Transforming Meetings & Events

Transforming Meetings & Events:
Book Your Appointment Now With the Asia Experts

Destination Asia’s executive team of meeting and incentive professionals are ready to meet you at IMEX Frankfurt (booth C360), taking place at the Messe Frankfurt, from 15-17 May 2018. Our team will be on hand to share innovative itineraries and corporate travel experiences available now in Asia. Join us and expand your business opportunities with Asia’s leading destination management company.

From our corporate booth (C360) we will be sharing our latest, unforgettable tailor-made incentives and reveal the cutting-edge venues opening in some of Asia’s most iconic – and hidden locations.

In 2018 we continue to expand our online presence. A dedicated events website offers specific destination resources for each of our eleven destinations in Asia, including; Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos.

The recently updated interactive events website offers our clients a wide range of downloadable and visual content, including 4K/HD virtual tours of previous events and destinations – empowering partners with the ultimate sales tools. Our valued clients can access image galleries, event brochures, fact sheets, 360 degree virtual tours, hotel portfolios, program overviews and our own destination presentations. In March 2018 we launched our first set of fully interactive country ebooks, complete with video and download options to give you fast and up-to-date information as you require it.

Our team will be happy to discuss the extraordinary opportunities for incentive travel in Asia and explain the Destination Asia protocol in delivering seamless experiences from the moment your clients arrive.

Ready to meet you at the Destination Asia booth (C360)
http://www.destination-asia.com/

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#IMEX18 #IMEXFrankfurt #AsiaExperts #MICEnews #MICEmedia

Discover the Latest Event & Corporate Travel Options Available Now in Asia

Discover the Latest Event & Corporate Travel Options Available Now in Asia

Destination Asia’s executive team of meeting and incentive professionals will be attending IMEX Germany, at the Messe Frankfurt, from 16-18 May. Our team will be on hand to share innovative itineraries and corporate travel experiences available now in Asia. Join us to expand your business opportunities with Asia’s leading destination management company.

We want to meet with you at IMEX to share our latest, unforgettable tailor-made incentives; reveal the cutting-edge venues opening in our destinations and present some exceptional gala-dinner options in some of Asia’s most iconic – and hidden locations.

In 2017 we continue to expand our online presence. A dedicated events website offers specific destination resources for each of our eleven destinations in Asia, including; Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos.

The interactive events website offers our clients a wide range of downloadable and visual content, including HD virtual tours of previous events and destinations – empowering partners with the ultimate sales tools. Our highly valued clients have access to image galleries, event brochures, fact sheets, 3600 virtual tours, hotel portfolios, program overviews and access to our own destination presentations.

Our team will be happy to discuss the extraordinary opportunities for incentive travel in Asia and explain the Destination Asia protocol in delivering seamless experiences from the moment your clients arrive.

Let’s meet in Frankfurt to discuss how we can take your business to the next level. Destination Asia executives attending include:
Nicolas Mulley, Chief Operating Officer (on Global DMC Partners stand, D010)

Wanchai Thavornthaveekul, Assistant Managing Director, Thailand (on TCEB stand, B150)

Katie Buxton, General Manager, Hong Kong (on MEHK stand, B350)

Xavier Chua, Senior Project Manager, Singapore (on STB stand, C350)

Andrea Lee, Area Director, Malaysia (on MyCEB stand, B200)

TCEB Targets Mega Size Events to Stimulate Thai MICE Industry

TCEB Targets Mega Size Events to Stimulate Thai MICE Industry

PRESS RELEASE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

Welcoming 14, 000 Chinese Meetings and Incentives Travellers from Infinitus 2016,  Bangkok,  16 May 2016 – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB today unveiled its aggressive strategic direction for 2016,  highlighting key strategies to attract more meetings and incentives with a large number of travellers – or Mega Size Events – by allocating sales promotion budget under the Thailand Big Thanks! Campaign.

