Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, has announced its first ever panel debate jointly organised by leading travel industry experts representing the World Tourism Organisation and the Singapore Tourism Board, titled ‘Looking into Tourism in Asia in 2030’.

Taking place on the first day of ITB Asia 2012, October 17th, at 13:00, the inaugural panel debate will reinforce ITB Asia’s positioning as an invaluable networking and knowledge platform, as key industry experts from ITB Asia, UNWTO and STB come together in an exchange of expertise and insights on the features of tourism in Asia moving towards 2030.

Now in its fifth year, ITB Asia 2012 will be held from October 17th-19th at The Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

“With a reputation that has grown alongside the show, ITB Asia draws international industry leaders across the board of different travel segments.

“Each year we congregate these industry innovators to deliver insights to our delegates in order to influence and maximise the potential of Asia’s tourism industry.

“We take extreme pride in understanding our exhibitors and partners and keeping the show’s content relevant to their needs,” said Nino Gruettke, executive director of ITB Asia.

“This year, with our inaugural panel debate focussing on tourism trends towards 2030, we hope to give delegates the opportunity to formulate appropriate policies and strategies to future-proof their businesses and ensure sustainable growth despite uncertainties,” added Gruettke.

The session will kick-off with an introduction to global and regional tourism trends through the next two decades by John Kester, director, market trends and marketing Techniques, UNWTO, based on UNWTO’s landmark ‘Tourism Towards 2030’ report.

According to UNWTO “Tourism Towards 2030”, Asia is expected to be at the forefront of the tourism boom over the next 20 years.

“Our research shows an immense potential in the Asian travel industry.

“Leveraging ITB Asia’s strength as an industry knowledge platform, we believe that this session will be a catalyst in preparing travel professionals for future business opportunities and a critical element in providing delegates an overview of the factors and trends which are expected to drive tourism growth in Asia in the future,” said UNWTO spokesperson, Sandra Carvao.

According to UNWTO’s findings, international tourist arrivals will surpass one billion by 2012, reaching 1.8 billion by 2030.

Of these international arrivals, Asia and the Pacific alone will account for 535 million by 2030, making up about 30 per cent of total international arrivals, up from 22 per cent in 2010.

The panel debate will deliver insights on how industry players can maximise the potential of such trends in ensuring steady growth for their businesses.

It will not only offer delegates an in-depth understanding of the behaviour of business and leisure traveller of 2030, but will also shed light on how to better prepare and structure businesses to make the most of long term trends.

ITB Asia concluded on a high note last year, attracting over 7,500 attendees from over 90 countries, and delivering over 3000 minutes of high-powered conference content.

This year’s show promises to be even bigger and better with its record conference line-up of over 3,700 minutes. Aside from TTG Asia Media and Web In Travel who return to deliver critical developments in the travel industry, the show welcomes three new conference partners – MCI, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore and Panacea Publishing Asia.

ITB Asia is an international platform that unites leaders from the travel and tourism industry to network, exchange business ideas and formulate business leads.

ITB Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, Asia’s most influential travel trade festival organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), held in Singapore from October 15th–19th.

Into its third year, TravelRave brings together top minds and opinion leaders across the Asia Pacific to exchange strategic insights and knowledge, network, and uncover potential growth opportunities that will help ensure sustained growth in Asia’s travel and tourism industry.

The event will also partner the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony.

“Our partnership with Messe Berlin and UNWTO strengthens TravelRave’s position as a knowledge platform, delivering important insights that will help companies navigate the fast changing Asian travel industry.

“With Asia expected to lead the growth in global tourism, there is no better time to deepen our understanding of the needs of Asian travellers,” said Andrew Phua, STB’ director of exhibitions & conferences.