2025 ITB ASIA NEWS - DAY 2 Edition

This ITB Asia Daily Edition
is brought to you by
Level 1 / Stand U06

Basement 2 / Stand P05
Level 1
Stand U06
NEWS
ITB Asia 2025 sets
the stage for a record
year
→ 05
HOTELS
BWH Hotels champions
sustainable hospitality
across Asia
→ 10
MICE
Business Events Perth:
A model for global
growth at ITB Asia 2025
THURSDAY
16 OCT.
2025
SHAPING TRAVEL FOR
A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dr Fazil Khan, Group Managing Director, Mitra Group → 08
The Official Show Magazine
Daily→ 11

HALL PLANS
BASEMENT 2 / STAND P58
LEVEL 1 / STAND T235
LEVEL 1 / STAND T45
BASEMENT 2 / STAND J05
LEVEL 1 / STAND T190

Mr Darren Seah
Executive Director,
Messe Berlin Asia Pacific
TODAY'S
HIGHLIGHTS
12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.
Every encounter is a chance
to shape what’s next
Mr Darren Seah, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific
Good morning and welcome to Day 2 of ITB Asia
2025!
What a fantastic start to this year’s show!
Yesterday the floor was buzzing with energy
from the moment the doors opened.With packed
sessions across all three stages, meaningful
business conversations, and a lively networking
atmosphere throughout Marina Bay Sands, Day 1
set a strong tone for what’s to come.
The ITB Asia Conference continues today with
more content from some of the most influential
voices in the industry. Whether you’re interested
in the latest MICE strategies, cutting-edge travel
tech, or how AI is transforming operations, there’s
something on every stage to spark your next idea
or collaboration.
A shift in the industry towards intentional,
responsible travel is noteworthy, from both buyers,
exhibitors and of course travellers themselves.
From the experiences destinations are investing
in to shifting buyer priorities, the conversation
is evolving. Don’t miss our exclusive interview
with top buyer Dr Fazil Khan on page 8 of today's
magazine for a discussion on how sustainability
and intention are shaping purchasing decisions
and long-term strategy.
With over 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of
scheduled appointments, today offers countless
opportunities to explore new solutions, uncover
ideas, and spark meaningful collaboration.
Whether on the show floor, in a theatre, or over
coffee, every encounter is a chance to shape
what’s next.
Wishing you all a productive and inspiring Day 2!
Basement 2, Knowledge Theatre
Hotel Leaders’ Panel: Redefining
Hospitality: The Intersection of
Innovation and Classic Hospitality
Standards
Various experts
Join our expert panel as they explore how
blending modern technology with timeless
hospitality values can help hotels create
experiences that are both cutting-edge and
authentically warm, fostering long-term guest
loyalty and satisfaction.
1:30p.m. - 2:30p.m.
Basement 2, MICE Show Asia Theatre
Panel: Redefining Corporate
Travel: Asia’s Next Chapter in a
Changing Global Landscape
Various experts
This panel will explore the shifting trends in
corporate travel, including sustainability, cost
management, technology integration, and
traveller experience. Experts from both regional
and global markets will share insights on how
Asia’s corporate travel sector is adapting to
new business needs, digitalisation, emerging
policies and practices.
3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
Level 1, Travel Tech Asia Theatre
Panel: The Impact of AI on the
Future of Travel
Various experts
Don't miss this engaging discussion with
industry experts which will tackle how AI
will redefine the future of travel, creating
more seamless, efficient, and personalised
experiences for both businesses and travellers
alike.
Scan the QR code
to discover the full
programme
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ITB ASIA DAILY / THE OFFICIAL SHOW MAGAZINE / #02 / THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025