China is among the key target source markets,  and TCEB is supporting more than 14, 000 meetings and incentives delegates to join the Infinitus Overseas Training 2016 – expected to generate MICE revenue of 1.3 billion baht for the Thai economy., Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai,  TCEB President disclosed that,  “To promote the meetings and incentives travel (M&I) sector in 2016,  under our WIN Strategy,  TCEB will focus on attracting Mega Size Events with more than 2, 000 international delegates by establishing the Thailand Big Thanks! sales promotion campaign,  especially for organisers. With high spending power, every Mega Size Events can help inject healthy MICE revenue into our economy., “In addition to China,  key source markets for Thailand’s M&I sector also include other Asian countries. Secondary markets include the EU, US, and Oceania, while emerging markets where we closely monitor and start to create awareness of the Thai MICE industry range from Eastern Europe,  the Middle East,  and Latin America. In 2015,  Thailand welcomed a total of 1, 095, 995 MICE travellers from around the world,  generating 95, 857 million baht MICE revenue. Of these,  516, 663 travellers and 44, 533 million baht were from the M&I sector. Major contributors were China,  which presents significant opportunities and still has high potential for growth,  followed by India,  Singapore,  Malaysia,  the US,  Japan,  Korea,  Indonesia,  Hong Kong,  and Australia,  respectively.”, Ms. Nooch Homrossukhon,  Director of Meetings and Incentives,  TCEB said that, “The emergence of M&I Mega Size Events has been our new target over the past three years. We have put in place strategic plans,  from raising awareness of Thailand as a premiere destination for meetings and incentives travel in Asia,  to increasing marketing development activities through products and services promotions,  and VIP receptions to event logistics and facilitation. More importantly,  the THAILAND BIG THANKS! financial subsidy campaign in addition to the THAILAND CONNECT beyond THE CAPITAL will help organisers and key decision makers make Thailand their destination of choice for their next events.”, The THAILAND BIG THANKS! campaign was created to help drive the M&I sector through a financial subsidy scheme of up to two million baht for eligible Mega Size M&I events with more than 2, 000 international delegates staying at least three nights in the Kingdom of Thailand. Starting from 1 October 2015 until 30 September 2017,  the travel must take place in Thailand from 1 October 2015 until 31 December 2017. Complementing this is the THAILAND CONNECT beyond THE CAPITAL package,  presenting international corporate clients the opportunity to discover the diversity of Thailand with promotions from domestic airline partners including Thai Airways,  Thai Smile Airways,  and Bangkok Airways. Requirements include a group size of more than 100 delegates,  and staying in Thailand at least three nights. The organiser will receive transportation support of 1, 000 baht per delegate,  up to a maximum of 300, 000 baht per group. Applications are open from 1 October 2015 until 30 September 2016,  and travel must take place from 1 October 2015 until 31 December 2016., “Marking its 20th anniversary,  the Infinitus Overseas Training 2016 is held from 11 to 29 May 2016. Held for the thirteenth time in Thailand,  TCEB’s support for this annual corporate meeting under the THAILAND BIG THANKS! campaign also includes MICE LANE and immigration services for executives and VIP guests at the airport,  a Thai performance,  and special souvenirs for all delegates,  worth a total of five million baht. Additionally,  as a token of our appreciation,  TCEB will be presenting the “Thai-Sino MICE Outstanding Contribution Award” to Infinitus (China) for their continuous consideration of Thailand. The major meeting of one of the biggest health product companies in China for 14, 000 delegates will take place in Bangkok and Pattaya in seven groups (2,000 delegates per group),  and is expected to help generate more than 1.3 billion baht for the Thai economy, ” Ms. Nooch added. , In 2015,  China accounted for 109, 987 MICE travellers,  generating a total of 9, 197.65 million baht MICE revenue. Thanks to the upward trend of the M&I market from China over the past three years,  TCEB has appointed sales and marketing representatives to directly target corporate customers in Beijing,  Shanghai,  Guangzhou,  and emerging provinces including Shenzhen,  and Chengdu., “Since last year,  TCEB has welcomed Mega Size M&I events including the 2015 Manulife MDRT PEAK Convention,  Asia-Pacific Herbalife Extravaganza 2015,  2015 Perfect Marie-Anne tour to Thailand (Perfect China Event),  INFINITUS 2015 and Organo Gold Asia Convention 2015. During the 2016-2017 fiscal years,  we continue to successfully attract major meetings and incentives trips to Thailand such as Pro-Health,  in September 2016 with 5, 500 delegates,  and the Jeunesse Global Conference 2017 (Health Care / Skin Care),  in August 2017 with 12, 000 delegates. We believe that the effectiveness of the Mega Size strategy for M&I sector,  along with support for INFINITUS 2016 will play a vital role driving the Thai MICE industry to achieve this year’s target of 1, 060, 000 MICE travellers,  helping to generate 92, 000 million baht MICE revenue into our economy, ” Mr Nopparat concluded.

