ITB ASIA NEWS 2023 - DAY 2 EDITION

DAY 2 

THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023 

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ITB ASIA 2023 

THE MICE 

SHIFT IN ASIA 

EMBRACING INNOVATIVE VISIONS 

SPECIAL FEATURE: HOTELS 

BWH HOTELS 

EMBARKS ON 

AN EXCITING ERA 

OF GROWTH IN 

ASIA 

MELIÁ HOTELS 

INTERNATIONAL 

WILL OPEN ITS 

FIRST ME BY 

MELIÁ HOTEL IN 

GUANGZHOU, 

CHINA 

#08 

#09 

#07 

EXCLUSIVE 

INTERVIEW 

IAN CUMMINGS 

Global Head, 

CWT Meetings & Events

HALL PLANS 

STAND K 031 

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Morning Briefing 

by Laurence Gaborieau, 

Directrice du salon IFTM Top Resa 

Director IFTM Top Resa 

An exploration of travel's 

evolving landscape 

Good morning and welcome to Day 

2 of ITB Asia. Reflecting on yesterday, 

we kicked off our 16th edition with a 

strong start. The turnout of visitors 

was impressive, and the opening 

ceremony set the stage for what's 

to come. The depth and breadth of 

discussions, particularly the keynote 

addresses by Hermione Joye from 

Google and James Liang from Trip. 

com Group, provided valuable 

insights into the current state and 

future of the travel industry. 

Today's agenda is packed with a 

multitude of sessions, and while it's 

always challenging to spotlight just 

one or two, there are several that 

stand out. The panel on "Greener 

Gatherings: Low-Carbon Meetings 

Demand Creative Thinking" is 

especially significant. As the travel 

and tourism sector seeks sustainable 

solutions, this session aims to offer 

practical strategies for hosting ecoconscious 

events. For those keen on 

gaining deeper insights into this topic, 

don't miss our exclusive interview 

with Ian Cummings of CWT Meetings 

& Events, who will be moderating this 

panel discussion. 

Another focal point of today is the 

session on "Driving China’s Next 

Tourism Revolution". The Chinese 

tourist market is a tapestry of diverse 

demographics, from varying age 

groups and income brackets to distinct 

interests. But there are common 

threads that bind them: a penchant 

for popular travel destinations, a 

reliance on mobile payments, and 

an active engagement with social 

media. With travel restrictions in 

China now lifted, a surge in outbound 

tourism is anticipated. The pressing 

question is: are global destinations 

and businesses adequately prepared 

to cater to this renewed demand? 

This session promises an exploration 

of these dynamics, offering insights 

into how businesses can position 

themselves advantageously to not 

only meet but exceed the expectations 

of Chinese tourists and stay ahead in 

this competitive landscape. 

For a comprehensive view of all 

the sessions today, I encourage 

attendees to refer to our complete 

programme. Beyond these panels, 

engage with exhibitors, explore 

the latest in travel technology, and 

network with peers. With ITB Asia, 

MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech 

Asia all happening simultaneously, 

the potential for collaboration and 

discovery is immense. 

Let's approach today with curiosity 

and enthusiasm. Here's to another 

day of learning, networking, and 

paving the way for the future of travel 

and tourism! 

Need to 

advertise 

during the 

show? 

You still can! 

Would you like to 

strengthen your brand's 

presence at the show? 

Book your advertising or 

advertorial space in ITB 

Asia News. 

We'd be happy to 

discuss opportunities 

with you. 

Give us a call at 

+33 7 66 66 80 30. 

We'll help you increase 

your brand awareness in 

the tourism industry! 

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ITB ASIA NEWS • THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023 3

I NEWS I 

Rakuten Travel Xchange makes 

its debut at ITB Asia 2023 

Rakuten Group, a global conglomerate known 

for its diverse portfolio spanning e-commerce, 

digital content, communication and fintech, 

is no stranger to innovation. With 1.7 billion 

members worldwide, the brand has made 

a name for itself in the annals of global 

business. This year, visitors to ITB Asia will 

have the opportunity to discover Rakuten 

Travel Xchange (RTX), the accommodation 

wholesale and travel technology division of 

the Rakuten Group. 

RTX boats an impressive network that 

includes nearly 700,000 unique hotel and 

vacation rental properties. This network is 

further bolstered by 20,000 directly contracted 

properties spread across 200 countries. 

