Organisers of The Great ASEAN Travel Fest earlier this month have reported encouraging business performance for participating travel and tourism companies.
Close to 800 live business meetings were conducted online over two days, and 97 per cent of exhibitors expect travel orders to result from these interactions. Fifty-five per cent of travel orders are said to be valued above US$250,000.
Despite the challenging travel landscape, the inaugural event attracted keen interest from buyers across the world. South-east Asian buyers made up the majority at 54 per cent of total attendance, a reflection of expectations that intra-regional travel will be the first to recover.
European and American buyers made up 11 per cent and six per cent respectively, indicating continued longhual interest in South-east Asian destinations.
Ricky Effendy, sales manager, business development with Hilton Bali Resort, Indonesia, said the property’s participation in The Great ASEAN Travel Fest has “helped to enhance our branding among buyers in the marketplace as we await borders to reopen”.
For Rovani Aliff, manager travel design and reservations South East Asia with Panorama Destination, Indonesia, the event brought “really good connections” with buyers from Asia and beyond, such as Zimbabwe and Turkey.
Attendees also found the event format easy to use and the programmes interesting. Jimmy Sim, manager – head of MICE & special projects with WTS Travel & Tours, Singapore, said the event was “different and refreshing” and “worthwhile to attend again”.
The Great ASEAN Travel Fest was organised by TTG Asia Media, and was held on May 4 and 5.