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#TCEB #ThaiMICEindustry #MICE

 

YAANA Ventures Takes Stake In Grasshopper Adventures

YAANA Ventures Takes Stake In Grasshopper Adventures

Newly-created YAANA Ventures, which invests in, advises and manages responsible travel and hospitality companies, has taken a stake in Grasshopper Adventures, which provides high quality bicycle tours in Asia.

YAANA Ventures CEO Willem Niemeijer signed the agreement with Grasshopper Director Adam Platt-Hepworth in Cambodia on 23 March.

The aim of the partnership is to expand Grasshopper, which currently runs bicycle trips in 15 Asian countries and handles roughly 17,000 visitors per year. As with all YAANA Ventures, YAANA will support Grasshopper through investment, managerial expertise, marketing support and human resource training.

Grasshopper has offices in Mandalay, Bagan, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Saigon, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Its bicycle trips range from night rides in Bangkok to multi-day overland cross-border journeys in Indochina. Grasshopper also leads pioneering trips to destinations such as Bhutan, Japan and Uzbekistan.

After signing the deal, Niemeijer said that Grasshopper and YAANA were ideal partners due to “a shared vision and belief in responsible tourism which drives a commitment to authentic local travel.”

He added: “We were attracted to Grasshopper due to their focus on quality. This comes through in their belief in empowered ownership, frequent staff training, and their regularly renewed fleets of bicycles, all of which results in a superior guest experience.”

Platt-Hepworth said that Grasshopper prides itself on providing bike trips for a diverse range of clients. Cyclists’ ages have ranged from 5 to 75 since the company was founded in 2004.

“Whether it’s a family with young children visiting the Mekong region, or pioneering trips to destinations such as Mongolia or Uzbekistan, we make sure guests have real and immersive experiences,” said Platt-Hepworth.

In addition to Grasshopper Adventures, YAANA Ventures also partners with  GROUND (community development for student and business teams), Anurak Community Lodge (an eco-resort in southern Thailand), Banteay Chhmar Tents in Cambodia, and award winning DMC, Khiri Travel.

 

 

Tokyo – the most liveable city in Monocle magazine’s 2015 Quality of Live Survey

Tokyo – the most liveable city in Monocle magazine’s 2015 Quality of Live Survey.

Rising from the 2nd place in 2014 and 4th in 2013, Tokyo was named the most liveable city, followed by Vienna, Berlin, Melbourne and Sydney, in the 2015 Quality of Live Survey in the Monocle magazine.

In addition to the criteria surveyed traditionally, such as safety, international connectivity, public transport, tolerance and environmental issues, Monocle has added 22 new metrics, including several that look at housing and the cost of living, from the price of a three-bedroom house to the cost of a coffee, glass of wine and decent lunch. Furthermore, access to nature, urban design, business conditions, pro-active policy development and medical care has been more emphasized.

Summarizing this year’s survey results, Monocle magazine stated, “Tokyo claims the hotly debated crown due to its defining paradox of heart-stopping size and concurrent feeling of peace and quiet”.

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#Tokyo #Japan

Tokyo welcomes a large-scale Indonesian incentive

CASE STUDY: Tokyo welcomes a large-scale Indonesian incentive

A well-known Indonesian insurance company incentive group of 1,150 participants visited Tokyo during May 13-17, 2015 to enjoy the traditional and modern spots of Tokyo, the Japanese capital, as well as local cuisine and shopping at world-famous districts.