NEWS
ITB ASIA 2025 SETS
THE STAGE FOR A RECORD
YEAR
The 18th edition of ITB Asia kicked
off yesterday with inspiring opening
remarks and the traditional ribboncutting
ceremony. The Begonia
room on level 3 at Marina Bay
Sands was packed as the audience
eagerly awaited speeches from
Messe Berlin and the Singapore
government.
Mr David Ruetz, Senior Vice
President Messe Berlin, spoke to the
quality of the ITB Asia Conference
this year and underlined the
importance of travel tech within the
industry as a "driver of efficiency".
He extended a warm welcome to
exhibitors, buyers, partners, media
and government, wishing everyone
"an inspiring, productive and
successful ITB Asia 2025."
Guest of honour Mr Alvin Tan,
Minister of State, Ministry of
Trade and Industry & Ministry of
National Development, Singapore,
described Singapore's expanding
events sector as well as the citystate's
ambitious goals for tourism,
namely the 2040 tourism strategy.
This project aims to significantly
increase Singapore's tourism
receipts, especially in the MICE
sector. He underlined potential
wellness represents for tourism,
and thanked Messe Berlin for
their "long-standing partnership,"
congratulating them on a recordbreaking
edition of the show this
year.
For the traditional ribbon-cutting
ceremony, Mr David Ruetz and Mr
Alvin Tan were joined by Mr Poh
Chi Chuan, Executive Director,
Exhibitions & Conferences,
Singapore Tourism Board and Ms
Katrina Leung, Managing Director
& Vice President Asia Pacific
at Messe Berlin. This officially
opened the show along with a
lion dance accompanied by live
percussion kicking off three days
of connections, collaborations and
opportunity.

NEWS
DERBYSOFT EXPANDS GLOBAL
REACH THROUGH INTEGRATION
WITH TEMAIRAZU IN JAPAN
At ITB Asia 2025, DerbySoft, a leading Travel Commerce Accelerator
based in Dallas, Texas, is announcing its integration with Japanbased
Temairazu Co., Ltd. The partnership connects Temairazu Series,
a reservation management system for domestic accommodation
facilities, to a network of more than 300 channels, including OTAs,
wholesalers, and travel agencies worldwide. Hotels using Temairazu
can now access over 500 global channels, significantly expanding
their reach. DerbySoft’s advanced connectivity and content platform
are trusted by major
travel brands in 197
countries, empowering
hotels, airlines, and
distributors to accelerate
growth and build a more
efficient global travel
ecosystem.
Level 1 / Stand T221
SKYSCANNER REVEALS MAJOR
TRAVEL TRENDS AT ITB ASIA 2025
Yesterday on stage at the Knowledge Theatre, Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination
Partnerships, APAC, Skyscanner, unveiled the latest trends and insights
from the fifth Special Edition Horizons Report, based on a survey across
15 global markets and insights from the trends of its over 160 million
monthly users. The report is set to be released this Friday.
According to Skyscanner, 83% of travellers are globally planning to take
more or the same number of trips in 2026 vs 2025. A major shift is the
adoption of AI in travel habits: 54% of users said they feel confident
using it for planning. "This creates a unique opportunity for our partners,"
he told the audience.
Level 1 / Stand T243
ITB ASIA DAILY / THE OFFICIAL SHOW MAGAZINE / #02 / THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025

