Established international MICE industry trade show IBTM World organiser RX Global has announced it is to enter the APAC MICE show market, with the launch of IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 in Hong Kong in either March or April (firm date yet to be confirmed).
The news was released at IBTM World in Barcelona this week.
RX Global says the move will provide a platform for destinations and suppliers in the Asia Pacific region to showcase their offering to a global network of event professionals.
Vasyl Zhygalo, portfolio director, IBTM, commented: “The Asia Pacific market is among the fastest growing in the world. The region’s MICE industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% to reach $441.1bn by 2025. We are confident that now is the right time to showcase the wealth of opportunity in culturally diverse region.”
Discussing the bid process, Zhygalo said: “Hong Kong’s bid was notable for the city’s outstanding tourism recovery pace and ever-growing momentum. We were impressed by the significant investment into the already world-class infrastructure, as well as support by local government, which makes placing business in the Greater Bay Area – and the wider Asia Pacific region, easy.
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with HKTB for what promises to be an exceptional event.”
Kenneth Wong, general manager, MICE & Cruise and Regional Director, Europe, HKTB, added: “We’re excited to welcome IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to Hong Kong! This is a strong vote of confidence reinforcing the city’s status as the world’s meeting place, and a strategic move for IBTM to leverage Hong Kong’s competitive edges and the city’s booming MICE tourism to expand its portfolio. Hong Kong, as a leading tourism hub connecting Mainland China and the world, provides an ideal platform for IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to converge international and regional suppliers and buyers and grow its presence in this region.”
HKTB presented its proposal in close partnership with Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and venue AsiaWorld-Expo, and highlighted Hong Kong as the gateway to the high-potential Greater Bay Area and Mainland China offering new opportunities for growth.
Mr Wong also hailed Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art cross-boundary transport infrastructure including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) (Hong Kong Section) that connects to 73 Mainland stations.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), he added, was transforming from a city airport into an Airport City, including the development of SKYCITY and the Three-runway System (3RS).
The partners hope that IBTM Asia Pacific will bring together some of the best-known suppliers and event planners from the region and the world for two days of pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings, underpinned by the same matchmaking technology utilised for all IBTM events.
IBTM World event director, Claudia Hall, said she was, “looking forward to bringing our world-class IBTM product to Asia Pacific and showcasing the vibrant, diverse offerings that the region has to offer.
“Hong Kong’s new tourism offerings, experiences, and position as a cultural hub, will no doubt spark imagination among our global network of event organisers. We look forward to welcoming you!”
The launch promises some keen competition for this market, as it follows North Star’s launch of The Meetings Show Asia Pacific at the Sands Expo, Singapore, 17-18 April 2024.
For more information, visit the IBTM Asia Pacific website.
