ITB Asia 2025 opened at Singapore's Marina Bay Sanda Expo and Convention Centre today, 15th October.
Now in its 18th edition, ITB Asia is currently welcoming more than 18,000 travel professionals, dignitaries, and members of the media to a tripartite event that consists of ITB proper, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia.
That said, the 2025 run also has the event's biggest spatial footprint since 2008 as it encompasses five halls across two levels of the massive venue.
Centred on the theme Future Forward: Transforming Travel and Tourism in a Changing World, ITB Asia seeks to explore the latest trends shaping the industry, particularly the evolution of related technologies, sustainability, and innovation; evolving travel expectations, and the increasing importance of the global and regional MICE sector.
Ruetz: ITB Asia 2025 mirrors platform's increasing importance for the sector
In his opening remarks, Messenger Berlin senior vice-president David Ruetz cited how the event is a reflection of its growing strength, diversity and global importance of this platform.
He declared in his opening remarks: "We are welcoming over 1,500 buyers, the highest participation to date. I am also delighted to announce that we are thrilled to welcome first-time participants at ITB Asia this year from Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Hungary, Tamil Nadu, Da Nang, and Kaohsiung City Government, broadening ITB Asia's international reach."
New for 2025
ITB Asia 2025 also marks the debut of the Experiences & Attractions Highlight Zone where Disney Cruise Line, Mandai Woodlake Wildlife Reserve, and Resort World Sentosa take centre stage.
2025 also sees larger delegations from Central Asia and Africa,along with a greater presence of Indian state tourism boards which could prove a boon to Singaporean tourism in particular.
Local travel and tourism firms are also well-represented this year, serving as a reflection of the country's entrepreneurial spirit and drive.
Tech and the future of tourism
Ruetz added: "Travel tech plays a vital role in shaping the future of travel and tourism, enabling digital transformation and improving customer experience and driving efficiency across the industry."
Indeed, participants at the event will gain insights from industry experts on the subject, coming in from such major players as TripAdvisor, Fraser's Hospitality, Jack Morton Worldwide, and Amadeus among others.
These talks and other activities reaffirm ITB Asia's role as the premier platform for knowledge, exchange, and strategic industry insights.
With regard to the participation of the travel tech sector at ITB Asia, Ruetz pointed out: "Our show floor has expanded around 15 percent and over 45 percent of the exhibitors in this section are new, demonstrating the sector's strong innovation and demand across the travel tech ecosystem."