Partnerships with renowned hotel chains, 

wholesalers, channel managers and leading 

online travel agencies (OTAs) worldwide are 

further enhancing RTX's global footprint. 

What really sets RTX apart according to 

the brand is its unwavering commitment to 

streamlining operations for travel retailers. 

Whether it is through a single API connection 

or the user-friendly Travel Agent Portal, RTX 

aims to ensure that businesses can manage 

their entire hotel inventory with ease. Gone 

are the days of juggling multiple, resourceintensive 

integrations with various suppliers. 

RTX's deep roots in Asia and significant 

presence on the Japanese travel market help 

solidify its position in the industry 

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"Breakfast in the Wild": 

A sustainable encounter with wildlife 

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is exhibiting at ITB 

Asia this year, and proudly claims that every 

visit to their parks "comes with conservation 

included." A portion of Mandai’s revenue 

is committed to protecting wildlife and 

supporting conservation projects in Singapore 

and the region, and a number of their 

activities and programmes include education 

surrounding the protection of wildlife and the 

environment. 

suggests visitors take a break from eating and 

come and see the orangutan first as he comes 

down to enjoy some bananas but is free to 

leave at any time. A professional photographer 

is also present at "Breakfast in the Wild" to 

give visitors the opportunity to purchase 

photos with the animals 

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Mandai's "Breakfast in the Wild", for example, 

gives diners a chance to meet some of the 

zoo's animals while instilling a sense of respect 

for wildlife. The activity runs from 9:00a.m. to 

10:30a.m. in the rainforest zoo and visitors get 

a chance to spend time with animals from 

9:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. after enjoying a hearty 

breakfast made up of local and international 

dishes. The zoo's wildlife ambassadors 

introduce the animals to guests, along with 

a number of ground rules. Visitors must wash 

their hands, leave their food at their table 

and queue in an orderly manner so as not 

to frighten or startle the animals. The wildlife 

ambassador who works with the orangutans 


I NEWS I 

NEOM to launch yacht repair 

centre on the Red Sea 

Content proudly provided by SAFE. 

The ultimate source of information when it 

comes to luxury travel & tourism in Saudi Arabia 

NEOM and the super-yacht maintenance company, MB92 

Group, announced in September a partnership to establish a 

10,000 m2 repair facility for yachts. The facility will be based 

in Sindalah, NEOM’s luxury island and yachting destination in 

the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. 

The partnership aligns with the 

imminent opening of Sindalah in 2024 

and will be the first of several yacht 

repair centres in NEOM, responding 

to an anticipated growth of visiting 

and resident yachts. 

The centre mirrors NEOM’s vision 

of becoming a maritime destination. 

Yacht owners in the Red Sea will be 

able to enjoy the expertise of MB92 

Group for intricate repair demands. 

Both partners are committed to 

offering dependable, efficient and 

sustainable solutions. 

NEOM’s Chief Urban Planning and 

Islands Officer, Antoni Vives, said: 

“Teaming up with MB92 Group 

reflects our commitment to becoming 

a distinctive yachting destination. This 

venture embodies our dedication to 

delivering world-class infrastructure 

and services for yachts visiting the 

Red Sea." 

MB92 Group Chairman, Pepe García- 

Aubert, stated: “We are extremely 

excited to be a part of the remarkable 

NEOM project and embrace the 

opportunity that this partnership 

A new era in B2B flight 

ticket distribution 

represents. We envision this as 

merely the beginning of a lasting and 

meaningful collaboration, allowing 

us to provide the local yachting 

community with a world-class refit 

and repair service in this beautiful 

region.” 

The centre will commence operations 

with services including onboard 

electrical, mechanical and hydraulic 

system repairs. The facility will be 

capable of welcoming yachts of all 

sizes for in-water works and vessels 

of up to 40-metres in length for drydock 

operations 

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Unififi Group, a technology-driven airline ticket and ancillary 

supplier, is presenting its approach to B2B travel distribution 

at ITB Asia 2023. 

The travel sector is undergoing 

significant technological shifts, and 

Unififi Group is at the vanguard of 

this transformation. As a global airline 

ticket seller and aggregator, Unififi 

Group is dedicated to addressing 

the pressing challenges of the 

industry. High resource demands, 

cumbersome integration methods 

and intricate post-sales procedures 

have long been hurdles to overcome. 