CONFERENCE
INSIDE THE AI REVOLUTION
TRANSFORMING THE TRAVEL
INDUSTRY
Today, HotelPlanner’s Chief Technology Officer, Bryce Fosdick, and
President EMEA, Bas Lemmens, will take part in a fireside chat on the
future of AI innovation in travel. The Daily caught up with Bryce Fosdick
ahead of the session for a glimpse into the key themes shaping the
discussion.
Can you describe some of the
main ways AI is transforming how
travellers plan and book trips
today?
We’re still in the early stages
of AI’s impact on travel. While
travellers are increasingly using AI
for trip planning, inspiration, and
personalised recommendations,
the actual booking experience has
not yet fully caught up. There’s a
clear gap between planning and
fulfillment—AI can build itineraries,
but travellers are often left to
manage the logistics themselves.
To bridge that divide, our company
developed the first AI voice booking
agents last year, and we’re now
expanding this technology to
seamlessly connect research,
planning, and booking across
multiple channels.
How is AI changing traveller
expectations, and how can the
tourism industry adapt?
Most travellers haven’t yet formed
concrete expectations around AI
because they don’t fully understand
its capabilities or limitations. That
creates a unique opportunity for
industry leaders to shape the future
of travel through innovation and
education. For tourism companies,
early adoption and experimentation
are key. Those who embrace
AI now—rather than waiting for
mainstream adoption—will set the
standard for what consumers come
to expect in the years ahead.
THIS IS ONE
OF THE MOST
EXCITING TIMES
IN THE HISTORY
OF TRAVEL
INNOVATION.
What are your predictions for
the near future, and how can the
industry prepare?
AI innovation is advancing at a
pace most outside the field can’t
fully appreciate. While many
consumers use tools like ChatGPT
casually, they’re unaware of how
rapidly the underlying technology
is evolving. The travel industry
is entering a transformative era—
similar to the shift from traditional
travel agents to online booking
25 years ago. Companies that are
only starting to prepare are already
behind. The most successful teams
will be those fully immersed in
the AI ecosystem, continuously
adapting as the technology evolves.
In this space, what was cuttingedge
three months ago may already
be obsolete today.
Who should attend your conference
session at ITB Asia 2025 today?
This session is for anyone eager
to hear from practitioners—not
theorists—who are actively applying
AI to drive measurable business
results. At our company, AI isn’t
just a buzzword; it’s embedded in
our core operations. As one of the
world’s largest AI consumers in the
cloud and among the few executing
real-time transactional business
through AI, we’ll share how we’re
pushing the boundaries of what’s
possible in travel technology, along
with a preview of our next major
innovations.
What do you hope attendees will
take away from the session?
While the rapid pace of AI
change can feel intimidating, I
hope attendees leave the session
inspired and energised. This is
one of the most exciting times in
the history of travel innovation. The
opportunity to rethink, rebuild, and
revolutionise how the world travels
has never been greater.
Bryce Fosdick
Chief Technology Officer,
HotelPlanner
CONFERENCE
FIRESIDE CHAT:
REDEFINING
TRAVEL THROUGH
AI-DRIVEN
INNOVATION
Today, Thursday
16 Oct.
12:00pm
12:30pm
MORE INFORMATION:
SCAN THE QR CODE
LEVEL 1, TRAVEL
TECH ASIA THEATRE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
TRAVEL TODAY:
INNOVATION,
WELLNESS AND
PURPOSE
The Daily caught up with Dr Fazil Khan, Group Managing
Director, Mitra Group, to discuss trends in the industry and
his priorities as a top buyer at the show this year.
With Mitra Group’s expertise in corporate travel
management and incentive travel, what trends
are you seeing in this space in Malaysia and
Southeast Asia?
In 2025, corporate travel in Malaysia and
Southeast Asia is more dynamic than ever.
Companies are not just travelling for business,
they want their trips to be meaningful and
aligned with their brand values. Incentive
travel has become a key tool for employee
motivation, but the design of these trips has
changed. Companies now look for experiences
that combine leisure, culture, and learning. For
example, instead of a simple company retreat,
they want programmes that include teambuilding
activities or wellness workshops.
Another trend is the blending of work and leisure
in travel. Many corporate travellers extend their
work trips by a few days to explore the destination,
relax, or even bring their families along.
Companies are now encouraging this balance
because it improves employee satisfaction
and makes incentive trips more meaningful. In
Southeast Asia, where destinations offer rich
culture and beautiful scenery, blending of work
and leisure in travel has become a natural fit.
Technology is also reshaping expectations.
Digital booking, automated expense reporting,
and mobile apps for trip updates are now
standard.
After the pandemic years, hybrid events also
remain relevant, so some companies still
blend virtual and physical meetings. Corporate
travel in Southeast Asia has shifted from
being just a logistical task to becoming part
of a bigger company strategy focusing on
employee engagement, brand reputation, and
sustainability.
ITB ASIA DAILY / THE OFFICIAL SHOW MAGAZINE / #02 / THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025