As one of the highlights of the event, the Gala Dinner was held on May 15 in the Konron Ballroom of the International Convention Center “Pamir” located in the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa.

Gorgeously appareled Indonesian participants were welcomed at the ballroom entrance by beautiful Japanese Kimono Girls, the entertainers from Asakusa, a traditional district in Tokyo. The participants were greatly impressed by the furisode* kimonos specially prepared as a treat. These pink-colored kimonos richly patterned with seasonal flowers are only worn in May during the Sanja Matsuri**.

The Gala Dinner began with the national anthem sang in unison. When the party was reaching the climax after the awards ceremony of the top performers of the year, the Ryoma String Quartet featuring a female singer, Mikiko-san, appeared on the stage. Being composed by traditional Japanese instruments and violin, the band played several numbers, specially arranged Indonesian melodies and songs. When the nationally famous “Coffee rumba” began, the participants joined the band to sing and dance to the music on the stage and the floor. They fully enjoyed the final night in Tokyo to their heart’s content.

As TCVB’s special offer, financial support was provided including airfare, accommodation fee, ground transportation for Tokyo study tours held in 2014 and arrangement for the cultural entertainment programs at the Gala Dinner such as Kimono Girls and Ryoma String Quartet.

Business Events Team did the very best to work as a point of contact for the local community in Tokyo by introducing the venues and suppliers as well as giving recommendation on the gifts to the participants. The big success of this Gala Dinner has proven that Tokyo has a great potential.

Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, hält Keynote Rede auf der Eröffnungszeremonie

Die IMEX ist weiterhin auf Expansionskurs
Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, hält Keynote Rede auf der Eröffnungszeremonie

Frankfurt, Dienstag, den 19. Mai 2015 – Die bislang größte IMEX öffnete heute ihre Tore. 55 neue Messestände aus allen Kontinenten und Sektoren der Veranstaltungsbranche sind unter den 3.500 ausstellenden Unternehmen aus 50 Ländern auf der IMEX in Frankfurt 2015. Zusätzlich haben 20 Prozent der wiederkehrenden Aussteller ihre Messestände vergrößert.

Eine bemerkenswerte Vergrößerung der Standfläche um 16 Prozent kann die Region Asien-Pazifik verzeichnen, was an der massiven Expansion der Aussteller China und Taiwan liegt. Zusätzlich haben die Länder Japan, Indonesien, Macau und Singapur ihre Messestände erweitert und Busan, Südkoreas zweitgrößte Stadt hat erstmals einen eigenen Stand gebucht. Auch einige nordamerikanische Aussteller haben ihre Messepräsenz signifikant vergrößert, darunter „BrandUSA“, „NYC & Company“ und „Texas Tourism“.

Nigeria ist das erste mal als Aussteller auf der IMEX, vertreten durch das „Calabar Convention Centre“, als Teil der wachsenden Ausstellerfläche des Mittleren Ostens und Afrika. Erstmals dabei ist auch Ras Al Khaimah. Die geplante Eröffnung des „ICC Sydney“ und der Ausbau des „Melbourne Convention Centre“ haben für weiteren Zuwachs am australischen Stand gesorgt. Mit deutlich vergrößerten Messeständen präsentieren auch neun europäische Länder, darunter Österreich, Dänemark und die Niederlande ihr Portfolio.

Um 16 Prozent größer ist der Bereich, in dem Technologieanbieter ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen vorstellen. Auch die Hotellerie legt auf der IMEX deutlich zu: So stellen erstmals sieben neue Hotelgruppen aus und sechs Hotelgruppen präsentieren sich mit vergrößerten Messeständen.

Hosted Buyers
Der steigenden Nachfrage nach dem „Hosted Buyer Programm“ vor allem von internationalen Besuchern trägt die IMEX in diesem Jahr mit 34 neuen Gruppen Rechnung. Viele der neuen „Hosted Buyer“ kommen aus so fernen Regionen wie Asien-Pazifik, Lateinamerika, dem mittleren Osten und Afrika. Diese werden die IMEX in Frankfurt gemeinsam mit den vielen tausend erwarteten Besuchern aus Europa und Deutschland besuchen.