Unififi's solution is an automated 

system designed to streamline 

operations and elevate the customer 

journey. 

In response to the rapid technological 

advancements in the travel domain, 

Unififi Group has delved into the 

potential of cutting-edge distribution 

technologies, innovative payment 

systems, and the capabilities of 

artificial intelligence. 2023 marked 

a pivotal year for the group as they 

rolled out online modules tailored for 

group and individualised ticketing. 

According to the company, this 

initiative empowers businesses to tap 

into the growing market for tailored 

travel solutions through Unififi's 

established API and agent login 

platform. 

However, the journey in B2B travel 

distribution is not without its 

challenges. It is important to strike 

a balance between automation and 

human touch and make strategic 

investment decisions as well as 

ensure the workforce is adept at 

leveraging new technologies. Unififi 

Group's strategy is multifaceted: 

they are keen on exploring niche 

markets, continuing to upgrade their 

technological arsenal, bringing added 

customer value and fostering a techaware 

team 

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6 ITB ASIA NEWS • THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023 itb-asia-news.com

I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 

I 

GREATER SUSTAINABILITY 

MONITORING, AS WELL AS A 

MORE PROACTIVE APPROACH, 

CAN SQUARE THE CIRCLE 

BETWEEN BUSINESS MEETINGS 

AND ESG. 

Ian Cummings 

Global Head for CWT Meetings 

& Events 

“Getting together face-to-face has never 

been so important” 

Ian Cummings, Global Head for CWT Meetings & Events, an award-winning corporate 

meetings and events agency, spoke to ITB Asia News in an exclusive interview 

The Global Head discussed the challenges facing the market 

today and how face-to-face meetings and sustainability 

can go hand in hand. 

What are some of the challenges 

facing meeting and event planners 

on the current market? How can 

they navigate and overcome these 

obstacles? 

Cost pressures and availability are 

probably the biggest challenges 

facing planners at the moment. 

Demand from group travel, meetings, 

and events has rebounded sharply 

– there is still pent-up demand post- 

Covid, as well as growth in incentive 

travel as companies seek to motivate 

and reward employees. Meanwhile, 

volatile fuel prices, labour shortages, 

inflation, and capacity restrictions 

have also put upward pressure on 

prices across the whole travel and 

M&E supply chain. Consequently, 

the average daily cost per attendee 

for meetings and events rose 58% in 

2022 vs 2021, according to our annual 

price forecast report. This year we 

expect to see the cost per attendee 

climb a further 5.6%, followed by a 3% 

increase next year. 

Meeting and event organisers should 

look to start the planning process 

early. We are still seeing lead times 

for events remaining extremely short, 

post-pandemic. Organisers should 

be looking at 2024 with a 12-month 

planning cycle if they want to have 

a good choice of locations and keep 

prices at a reasonable level. 

Planners should also consider 

secondary cities for their events. 

There is growing interest in lessexplored 

destinations like Pattaya, 

Koh Samui, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and 

Yogyakarta, where the crowds are 

smaller and there’s a greater sense of 

exploration, learning, wellbeing, and 

availability. These locations are rich in 

culture, diverse in their offsite activity 

offerings, and offer great value for 

money. 

How can companies balance the 

strong demand for face-to-face 

meetings with efforts to be more 

environmentally conscious? 

For businesses worldwide, made up 

of increasingly dispersed workforces 

and taking part in more digital 

interactions than ever before, getting 

together face-to-face has never 

been so important. Research from 

Deloitte has shown that attending 

conferences and industry events 

and building client relationships are 

among the biggest drivers of business 

travel and in-person meetings. 

Client acquisition and relationship 

building are key business goals that 

are not easily executed virtually. 

While the increase in hybrid working 

and adoption of video-conferencing 

tools have resulted in a reduction 

in some internal travel, we continue 

to see extremely strong demand for 

face-to-face meetings that focus on 

collaboration, teambuilding, employee 

productivity, and nurturing talent. 

