Top international and Chinese buyers and sellers to converge at fourth instalment this April

Major industry players of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry have confirmed their participation for IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China 2010.

The tradeshow, aptly themed “Bridging the Global MICE Business”, will be held from 7 to 9 April at ShanghaiMart Expo. With the global economy showing signs of recovery and business activities gradually increasing, sellers and buyers alike are gearing up for 2010, to showcase their latest offerings at the only international MICE tradeshow in China of the year.

Seizing the opportunity to harness the potential of the China market, some international exhibitors have increased their space take up this year. These include Japan National Tourism Office, Korea Tourism Organization, Macau Government Tourist Office, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong and the Millennium and Copthorne group.

International exhibitor, Sharon Lee, Area Vice President Sales Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels & Resorts, said, “Meliá’s comprehensive suite of properties is well-diverse to cater to different buyer needs, with each property having something unique to offer.” Grand Meliá Shanghai is the first Latino-style luxury hotel in China to be managed by a leading European hotel group. It offers scenic views of the Bund and Oriental TV Tower.

One of China’s largest private-owned hospitality group – New Century Hotels & Resorts, will also be exhibiting. The group offers MICE organisers 30 hotels across the country in key commercial and tourist cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Chengdu. Mr Gan, Vice President of the group, remarked, “Our Kaiyuan brand of hotels embodies standards of service that perfectly integrate oriental culture and international benchmarks.”

Other confirmed exhibitors include Dalian International Finance Conference Centre, Dragon Delight International Tours Ltd, Egyptian Embassy in China Tourism Office, Gloria Hotels, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kempinski S.A., Korea Tourism Organization, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Marco Polo Hotels, New Century Hotels, Singapore Tourism Board, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, World Hotels, and Wyndham Hotel Group International. IT&CM China 2010 will also see local pavilions from Hangzhou, Sanya, Shanghai and Xiamen.

With three months to the show, organisers, TTG Asia Media and MP International, are confident that participants will achieve greater results and be rewarded with an engaging experience. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, commented, “This is the fourth annual instalment of the series, and we continue to attract a vibrant mix of both international and local sellers and buyers. With additional China Trade seminars, and the keynote address taking reference from Sun Tzu’s tactical Art of War, we will present a ‘winning formula’ to all our participants.”

Sylvia Phua, CEO of MP International, added, “As the host of major international events like the upcoming 2010 World Expo, China offers a variety of new opportunities, as it continues to soar in popularity as a MICE destination. Buyers should not miss out on IT&CM China 2010 for the latest trends and information to help them make educated choices when they plan their incentive trips

and meetings.”

International buyer, Jerzy Stejskal of TUI Centrum Podrozy – Unitour Travel Agency, Poland, has identified adventure and incentive travel suppliers, transport companies, convention and exhibition venues, attractions and spas as the key suppliers he hopes to meet at IT&CM China 2010.

Attending for the first time, a corporate buyer of an American MNC who has organised an increased number of incentive groups to China in 2009, expects demand for China to remain buoyant in 2010. He explains, “China offers a lot of variety in terms of venue and attraction options. It also ranks high as a cost effective destination especially when companies are still prudent in their incentive budgets.”

Chinese buyer, Zhang Tian of China International Travel Service – Beijing, is looking at destinations from all over the globe, including the Middle East and the Pacific Islands. Ms Zhang said, “We hope to find fresher destination options including attractions, hotels, venues and package options for social events, or any other products and services to satisfy our clients’ diverse needs.”

IT&CM China 2010 will offer a series of fresh and exciting business, networking and learning opportunities for an expected 2,000 participants. Apart from business meetings, social functions and special events will include a pre-show city tour of host city Shanghai; an opening ceremony and welcome dinner; and hosted networking luncheons throughout the three-day event.

It is supported by STTA (Shanghai Tourism Trade Association), SCEIA (Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association), IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association), ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association), SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) China and SITE Hong Kong Chapter. Visit www.itcmchina.com for more information.

ORGANISERS

About TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd

TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the region’s leading travel and tourism business information and access provider, with a wide range of media products including publications, exhibitions, database management and the Internet. It is also a leading organiser and event manager of travel tradeshows in Asia, including IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia), CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, ITS (International Travel Show) Thailand 2004 and 2005, Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2005 and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2010. It also publishes four titles targeted at distinct sectors of the travel trade: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China. For more information on TTG Asia Media, visit www.ttgasiamedia.com