Am Eröffnungstag nahmen auch über 300 internationale Verbändeplaner teil, die am beliebten und bekannten Verbändetag, dem „IMEX Association Day“, am Vortag der IMEX, dabei waren. Auch die 80 Teilnehmer der exklusiven Veranstaltung „Exclusively Corporate@IMEX“ – allesamt Einkäufer bzw. Entscheider aus Unternehmen , die zusammen über ein Budget von über 270 Millionen US-Dollar entscheiden – starteten in eine erfolgreiche IMEX 2015.

Heute besuchen ca. 40 Regierungsvertreter, darunter Minister, Bürgermeister und Tourismusverantwortliche die IMEX, bevor sie sich im Rahmen des 13. „IMEX Politicians Forum“ zum Austausch und Netzwerken mit Verantwortlichen der Veranstaltungsbranche treffen.

Vergrößertes Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm
Das Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm der IMEX findet ab diesem Jahr am erweiterten und vergrößerten „Inspiration Hub“ direkt auf der Ausstellungsfläche statt. Es warten 170 Einheiten in zehn Themenbereichen auf die Teilnehmer, 30 davon deutschsprachig, die in verschiedenen Formaten mit unterschiedlicher Dauer neuestes Branchenwissen und Experten Know-how vermitteln. Neu im Programm ist der „Creative Thursday“, an dem sich alles um kreatives Meeting- und Eventdesign dreht. Für die Frühaufsteher sind neu die beiden morgendlichen Einheiten zu den Themen „Business Networking“ und „Building Confidence“ im Programm. Zwei neue Themenbereiche wurden speziell für die beiden Zielgruppen „Young Professionals“ mit bis zu drei Jahren Berufserfahrung und „Senior Professionals“ mit mehr als acht Jahren Berufserfahrung entwickelt.
Key Note Redner
Auf der Eröffnungsrede heute früh traten der IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom, der Managing Director des strategischen IMEX Partners GCB German Convention Bureau Matthias Schultze und der Präsident & CEO der Messe Frankfurt Wolfgang Marzin zusammen mit Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, dem weltweit größten Anbieter von Unternehmenssoftware und einem großen Befürworter der Veranstaltungsbranche, vor die Presse.

In seiner Keynote Rede sagte Bill McDermott: „Warum ich die die Meetingbranche bewundere? Weil sie direkt an vorderster Front im Konflikt mit den Kraken der Bürokratie steht, die meinen, man könne die Welt mit Emails und Power Point Präsentationen bewegen.“

Bill McDermott Hauptredner auf der IMEX Eröffnungsfeier
Ergänzend fügte er hinzu: „Das, was wirklich zählt ist, Menschen zusammen zu bringen und diese zu inspirieren. Warum ich denke, dass dies der entscheidende Unterschied ist? Weil Veranstaltungen perfekt geeignet sind, um Botschaften zu transportieren, Kunden und Mitarbeiter zu motivieren und Geschäfte voran zu treiben. Veranstaltungen kreieren diesen Netzwerkeffekt, der sich eben nicht in bloßen Zahlen messen lasst. Dabei geht es darum, wie viele Menschen berührt, wie viele Ideen ausgetauscht und wie viele Kinder eine Ausbildung bekommen werden. Events können die Welt tatsachlich verändern.“

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA
Visitors from 43 countries can now get their visa for India online

Both international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 will benefit from the recent news that tourists travelling to India from 43 countries including the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Germany and Japan will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas. Following the announcement, individuals may now apply online for their tourist visa-on-arrival, entitling them to a 30-day stay in the India.

The new visa-on-arrival rules will benefit 43 countries including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam and Vanuatu.

“This is very good news for our international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 which will take place in Jaipur, from 1-3 September. These new visa rules will also help to unleash the huge potential of the country’s growing MICE industry,” said Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager ibtm india and ibtm africa, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Hosted Buyers registration for ibtm india 2015 will go live in May.

