Messe Berlin, organiser of ITB Asia, has announced this year’s show will take place at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from October 17th-19th.

Suntec Singapore, which has been ITB Asia’s home for the past four years, is currently undergoing major refurbishment, and the show plans to return to the newly renovated venue in 2013.

“We look forward to ITB Asia 2013 at the all new Suntec Singapore, and in the meantime plans are well underway for this year’s show at Marina Bay Sands.

“With its fantastic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and proactive attitude, we are confident that the new venue will continue to create an optimal business environment for ITB Asia exhibitors, delegates and buyers, and ensure a high quality show to our partners, who support this initiative,” said Nino Gruettke, executive director of ITB Asia.

Exhibition floor space at ITB Asia 2012 will increase by about 15% this year after a record performance in 2011.

Last year’s show attracted over 7500 trade visitors, representing more than 90 countries, 50 per cent more compared to 2010.

The 2011 show also had the largest conference line-up ever including the inaugural TTG Asia Travel Agency conference, the second edition of Association Day as well as panel sessions on ‘Loyalty Programmes, ‘Boutique Hotels’ and ‘Women in Action’.

“ITB Asia 2011 achieved strong attendance of 150 – 200 delegates on average for each panel session, along with positive feedback about the quality of these sessions. For ITB Asia 2012, we aim for an even higher number of delegates, and strive for a more robust conference programme, to ensure concrete year-on-year growth,” added Gruettke.

ITB Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, a mega travel and tourism festival week organised by the Singapore Tourism Board and Pan Pacific Singapore is the Official Partner Hotel for this year’s show.