Of course, such activities come at a 

cost, and with many companies now 

committed to net zero and slashing 

emissions, the focus is on how 

the carbon footprint of events can 

be reduced over time. One of the 

factors holding us back from taking 

a more comprehensive approach to 

sustainability in M&E has been the 

lack of data – but this is changing 

and we increasingly have more 

sophisticated tools to measure the 

environmental impact of meetings 

and events. For example, earlier this 

year we launched an M&E carbon 

footprint calculator that combines 

information on travel, meeting space, 

and F&B carbon consumption for 

corporate events, providing detailed 

environmental impact insights for 

events with up to 50,000 attendees 

MICE Show Asia is 

welcoming more than 

1,300 exhibitors this year, 

over 1,250 buyers of which 

30% are MICE and 30% 

are Corporate profiles 

PANEL 

Greener Gatherings: 

Low-Carbon Meetings 

Demand Creative Thinking 

Today - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

B2, MICE Show Asia Theatre 


I SPECIAL FEATURE I HOTELS I 

ADVERTORIAL 

Best Western Premier 

Marvella Nha Trang 

The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya, 

BW Signature Collection by Best Western 

BWH Hotels embarks on an exciting era 

of growth in Asia 

2023 has been a successful year for BWH Hotels, one of the leading global 

hospitality networks comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts 

and SureStay Hotels 

The group successfully accelerated its expansion strategy, 

achieving prestigious awards and creating exceptional 

guest experiences across Asia. 

With 19 distinct brands ranging from 

economy to luxury, BWH Hotels is 

now able to meet the needs of guests 

and developers in every sector of 

the market. This diversity is driving a 

new era of growth for the company, 

focusing on a series of key strategic 

markets in Asia, including Thailand, 

Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and the 

Philippines. 

BWH HOTELS' STRONG 

DEVELOPMENT IN 

BANGKOK AND CENTRAL 

THAILAND 

In Thailand, BWH Hotels made its 

debut in the popular resort town of 

Hua Hin, added a second hotel in 

Pattaya, and increased its portfolio 

in Bangkok with three new hotels. 

This reaffirmed its position as one of 

the Thai capital’s leading hospitality 

companies, with 10 properties. The 

rebranding of Tawa Ravadee Resort 

in Prachinburi as a WorldHotels 

Distinctive member also reflects 

the ability of this expanded brand 

collection to adapt to expectations. 

AN EYE ON JAPAN 

Japan is another key market, and BWH 

Hotels has celebrated three important 

openings. These include the country’s 

first BW Signature Collection by Best 

Western in culture-rich Kyoto, and two 

new WorldHotels members at Tokyo’s 

Haneda Airport, which added more 

than 1,700 keys to Japan’s busiest 

aviation hub. 

INTRODUCING SURESTAY 

STUDIO IN CLARKVIEW 

AND BW SIGNATURE 

COLLECTION IN WEST 

JAVA 

Southeast Asia’s first SureStay Studio 

hotel opened its doors in Clarkview, 

one of three new hotels in the 

Philippines, and Indonesia’s inaugural 

BW Signature Collection hotel opened 

in an up-and-coming area of West 

Java. More recently, in Vietnam, a new 

Best Western Premier hotel in Nha 

Trang joined the tourism scene in this 

beachfront city, including a rooftop 

bar overlooking the ocean. 

BWH Hotels’ success in 2023 has not 

gone unnoticed: the company retained 

its place in TTG Asia’s prestigious 

“Travel Hall of Fame: Best Mid-Range 

Hotel Brand” once again. The company 

also achieved the “Best Midscale 

Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific” title at the 

Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice 

Awards for the ninth consecutive year 

Best Western Plus 

Carapace Hotel Hua Hin 

and has been nominated in Lifestyle + 

Travel Magazine and Now Travel Asia 

Magazine. 

Looking ahead, BWH Hotels will 

continue to expand in key cities and 

resort areas, as well as emerging 

business and leisure destinations all 

across Asia, aiming to become one of 

the region’s most loved and trusted 

hospitality companies 

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I SPECIAL FEATURE I 

HOTELS I 

Banyan Tree Group 

focuses on well-being and 

sustainability at ITB Asia 

2023 

Banyan Tree Group is one of the world’s leading independent, 

multi-branded hospitality groups, with a purpose-driven 

approach centred on well-being and sustainability across its 

portfolio of 10 global brands. 

Meliá Hotels International will 

open its first ME by Meliá Hotel 

in Guangzhou, China 

Meliá Hotels International is due to 

open its first ME by Meliá hotel in 

the Asia Pacific. Planned for 2027, 

ME Guangzhou will aim to take 

guests to a new level of hospitality. 