For further information on ibtm india 2015, please visit www.ibtmindia.com

 

ITB-NEWS | Wachstumsmotor Asien

Wachstumsmotor Asien
ITB World Travel Trends Report bescheinigt dem Kontinent Schlüsselrolle für den Welttourismus – China unangefochten an der Spitze des Booms

Berlin, 16. Dezember 2013 – Asien zählt auch in diesem Jahr zu den wichtigsten Treibern im internationalen Tourismus. Das ist das Ergebnis des ITB World Travel Trends Reports, den IPK International im Auftrag der führenden Messe der internationalen Reiseindustrie erstellt hat. Demnach verzeichnet der Kontinent beeindruckende Wachstumszahlen. Bei der Reisetätigkeit haben insbesondere die Chinesen die Nase vorn, während sich der traditionell starke Markt Japan schwer tut. China ist heute bei internationalen Reisen weltweit die Nummer eins in Bezug auf die Reiseausgaben, die Nation mit der zweitgrößten Anzahl an Reisen und auf dem vierten Platz bei der Anzahl der Übernachtungen.

Insgesamt nahmen die Auslandsreisen der Asiaten in den ersten acht Monaten 2013 um acht Prozent zu. Dazu trugen die Auslandsreisen der Chinesen um beachtliche 26 Prozent bei, während die Japaner um zwei Prozent weniger reisten. Für das kommende Jahr sind die Prognosen ähnlich. Während der chinesische Markt um rund 18 Prozent zulegen wird, stabilisiert sich der japanische Markt dagegen voraussichtlich auf gleichbleibendem Niveau. Insgesamt ist 2014 von einem Wachstum von rund neun Prozent aus den asiatischen Quellmärkten auszugehen.

Mit dem diesjährigen Anstieg von Reisenden in China behauptet das Land zunehmend seine Spitzenposition innerhalb des Kontinents: Bereits 2012 unternahmen die Chinesen rund 45 Millionen Auslandsreisen und tätigten dabei Ausgaben im Wert von etwa 84,4 Milliarden US-Dollar. Damit war der chinesische Markt etwa doppelt so groß wie der japanische. Gegen den Riesen China wirken auch die weiteren asiatischen Märkte klein. Bezogen auf die Anzahl der Auslandsreisen landen Korea, Hong Kong, Australien, Indien und Indonesien auf den Folgeplätzen.

Wachstum auch bei Ankünften
Erfreulich zeigte sich das Jahr auch für Asien als Incoming-Destination. Die Ankünfte zwischen Januar und August legten laut World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) im Vergleich zu 2012 um 6,3 Prozent zu. Besonders Südostasien konnte sich über eine wachsende Nachfrage freuen und verzeichnete einen Anstieg von zwölf Prozent. Südasien begrüßte rund sechs Prozent mehr Gäste – der ozeanische Raum kann sich über ein stabiles Wachstum bei vier Prozentpunkten freuen. Reisen nach Nordostasien legten nur noch um drei Prozent zu und schwächten sich im Vergleich zu 2012 damit um drei Prozent ab.

Die Chinesen sind die reisefreudigsten Bürger Asiens. Aufenthalte von vier Nächten oder mehr legten 2013 um 28 Prozent zu, die Anzahl an Kurztrips stieg um etwa 21 Prozent. Dieses immense Wachstum macht das Reich der Mitte – gemessen an den Ausgaben im Ausland – zur weltweiten Nummer eins mit einem durchschnittlichen Betrag von 1.765 US-Dollar pro Reise. Hauptgrund für die Reisen der Chinesen sind private Anlässe. Urlaubsreisen legten in diesem Jahr um 30 Prozent zu. Gefragt sind Rundreisen, aber auch Städtetrips und Strandurlaub. Der Anstieg von Geschäftsreisen fällt mit sechs Prozent mehr als 2012 vergleichsweise moderat aus.

Wie es für einen Wachstumsmarkt typisch ist, reisen die Chinesen in erster Linie innerhalb Asiens. Fernziele wie Europa und Amerika kommen erst an zweiter Stelle. Für den Boom ist kein Ende in Sicht: Die Experten prognostizieren für 2014 eine ungebremste Lust am Reisen. Etwa 44 Prozent der Chinesen geben an, im kommenden Jahr mehr als bisher reisen zu wollen.

