The second attempt at launching the business events trade show in APAC will not be held in Singapore, with Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrating its win securing the event for the special administrative region of China.
“IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry,” said chair of HKTB, Dr Pang Yiu-kai.
“The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience.
“This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating unlimited business opportunities for Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board leveraged some serious muscle to woo IBTM, collaborating with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and AsiaWorld-Expo to showcase the latest developments in Hong Kong.
IBTM also received financial support from HKTB and will receive venue hire subsidies. In addition, HKTB will help market the event across its network and international offices, organise a Greater Bay Area themed conference within IBTM Asia Pacific and help organise the exhibition’s social program.
“Hong Kong comes with various competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities and the provision of comprehensive professional support,” said IBTM portfolio director Vasyl Zhygalo.
“Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific.
“I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region.”
It’s anticipated that IBTM Asia Pacific will attract 1,500 participants from across Asia, including mainland China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan and South Korea, as well as longer haul markets.
IBTM events are a subsidiary brand of RX, formerly known as Reed Exhibitions.
