17 April 2009

IT&CM China receives strong support

SHANGHAI - IT&CM China 2009 opened strongly this week with a larger Chinese presence and more than 2,000 international and local visitors expected over the two days.

Spanning some 6,200 square metres, this yearÃ¢â¬â¢s exhibition showcases more than 200 exhibiting companies and organisations from 20 countries.

Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, said, Ã¢â¬ÅâœOn the international front, we continue to have the support of major national tourist organisations and leading key industry players.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are heartened by the commitment of many of our loyal exhibitors who have been with us since the first show, and welcome our new participants.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe hope that by working together, the MICE industry will be able to overcome the most challenging business environment the world has witnessed in recent history.Ã¢â¬~

First-time exhibitors include Turkish Embassy Culture and Information Section, Tourisme Montreal, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Sanya Tourism Bureau, Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau, HNA Grand Hotel Chang'an Avenue, Marco Polo Corporate Office, The Audience Motivation Company, and Costa Crociere S.P.A.

The Macau pavilion takes up the largest exhibiting space with 255 square metres.

By 2020, China is expected to attract more than 137 million overseas business travellers, or 8.6 per cent of the worldÃ¢â¬â¢s international travel market.

Sylvia Phua, chief executive of co-organiser MP International, said, Ã¢â¬ÅâœOut of the 150 local Chinese buyers who have confirmed their attendance, first-time buyers from leading Chinese companies sourcing for products and services at the show make up a significant portion.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœTheir strong presence is indicative of the maturing local MICE industry, as Chinese organisations move forward to seize the business opportunities and rewards of participating in international trade platforms."