Wachsende Mittelschicht als Hauptmerkmal
Der positive Trend für China spiegelt auch die veränderte Bevölkerungsstruktur wider, da das Land über eine schnell wachsende und wohlhabende Mittelschicht verfügt. Dennoch erzielen nur rund sieben Prozent der Chinesen ein jährliches Einkommen von mehr als 15.000 US-Dollar. In diesem Punkt unterscheidet sich China nach wie vor stark von Ländern wie Japan, Südkorea oder Taiwan.

Doch im Vergleich zu China schwächelt Japan. Die Gesamtanzahl an Auslandsreisen ging um zwei Prozent zurück. Übernachtungen und Ausgaben sanken um drei bzw. sechs Punkte. Dabei gingen Geschäftsreisen stärker zurück als private Reisen. Von der zögerlichen Reiselust sind asiatische Länder stärker betroffen als Fernziele. Die ehemals so beliebten Rundreisen verzeichneten einen Rückgang von rund 20 Prozent. Dies wurde von steigenden Zahlen beim Städte- und Strandurlaub weitgehend aufgefangen. Auch wenn sich die Wirtschaft Japans derzeit erholt, planen die wenigsten Einwohner mehr internationale Reisen im kommenden Jahr. Daher wird der Markt 2014 wahrscheinlich stagnieren.

Insgesamt ist in den kommenden Jahren für Asien mit wachsender Reisebereitschaft zu rechnen. Hauptgründe sind unter anderem das wirtschaftliche Wachstum und die zunehmende junge, gut gebildete Mittelschicht. Zudem machen es Low-Cost-Airlines wie Air Asia immer leichter und erschwinglicher, international zu verreisen. Dr. Martin Buck, Direktor Travel und Logistic bei der Messe Berlin kommentiert: „Reisende aus Asien stellen auch an Fernreise-Destinationen große Ansprüche an Freundlichkeit und Dienstleistungs-Standards. Zudem wird in Asien das alte Modell der Gruppenreisen zunehmend durch Individualreisen ergänzt. Europäische Tourismusunternehmen und Hotels, für die das Incoming-Geschäft aus Asien eine zunehmende Rolle spielt, sollten ihre Dienstleistungen entsprechend ausrichten.“

Alle Ergebnisse basieren auf den Vorträgen, die im Rahmen des von der ITB Berlin geförderten World Travel Monitor® Forum in Pisa stattgefunden haben. Auf Einladung des Beratungsunternehmens IPK International präsentieren hier alljährlich über 50 Tourismus-Experten und Wissenschaftler aus aller Welt die aktuellen Statistiken und stellen die neuesten Trends im internationalen Tourismus vor.

Weitere Ergebnisse der von IPK International durchgeführten Trendumfragen von Januar bis August 2013, bzw. die Einschätzungen von 50 Tourismusexperten aus mehr als 20 Ländern und Kerndaten des World Travel Monitor® sind im ITB World Travel Trends Report zu finden. Er ist zum Download erhältlich unter http://www.itb-berlin.de.
Die Jahresendergebnisse des World Travel Monitor® von IPK International inklusive aktueller Ausblicke für das Jahr 2014 werden auf dem ITB Berlin Kongress von Rolf Freitag, Präsident IPK International, vorgestellt. Der World Travel Monitor® basiert auf bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Interviews von jährlich über 500.000 Menschen in mehr als 60 Reisemärkten weltweit und wird seit nunmehr 20 Jahren kontinuierlich durchgeführt. Er gilt als größte kontinuierliche Studie zum globalen Reiseverhalten.

Best of the Best at ITB 2013

Best of the Best at ITB 2013

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Germany belongs to a group of 10 countries boasting an exceptional image. That is the result of a survey among trade visitors at ITB Berlin, carried out by the Denmark-based Reputation Institute, which polled 1,145 trade visitors at the world’s largest travel trade show. Half of the respondents came from Germany. The other half came from 84 different countries. Opinions were asked regarding the image of 20 countries.

