Travel Leaders to Assess Economic Impacts at ITB Asia

Leaders of some of the most powerful travel companies in the world are gathering in Singapore this week for the inaugural ITB Asia. At the forefront of many minds, will be the impact and possible response strategies to the global economic crisis.

ITB Asia organiser, Messe Berlin (Singapore), wants delegates to address the economic implications. "Companies dependent on consumers continuing to travel are eager to see where this is going," said Dr Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore). "Responsible delegates and market leaders will share their insights and policy responses to help deal with this latest challenge. Some of the best travel industry minds in the world will be here to bring a balanced long-term perspective to the situation."

On the ITB Asia trade floor hundreds of buyers will update over 650 exhibitors on the economic climate in their specific markets. In the ITB Asia Convention, CEOs, presidents, chairmen and chief sales officers of international companies such as Starwood, Accor, and Jumeirah will assess implications and economic response strategies in the Hotel Leaders Forum on 23 October.

Later the same day, Mr Philip Wolf, President & CEO, PhoCusWright Inc will single out the opportunities and pitfalls that the latest economic crisis presents and how online travel distributors should respond.

Gordon Locke, Vice President, Airline Marketing and Strategy, Sabre Airline Solutions/Sabre Travel Network will address 'Turbulence and Opportunity' in the Aviation Forum on 24 October.

Dr Buck said that Asia has a strong record in responding well to crises. "The Chinese proverb that out of crisis comes opportunity is as true today as ever. Travel leaders I've talked to say that this is a time for positive action based on sound strategy. The right place to formulate that strategy is ITB Asia."

ITB Asia is taking place in Singapore 21 - 24 October 2008. Likely to become the most important, and largest travel trade show in Asia, it is not an event to miss.

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