ME Guangzhou will feature 120 

rooms and suites, each designed 

to offer a luxurious haven for 

guests. The hotel will boast diverse 

dining options, including a rooftop 

bar as well as event spaces, a spa 

and a fitness centre. Last but not 

least, according to the company 

ME Guangzhou will be at the 

avant-garde of culture offering 

experiences in art, design, fashion 

and music 

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AN Chengdu Wenjiang 

AN Lang Co 

BT Macau 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reports 

strong APAC performance amidst 

travel resurgence 

Banyan Tree Group's properties not 

only offer Asian-style luxury but 

also aim to provide a "Sanctuary for 

the Senses" for travellers seeking 

ecological and cultural experiences as 

well as a connection with exceptional 

destinations. 

The group counts 10 global brands 

with over 70 hotels and resorts in 23 

countries, as well as residences, spas 

and galleries. It encompasses Banyan 

Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa, Folio, 

Garrya, Homm and Laguna as well as 

two Banyan Tree extensions Banyan 

Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya. 

According to the the group, its core 

pillars of well-being and sustainability 

have been the Banyan Tree mantra 

since its inception and they shape 

the group's brands, products, and 

signature offerings. Banyan Tree 

Group is also working to become 

more sustainable. One of the group's 

initiatives was to plant thousands of 

trees, bringing life back into a stagnant 

lagoon and remediating an abandoned 

tin mine in a luxury integrated resort. 

All Banyan Tree brands aim to share 

the same purposeful travel experience 

of connecting guests with themselves 

and nature. 

Banyan Tree Group is continuing 

to develop. In 2023, the group 

inaugurated the Angsana and the 

Dhawa Ho Tram in Vietnam as well as 

the Folio Sakura Shinsaibashi Osaka 

and Homm Stay Yumiha Okinawa 

in Japan and the Banyan Tree 

Dubai. Next year, Banyan Tree will 

open in Dongguan Songshan Lake 

(Guangzhou, China) while Angsana 

will inaugurate a property in Siem 

Reap, Cambodia 

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ 

commitment to its OwnerFirst 

approach has seen notable 

results in the APAC region. In 

2022, the hotel chain experienced 

a 6% increase in room capacity, 

with 30% of these new signings 

attributed to repeat owners. 

Notably, 40% of their agreements 

achieved same-year signings and 

openings. This strong partnership 

Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc 

model contributed to a 31% rise 

in APAC's revenue per available 

room (RevPAR) in the first half of 

2023. As global travel resumes, 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 

remains proactive, liaising with 

industry stakeholders across 

various hotel tiers, from economy 

to upscale 

STAND R 015 

© Hero shot 


ADVERTORIAL 


TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY I 

"AI revolutionises our understanding 

of travellers seeking unique experiences" 

ITB Asia News spoke to Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President, 

International Markets Trip.com Group, in an exclusive interview 

He discussed the latest consumer travel trends 

as well as the use of AI for creating products and 

content. 

How is traveller behaviour 

evolving? 

We observe several trends. Many 

tourists are exploring more off-thebeaten-track 

destinations, including 

rural tourism and untraveled 

destinations such as Azerbaijan, 

Georgia, Sri Lanka or Kenya. Private 

tours, with independent groups and 

flexible itineraries, are particularly 

popular. Wellness tourism is also 

more popular, including activities 

such as yoga, meditation, spa and 

holistic health experiences. 

Consumption is moving towards 

high-quality services and in-depth 

travel encounters. Staycations have 

surged with the desire for localised 

experiences. This shift towards 

experiential travel will become a 

defining feature for the years to 

come. Finally, sustainable travel has 

also emerged as another prominent 

trend: over 16 million individuals 

chose our company's low-carbon 

products. 

How is Trip.com Group attempting 

to adapt to travellers’ evolving 

needs ? 

We remain focused on diversifying 

our product and service. Our highvalue 

package deals offer more than 

8,000 high-end hotels matching 

customers' needs. Meanwhile, our 

lower-tier city penetration strategy 

pays off. We enhance our product 

coverage, pricing, and customer 

acquisition, which attracts many new 

customers. We have also invested 

heavily in content marketing around 

product and tech innovation. We 

upgraded our travel lists to provide 

customised travel recommendations, 

including Trip.Trends, Trip.Best 

and Trip.Deals. These 

lists deliver real-time 

information on the latest 

travel trends, prices, 

and top-ranked hotels, 

flights, and attractions. 