The countries boasting the best reputations were: Australia, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Indonesia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Austria, Japan, and France. Of these, Germany was ranked fourth among the 5 countries most worth visiting. It was led by Spain, Switzerland, and the UK and trailed by France.

Among the top 5 countries for investing in, Germany climbed to second place behind the UAE, ahead of Switzerland, the UK, and Austria. The top 5 countries for living in were Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the UAE. Among the top countries for studying in, Germany was ranked second, behind the UK in first spot. The remaining places were taken by Switzerland, the USA, and Australia.

Germany came first in two categories. It was voted the best country to work in, beating the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and the UAE. Trade visitors at ITB Berlin also considered Germany the best country for introducing new products to the market, ahead of the UK, Switzerland, France, and Japan.

The award ceremony of the Best Exhibitor Awards (BEA) which was organized by students of the Cologne Business School (CBS) during ITB in Berlin was once again one of the fair highlights. Four days long, the future Tourism Managers of the CBS evaluated the approximately 10,000 exhibitors at the CBS according to numerous criteria like information content, interactivity, interesting effects, and service quality.

Saturday night, March 9, the award ceremony took place in the Palais at the Funkturm on the Berlin fair trade premises. The CBS students Jessica Wack and Marie-Caroline Utsch hosted this year’s award ceremony. The 10 best placed exhibitors of each category were awarded in front of over 600 invited guests, and the best 3 of each category on stage. The patron of the project is Klaus Laepple, honorary President of the DRV and former President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW). The General Secretary of the BTW, Michael Rabe, held a welcoming address, thanked the students for their outstanding commitment, and recommended them as future tourism managers.

For days on end, the future tourism managers, most of whom opted for the core subject of tourism, have visited some 12,000 booths at the ITB and assessed them according to numerous criteria such as booth construction, information contents, service quality, friendliness, and special effects.

As in every year, extraordinary performances of the prizewinners took place at the award ceremony. Besides many others, the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka danced, and Sharjah and Burundi drummed their way onto the stage with traditional sounds.

This year’s Best of Best Award was given to Abu Dhabi.

Speaking for Emirates, the prizewinner in the category Carrier, Volker Greiner, Emirates Vice President North & Central Europe, said: “We are proud to receive the prestigious Best Exhibitor Award for our trade fair appearance this year. Over many years, ITB Berlin has become our largest trade fair presence outside our home market in Dubai. (…)”

Martina Leicher from the Cologne Consultancy COMPASS GmbH, which has mentored the project since its initiation, drew attention to the ever-increasing popularity of the BEA as well, stating: “Over the years, the BEA became a Benchmark-Tool for the exhibitors at ITB, and for many of them it is very important to score high in the ranking. That’s mainly because of the fact that the BEA is the only evaluation of its kind. The criteria catalogue is online available, and many exhibitors are making use out of that in the preparation for the ITB.

Following 4 intense trade fair days, Prof. Dr. Guido Sommer, Dean of the Tourism Department at the CBS, draws a positive conclusion, saying: “This year we have even put a higher focus on the overall concept, authenticity, and B2B-Area. The whole team did a fantastic job, and I am proud of the students for their professional work and their self-initiative. For the Cologne Business School, it is very important to cooperate closely with the tourism industry, not only during the lectures, but also by working together on projects such as the Best Exhibitor Award.

The CBS and COMPASS will also continue the project in 2014 and evaluate the trade fair booths as a partner to Messe Berlin in order to honor the most impressive of them with the Best Exhibitor Award.

The Cologne Business School (CBS) is an internationally-orientated, state-recognized university of applied sciences and counts as one of Germany’s top business schools. The Cologne Business School also ensures highest quality education – in addition to official state recognition, all study courses are regularly examined by the tri-national accreditation agency FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation).

MEDIA CONTACTS: Messe Berlin – Michael T. Hofer, Group Press and Public Relations Director; ITB Berlin / ITB Asia – Astrid Zand, Press Officer, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Tel.:+ 4930 3038-2275, Fax: + 4930 3038-2141, Email: zand@messe-berlin.de , Web: http://www.messe-berlin.com