ITB Asia, 'Asia's Leading Travel Trade Show', held from October 16 to 18, 2019, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, attracted a record number of 13,000 attendees from 132 countries and territories. The show saw strong participation this year with over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 1,250 buyers. The three-day exhibition also saw more than 27,000 business appointments made, a 7.4% year-on-year growth.

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Company (MMPRC), commenced promoting Maldives at ITB Asia 2019. Led by MMPRC's Managing Director, Thoyyib Mohamed, 32 individuals from 17 Maldivian companies participated in the show. MMPRC revealed that ITB Asia provides Maldives with the opportunity to discuss further options to promote the country in Singapore and other Asian markets.

Maldives' 81 square meter stand displayed the countrys natural beauty and culture. ITB visitors were able to view scenes of underwater beauty and other natural scenes via virtual reality technology. Local cuisine was also available from the stall.

In its twelfth year running, ITB Asia 2019 brought together thought leaders from across the MICE, Leisure, Corporate, and Travel Tech sectors to explore how businesses can turn creative ideas into bold, yet practical, initiatives to keep pace with technological developments in the travel industry. Attendees were able to hear from more than 270 speakers, including Booking.com, Expedia, IBM, OYO China, TripAdvisor, Tujia and more. For the first time, attendees also got a chance to gain detailed understanding of some of the most important practices and trends that are defining the future of MICE events at ITB Asia's inaugural MICE Show Asia. With a turnout that exceeded expectations, the successful debut gives grounds for optimism for the future expansion of this dedicated marketplace.

Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Berlin said, "After 12 years, ITB Asia experienced strong growth again. This new record clearly demonstrates that the show is well accepted by the industry around the world as the must-attend event in Asia. Messe Berlin is delighted to continue the strategic partnership with Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) from 2020 to 2022. We very quickly realized that not only could we benefit from the extension, but that the whole of the global travel industry stood to benefit as well. I am also pleased to know that every year the team and all partners involved work hard to design ITB Asia to go right to the heart of the industry. At ITB, we build unforgettable emotions that link our industry with its people. Attendees can walk away with new inspiration, cultivating relationships and tangible takeaways."

Marina Bay Sands will see a renewal of its partnership with Messe Berlin (Singapore) as the show's official partner hotel while the extension of the relationship with STB will see Singapore as the host country for ITB Asia for the next three years of the show.