We also continually 

improve Trip Moments, 

an immersive UGC 

platform that connects 

our traveller community 

with recommendations, 

reviews and useful travel 

information. 

What role can AI play in 

meeting the traveller's 

demand for unique 

experiences? 

AI revolutionises 

our understanding 

of travellers seeking 

unique experiences. By 

fundamentally reshaping 

our societal behaviours 

and perceptions, AI is 

driving us to explore new 

avenues of customer 

engagement, both in pre- and 

post-booking searches. Thanks to AI 

technology, we now have the ability 

to glean insights from travellers that 

pave the way for smarter and more 

accurate solutions. Our AI-powered 

travel assistant, TripGenie, fosters 

authentic conversations, yielding a 

wealth of information about each 

traveller. In an ideal scenario, our 

vision is to use AI to provide each 

of our customers with a uniquely 

tailored solution. 

What innovations is Trip.com Group 

looking to invest in the future? 

It is key to understand that individual 

travellers have their own demands 

WE HAVE BEEN 

ESTABLISHING AN 

INFRASTRUCTURE OF 

AI-GENERATED 

CONTENT 

PRODUCTION TO 

ENHANCE OUR 

CONTENT QUALITY 

AND IMPROVE 

EFFICIENCY. 

and behaviourial patterns, seeking 

efficient and personalised solutions 

to plan their trips. We have been 

establishing an infrastructure of AIgenerated 

content production to 

enhance our content quality and 

improve efficiency. In the future, we 

will continue to invest in and develop 

the latest tools to ultimately improve 

the booking experience for both our 

customers and partners. We envision 

integrating the AI assistant TripGenie 

with voice-activated devices like 

smart speakers and voice recognition 

technology to create a more natural 

and user-friendly experience 

STAND T 090 

TRIP.COM GROUP 

LEVERAGES CONTENT 

MARKETING TO 

ATTRACT 

TRAVELLERS 

The rise of social media and digital 

wallets has reshaped consumer 

behaviour, making them contentsavvy. 

Their behaviour and 

preferences are heavily dependent 

on recommendations and trends 

online. Content marketing is one of 

the most effective ways to capture 

this emerging demand. 

Trip Moments Community, a UGC 

platform of Trip.com has seen the 

number of global community 

members posting content increase 

by 287% YoY. Engaged by 35% of 

app users, the platform attracts and 

retains users and influencers: 22% 

of them book a product within just 

a month. 

Trip.com Group has also established 

an infrastructure for AI-generated 

content production. This initiative 

enriches advertising creatives with 

AIGC elements, and is a supplement 

to a content creation pipeline for 

enhanced quality and efficiency. 

One of Trip.com Group's latest 

content initiatives is a curated series 

of travel lists, which are driving 

substantial business growth. 

While online travel agencies have 

traditionally served as transaction 

platforms for travel products, Trip. 

com Group recognises a burgeoning 

opportunity for a distinct ecosystem 

with an all-in-one-app. It facilitates 

product and service purchases, but 

also serves as a recommendation 

hub for customers 


ADVERTORIAL 


MICE I 

Convention Center 

Ulsan, a city blending industry 

and MICE activities 

Already known as an economic hub in South Korea, Ulsan is now looking 

to establish itself as an obvious choice for MICE activities 

The city is presenting its infrastructure and various MICE 

products at ITB Asia this year. 

Ulsan is South Korea's seventhlargest 

metropolis with over a million 

people living there. The city is located 

in the south-east of the country, is 

a major port, and is considered 

the industrial powerhouse of 

South Korea, particularly with the 

presence of one of the world's 

largest automobile assembly plants, 

operated by the Hyundai Motor 

Company. Ulsan, the economic hub 

of Korea, is a city that has achieved 

a rare level of rapid economic 

growth. The metropolis is not only 

a stronghold of the automobile 

industry, it is also a leading location 

for the petrochemical industry, 

renewable energy and shipbuilding 

activities. 

Ulsan is well connected to the rest 

of South Korea by air as well as 

high-speed train. Travellers can get 

from Seoul to Ulsan by high speed 

train in just two hour and it is even 

faster from other MICE cities, like 

20mins from Busan and 10mins from 

Gyeongju. 

