Messe Berlin CEO Mr Raimund Hosch said that the Suntec contract extension was good news for the travel industry in Asia. “Our ethos at Messe Berlin (Singapore) is to create the optimum business environment for ITB Asia exhibitors and buyers. Suntec is the right choice due its logistics, access, facilities and a ‘can-do’ mindset. ITB Asia’s exhibitors and buyers and the travel industry across Asia will benefit from this continued excellent partnership,” he said.

Mr Hosch added that the continued alliance meant that exhibitors, buyers and journalists now have planning reliability. He said that some exhibitors had already committed to ITB Asia 2011 based on the decision to stay in Singapore.

“Based on our excellent first three years, we don’t want to change a winning team, a winning format and a winning location,” added Hosch.

ITB Asia attendees have a choice of over 5,000 four-star or above hotel rooms within a 10-minute walk of Suntec.

Suntec’s management welcomed the extension. “The fact that Messe Berlin (Singapore) has extended its contract with Suntec is a testament to the excellent working relationship we have forged over the last three-plus years,” said Pieter Idenburg, Chief Executive Officer of Suntec Singapore. “Suntec remains committed to creating business value for ITB Asia. We look forward to playing a key role in the event’s growth and success in the years ahead."

ITB Asia 2010 will take place at Suntec Singapore 20-22 October this year. Some 21,000 buyer-seller meetings are expected. Hundreds of buyers will meet with exhibitors who are keen to tap into Asia’s soaring demand for travel products and services.