009, contributing gross bookings amounting to $75.5 billion, or 34 per cent of the region’s total travel market. A study by Union of International Associations also showed that Japan ranked second in the 'Top International Meetings Country' category in 2010, recognizing the country’s position as one of the world’s preferred business events destination.
The JTA delegation will provide updates on the remarkable progress of the post-earthquake rehabilitation work. They will also unveil a host of marketing and promotional initiatives aimed at restoring consumer confidence and encouraging the return of traveller. These include promoting the Shizuoka Prefectural Government, home of Mount Fuji, alongside co-exhibitors such as Prince Hotels & Resorts, Hoshino Resort and Nippon Travel Agency.
“The Asian markets play a very significant role in contributing to Japan’s inbound and outbound tourism. Tourist arrivals from Asian countries accounts for almost 70% of Japan’s international visitors. Despite the challenging post- earthquake recovery plans which Japan is spearheading, we aim to continue our support for the travel industry,” says Hiroshi Mizohata, commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency (JTA)
“With the hotel and tourism operators coming from Japan to participate, this will mark JNTO’s third appearance at this ITB Asia 2011 held in Singapore. It is an excellent platform to promote and showcase Japan as the perfect destination for leisure and business. ” says JNTO Singapore’s executive director Motonari Adachi.