Dr Fazil Khan
Group Managing Director, Mitra Group
As a top buyer at ITB Asia, are there particular
destinations, products, or innovations you are
focusing on this year?
I am paying close attention to destinations that are
fresh, less crowded, and sustainable. Traditional
hubs are still strong, but clients increasingly
ask for secondary cities and hidden gems. For
example, Da Nang in Vietnam, Kuching and Kota
Kinabalu in Malaysia and Lombok in Indonesia are
rising in popularity. These places offer authentic
experiences, beautiful nature, and space for
incentive groups without the pressure of overtourism.
In terms of products, wellness tourism continues
to grow. People want travel that helps them
recharge physically and mentally. Packages that
combine nature, fitness, and wellness programs
are becoming more attractive, even for corporate
groups. Another innovation is technology-driven
travel solutions. From AI-based trip planners to
real-time language translation apps, technology is
shaping how travellers plan, experience, and share
their journeys.
What are the biggest opportunities and
challenges you foresee for the Mitra Group in the
coming years?
I see big opportunities in Southeast Asia’s position
as one of the world’s fastest-growing travel regions.
The diversity of experiences—from modern cities
to natural wonders—makes it very attractive for
both leisure and corporate travellers. The growth
of Muslim-friendly tourism also opens doors
for Mitra to reach new markets internationally.
Another opportunity is digital transformation. By
adopting new travel technologies, Mitra can offer
CORPORATE TRAVEL
IN SOUTHEAST
ASIA HAS SHIFTED
FROM BEING JUST A
LOGISTICAL TASK TO
BECOMING PART OF
A BIGGER COMPANY
STRATEGY FOCUSING
ON EMPLOYEE
ENGAGEMENT, BRAND
REPUTATION, AND
SUSTAINABILITY.
faster, more personalised, and more seamless
services to clients.
But challenges remain. The first is global
uncertainty. Events such as geopolitical conflicts,
economic shifts, or even climate-related
disruptions can quickly affect travel demand.
Flexibility and resilience will be key.
The second challenge is competition. With so
many online platforms and direct booking options,
clients have endless choices. To stand out, Mitra
must continue to provide personal service,
creativity, and reliability.
The third challenge is talent. The travel industry
requires people with new skills—digital knowledge,
cultural awareness, and the ability to innovate.
Building and retaining such talent is not easy, but
it is critical for Mitra’s future. For me, this is both a
challenge and an opportunity to invest in young
professionals who can lead the industry forward.
THE RISE
OF MUSLIM-
FRIENDLY
TRAVEL IN ASIA
AND BEYOND
Muslim-friendly tourism is a
high priority for Mitra Group,
and Dr Fazil Khan described this
segment as growing strongly in
2025, both in Asia and beyond:
"More international travellers
especially from the Middle East,
South Asia, and even Europe are
seeking destinations that can
accommodate their religious and
cultural needs. With the younger
Muslim population travelling more
actively, this segment will only
continue to expand."
Given the increasing importance
of this segment, Dr Fazil Khan
underlined that for Mitra Group
it is not treated as a small niche:
"We see it as a major part of the
future of tourism. In our packages,
we ensure halal dining is available,
prayer spaces are accessible, and
activities respect Muslim values.
When we create tours in non-
Muslim countries, we carefully
select partners who can provide
halal food and Muslim-friendly
accommodations." He highlighted
that at ITB Asia 2025 he is
looking for "strong partnerships
with suppliers who understand
Muslim-friendly needs and share
a commitment to sustainability."