Thanks to its strong economic 

background, Ulsan is a new 

destination for MICE tourism in 

South Korea. The city administration 

is now concentrating its efforts to 

promote Ulsan as a unique MICE 

city, attracting the market with its 

infrastructure as well as its history 

and culture. 

BANGDU-DAE 

PETROGLYPHS, THE 

DISCOVERY THAT 

CHANGED WORLD'S 

HISTORY 

The Bangu-dae Petroglyphs 

were listed on the tentative list of 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Whales are one of the main animals 

the petroglyphs represent as the 

area carries the legacy of one of the 

world's first whaling industries. Ulsan 

is the only city in Korea where real 

whales can be observed. There is a 

dedicated museum in Jangsaengpo 

as well as various whale-themed 

activities. 

DISCOVERING ULSAN'S 

PROUD INDUSTRIAL 

HERITAGE IN A TOUR 

Ulsan recently launched a tour 

programme for MICE participants 

which highlights the city's industrial 

heritage. Participants can visit 

Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant, where 

an average of 6,000 cars a day and 

1.4 million cars a year are completed 

on site, while over thousands of 

cars are lined up to be exported on 

a 60,000-tonne-plus dedicated car 

ship. This tour aims to give visitors a 

demonstration of Korea's technical 

skill. 

As Ulsan is Korea's number one 

petrochemical producer with 

€75.5 billion in revenue from 292 

companies. Travellers can learn 

about the sector by visiting various 

promotional centres that provide 

an overview of the petrochemical 

industry. 

Ulsan is also known for shipbuilding 

and is home to the world's fifth 

largest shipbuilder, Hyundai 

Heavy Industries & Hyundai 

Mipo Shipbuilding. MICE groups can 

visit sites and see workers building 

various ships, including giant 

container ships 

STAND J 05 

BECOMING 

AN ECO-FRIENDLY 

CITY 

The rapid growth of industrial 

development has long been linked 

to environmental pollution. However, 

in the last 20 years, Ulsan has taken 

major environmental improvement 

actions. For example, Taehwa River, 

which flows through Ulsan centre, 

has been recognised as the second 

national garden of Korea. Today it is 

an eco-friendly park where nature 

and people coexist. Visitors can 

observe salmon and various types of 

fish in the river as well as thousands 

of crows and the Milky Way path 

made up of bamboo forest 

ULSAN EXHIBITION 

AND CONVENTION 

CENTRE 

Ulsan inaugurated its Exhibition and 

Convention Centre (UECO) in 2021. 

The multi-functional complex can 

accommodate diverse exhibitions, 

international conferences, seminars 

and cultural performances with a 

surface area of 43,000 sqm and 

a capacity of 1,400 delegates for 

its convention hall. Ulsan also 

established the MICE Alliance 

cooperation system to foster MICE 

activities 


I REGION I EUROPE I 

© Zoran Jelaca/CNTB 

NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPES 

ON DISPLAY AT ITB ASIA 2023 

With direct access from many major European airports 

such as Helsinki, Schiphol and Frankfurt, Norway has 

become a popular destination for international tourists. 

Visit Norway is exhibiting at ITB Asia this year, looking 

to attract travellers with their unique landscapes, 

adventure tourism and culinary experiences. 

Houses at Gacka River 

Discovering rural Croatia 

at ITB Asia 2023 

This year, Croatia is inviting visitors to ITB Asia to discover 

its landscapes and rural charm. Over 90% of its land is rural, 

encompassing 8 national parks and 12 nature parks, some of 

them UNESCO-protected. These regions offer travellers a range 

of options from adrenaline-filled parks to authentic Croatian 

homesteads. 

The rising trend is clear: travellers are 

seeking the natural parts of Croatia. 

They want wholesome food, artisanal 

products, clean environments, and a 

journey into the unknown. Croatian 

villages, rich in tradition, offer 

experiences that are both unique and 

deeply rooted in history, with culinary 

recipes passed down for generations. 

Croatia's rural spaces try to offer 

something for everyone, whether 

travellers are looking for family 

activities, a romantic retreat, or a 

road-trip among friends. Adventurous 

activities range from rafting and 

kayaking to horseback riding, while 

cyclists can enjoy four EuroVelo 

routes and various local trails. For 

those looking for something calmer, 

there are lots of options for hiking or 

simply picnicking outdoors. 

