The city of Shanghai will host ITB China from May 2017
AGREEMENTS are being signed today for the birth of another ITB offshoot, an annual ITB China to be held in Shanghai in May from next year onwards.
At press time full details are not yet available but the China show is expected to be under the charge of Messe Berlin Singapore, which has been organising ITB Asia in Singapore since 2008.
An official press release dated yesterday only had the following details buried in the ninth paragraph: “Starting in May 2017, ITB China will take place annually in the pulsating mega city of Shanghai. The world’s leading travel trade show will provide China’s fast-growing travel market with its own platform, which is the combined product of strong partners. Corresponding agreements will be signed on March 9, day one of ITB Berlin.”
TTG Asia also understands that PATA is in discussion with Messe Berlin Singapore for a possible co-operation on the show, given the association’s strong ties and involvement in China’s tourism industry.
At press time, Singapore Tourism Board’s CEO Lionel Yeo did not respond to an email query on any likely impact ITB China might have on ITB Asia in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Messe Berlin said travel technology companies from China were well represented at this year’s show. A number of Chinese online services providers, including Baidu, newcomer Tuniu, Marco Polo Travel and hotel consolidator Shenzen Dida Travel are at the show.
As well, more and more Chinese companies are having independent stands in Hall 26, where China is, including for the first time China Southern Airlines and several Asian tour operators. ITB Berlin is organising an ITB Chinese Night, a networking event.
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