ADVERTORIAL
SPECIAL FEATURE: HOTELS
Best Western Plus Nexen Pattaya
BWH HOTELS CHAMPIONS
SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY
ACROSS ASIA
BWH Hotels, a company known for its commitment to sustainability in the
industry, is celebrating an important milestone at ITB Asia this year.
Last month, Best Western Hotels - Operations APAC, along with
& Resorts and SureStay Hotels in representatives from Bureau Veritas
Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan Group.
successfully achieved certification
under the Global Sustainable Tourism BWH Hotels states that it is committed
Council (GSTC) standards.
to operating in a responsible and
environmentally conscious way.
Through its accredited partner Bureau Through its global "Because We Care"
Veritas Group, the group’s operational programme, the group integrates
effectiveness was assessed in four three core pillars—Earth, People, and
key areas: Sustainable Management, Community (EPC)—into every facet
Socio-Economic Impact, Cultural of its operations. From reducing water
Impacts and Environmental Impacts. consumption and cutting carbon
The results revealed that BWH Hotels emissions to minimising waste and
is equipping its hotels and teams with supporting local sourcing, these values
the tools they need to drive longterm
change and create meaningful driving meaningful change across the
are embedded in daily practices,
experiences that have a positive organisation.
impact on the planet.
“I’m incredibly proud of our
A ceremony was held at Best Western outstanding teams across Southeast
Chatuchak, Bangkok, on September Asia, Japan, and Pakistan. Achieving
2, 2025 to honor the GSTC-certified GSTC certification is more than just
properties. The event was attended earning a credential, it reflects the
by BWH Hotels leaders Olivier unwavering commitment, extensive
Berrivin, Vice President - APAC and training and deep belief in the power
Rodney Simpson, Managing Director we have to drive meaningful change.
In partnership with Bureau Veritas, we
didn’t just meet GSTC standards, we
brought them to life within our hotels,
embedding sustainability into the
very fabric of our operations. At BWH
Hotels, responsible travel isn’t a trend;
it is part of who we are. This milestone
marks a significant step forward in our
journey to create more sustainable and
mindful hospitality experiences,” said
Rodney Simpson, Managing Director -
Operations APAC, BWH Hotels.
Visitors to ITB Asia can discover more
about BWH Hotels' sustainability
strategies and initiatives on the stand.
Basement 2 / Stand P05
GSTC Certification Ceremony
AT BWH
HOTELS,
RESPONSIBLE
TRAVEL ISN’T
A TREND; IT IS
PART OF WHO
WE ARE.
ITB ASIA DAILY / THE OFFICIAL SHOW MAGAZINE / #02 / THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025

SPECIAL FEATURE: MICE
BUSINESS EVENTS PERTH:
A MODEL FOR GLOBAL GROWTH AT
ITB ASIA 2025
Business Events Perth, Western Australia’s convention bureau, is
demonstrating how a focused, collaborative approach to businessevents
tourism can drive global recognition and long-term impact.
In the past year, Business Events the destination firsthand. These
Perth secured hundreds of showcase Perth and Western
events that will deliver significant Australia’s leading business
economic benefits to Western event venues and attractions,
Australia, with confirmed activity along with pristine beaches, fine
stretching as far ahead as 2030. dining and a thriving cultural
Building on this momentum, scene that set Perth apart on the
the organisation is committed world stage.
to sustaining growth while
continuing to keep Western Behind Business Events
Australia firmly on the map as a Perth’s achievements lies a
premier global business-events clear strategy built on a series
destination.
of key pillars. The organisation
focuses on winning large-scale
Recently recognised as the Top bids aligned with Western
Convention Bureau in the Asia Australia’s priority industries,
Pacific region, Business Events building a strong international
Perth has reinforced Western presence through trade shows
Australia’s reputation for worldclass
venues, natural beauty Asia, encouraging diversification
and roadshows including ITB
and transformative experiences. into emerging sectors and
Central to this success is a strong strengthening local workforce
network of industry partners and research capacity.
and major familiarisation
initiatives that welcome key For delegates, Western Australia
decision-makers to experience offers an ideal blend of business
and leisure. Just offshore lies
Rottnest Island, famous for its
quokkas and turquoise bays.
To the south, Margaret River
combines world-class wines,
luxury accommodation and
Aboriginal cultural experiences
in dramatic coastal landscapes.
To the north, Ningaloo Reef
invites encounters with whale
sharks and manta rays, while
Broome and the Kimberley
provide access to ancient
landscapes, Aboriginal rock art
and luxury wilderness lodges.
This fusion of economic
impact, strategic foresight and
destination appeal positions
Perth and Western Australia as
a model of sustainable growth
in the global business-events
industry.
Basement 2 / Stand P58