Ms Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry Development Group), Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Tourism Board
It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you to Singapore. I am delighted to see global travel and tourism players gather once again in Singapore for ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia—three premier events that collectively represent the breadth and dynamism of our sector.
We congratulate Messe Berlin as ITB Asia continues to grow from strength to strength. This year’s edition sees the three events occupying the largest floorspace, hosting record number of exhibitors and buyers, and introducing new conference partners. Leveraging the ITB Asia platform, I am particularly excited about the inaugural Singapore Hospitality & Tourism Conference which the Singapore Tourism Board is launching with eight local institutes of higher learning. This initiative will pave the way in shaping talent development and reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading tourism destination.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, with the latest United Nations Tourism report in September 2025 showing APAC achieved strong growth of 11% in international tourist arrivals—more than double the global average of 5%—in the first half of 2025. This outstanding performance, driven by enhanced air connectivity and the expanding middle class across Asian markets, positions our region as a key driver of global tourism growth and innovation.
Earlier this year, Singapore unveiled the Tourism 2040 roadmap, charting the next chapter for our sector. Anchored in STB’s quality tourism approach, it aims to deliver lasting value and sustainable growth for visitors and local communities. By 2040, we target S$47 – S$50 billion in tourism receipts and to triple MICE’s contribution to S$4.5 billion. Achieving this ambition requires close collaboration with our industry partners, and together we will strengthen Singapore’s position as a vibrant global destination.
While you are here for business, I encourage you to make the most out of your time in Singapore and explore some of our exciting new offerings. Embark on an underwater journey at the newly-opened Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa or take a walk on the wild side at Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore’s latest wildlife park at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Don’t miss this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, featuring spectacular lantern displays at the Chinatown precinct and Gardens by the Bay, with immersive cultural activities taking place throughout the city.
I wish everyone a fruitful experience at ITB Asia 2025. May your time in Singapore foster new partnerships and create lasting connections as we shape the future of travel and tourism together.
A unique opportunity for discovery and business
Mr Darren Seah, Executive Director, ITB Asia
Good morning and welcome to ITB Asia 2025!
ITB Asia is back at Marina Bay Sands for its 18th year, alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. With unprecedented exhibitor turnout, a full and varied conference programme, and an Exclusive Buyer Elite Programme offering priority one-to-one meetings and unique branding opportunities, ITB Asia is living up to its reputation as the continent’s leading travel trade show.
We have a quite an event in store for you all this year, with over 1,000 exhibiting companies, 18,000 participants, 1,500 quality buyers, 45,000 business appointments and 4,500 conference minutes planned.
ITB Asia Conference is featuring speakers from global players such as Tripadvisor, Frasers Hospitality, Jack Morton Worldwide, Amadeus and many more. Under the theme “Future Forward: Transforming Travel & Tourism in a Changing World” the Conference is three full days of curated content across three specialised stages: the Knowledge Theatre, MICE Show Asia Theatre, and Travel Tech Asia Theatre. Sessions are exploring how the travel and tourism industry can build a more agile, inclusive future and equip itself for what lies ahead. As you enjoy your first cup of coffee of the day, I recommend you all take a moment to note the sessions you won’t want to miss as we have brought together some of the sector’s best and brightest. Pressed for time? We’ve put together a few highlights on page 5 of today’s magazine.
ITB Asia is first and foremost about gathering the industry under one roof. In addition to the rich conference programme, the show has brought together more National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) than ever before, as well an impressive selection of key players including airlines, tech companies, leading hotel groups and more. I encourage you all to get out there and make the most of this unique opportunity for discovery and business. Have a great first day!