Accommodation in Croatia is a blend of 

tradition and modernity. Stay options 

include traditional village homes, 

adventure-centric facilities, farm stays 

and luxury villas. Sustainability is a 

core focus for the country, as ensuring 

Croatia's landscapes and heritage 

remain intact for future visitors is a 

priority 

STAND P 029 

One of the ways travellers can 

experience Norway is by train. The 

Flåm Railway and Bergen Line 

offer views of valleys, plateaus, 

and the vast Hardangervidda 

National Park. The journey from 

the mountainous Myrdal station 

down to the fjord village of Flåm 

is a visual treat, and travellers can 

go sightseeing on award-winning 

electrical boats in the Sognefjord. 

From hiking to the Pulpit Rock 

in Lysefjord to kayaking in the 

UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, 

travellers can experience unique 

landscapes firsthand. The city 

of Bergen, aptly termed the 

"Gateway to the Fjords," is 

a strategic starting point for 

Aurland in Sognefjord 

adventurous travellers, nestled 

amidst seven mountains and 

coastal landscapes. Tromsø, the 

largest city in Northern Norway, 

offers Arctic adventures, from 

husky sled rides to the Arctic 

Cathedral. 

Norwegian cuisine celebrates 

seafood, with an emphasis on 

fresh, local ingredients. Other 

typical fare includes crisp waffles 

topped with local jams or the 

distinct brown cheese. Norwegian 

cuisine is known for being quite 

health-conscious, and visitors can 

expect dining that is both a tasty 

and nutritious experience 

STAND M 016 

© www.fjordnorway 


ADVERTORIAL 

I REGION I 

ASIA I 

© Pramuka 

Jakarta offers MICE travellers opportunities 

for entertainment and relaxation 

The MICE industry in Jakarta not only plays an 

important role in business, but also has a positive 

impact on recreation and entertainment in the city. 

MICE activities are attracting travellers from both the 

archipelago and abroad to Jakarta. 

Head of Jakarta Tourism and 

Creative Economy Department, 

Andhika Permata, says that 

holding international events such 

as The Meeting of Governors 

and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals 

(MGMAC) and the ASEAN Major 

Forum (AMF), as well as the 43rd 

ASEAN Summit in 2023, is clear 

proof that Jakarta is recognised 

by the world as a MICE city. 

"When MICE activities in Jakarta 

increase, not only will the 

business aspect increase, but 

this will have a positive impact on 

the recreation and entertainment 

aspects. In principle, MICE is 

able to attract participants to 

come to Jakarta and explore 

all destinations and facilities in 

Jakarta," he explains. 

Jakarta's combined tourism 

strategy is based on the fact that 

international business people will 

also feel relaxed and enjoy all the 

entertainment Jakarta has to offer 

as well. The goal is to become 

a tourism destination and one 

of the most important cities 

for MICE in the Asian region. 

Jakarta's slogan "Jakarta, the 

Heart of MICE" reflects the city's 

expectation to become a new 

MICE city that offers business 

and investment opportunities 

through conferences and trade 

exhibitions. 

As a megacity, Jakarta 

frequently accommodates 

foreign diplomatic missions 

and international representative 

offices meaning that they are 

accustomed to applying high 

security standards to ensure the 

safety and comfort of residents 

and visitors. 

According to the data from 2019 

before the pandemic, Indonesia 

succeeded in presenting more 

than 300 exhibitions, 64 percent 

of which were held in Jakarta. 

This means that more than half of 

the events in Indonesia were held 

in Jakarta. Based on data from 

the Association of Indonesian 

Exhibition Companies (IECA), in 

2023 178 exhibitions are being 

held in Indonesia. Of the total 

exhibitions, 129 are in Jakarta. 

The estimated transaction 

turnover from all exhibitions 

reaches more than IDR 150 

trillion. 

To strengthen MICE activities, 

Jakarta has added a number 

of venues to accommodate 

all national and international 

business activities. Currently, 

new investments have been 

made in international standard 

hotels, convention centres, 

exhibitions, sports centres and 

international standard hospitals. 

Jakarta Tourism and Creative 

Economy Department is 

optimistic and working towards 

its commitment to become the 

heart of MICE in Indonesia and 

around the world 

STAND L 033

ITB ASIA NEWS 2023 - DAY 2 EDITION

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