WTM Connect Asia and WTM Connect China, the latest addition to the WTM portfolio, have both been met with a positive reception from global travel industry players.

Reed Travel Exhibitions recently announced the new shows offering attendees exclusive one-to-one invitation only events. Handpicked Hosted Buyers and carefully selected suppliers will be given the opportunity to conduct business in one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

Penang, Malaysia, and Sanya, Hainan Island, China, will play host to up to 120 Hosted Buyers and 120 exhibitors for two and half days of uninterrupted business deals in May 2016.

With China and South East Asia’s inbound and outbound tourism numbers rapidly growing, it’s no surprise that both WTM Connect events have received a high level of interest from credible international buyers and suppliers wishing to attend.

Visit Berlin, Tourism Malaysia, Penang Global Tourism, Jac Travel, Prodo Travel, Europcar International, A2B Transfers, Soluciones Integrales Vacacionales S.L.U, Luxury Tours and Lernidee Trains & Cruises are some of the names already signed up as exhibitors.

Ralf Ostendorf, director market management for Visit Berlin, said: “Berlin is one of the most dynamic and vibrant city destinations in Europe right now with increasing visitor numbers every year, placing the city in the top three destinations with London and Paris. For the future development of tourism in Berlin it is essential to develop new markets and to enlarge the international network with the travel industry. We are focusing especially on Asia with China being the most important target market, but are also active in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines in South East Asia. WTM Connect promises to be a new and interesting event format to build on this network and to gain additional market experience from meetings with selected professional buyers from the region.”

Olivier Boucher, head of regional sales development for Europcar International echoed Visit Berlin’s comment: “Europcar is one of the leading mobility players in Europe, present in over 140 countries. The group puts customers at the heart of its mission, whether it is innovation or service. Europcar is actively promoting corporate and environmental social responsibility, and Asia is one of our main areas of focus. We are expecting large visibility participating in WTM Connect Asia & China to help increase brand awareness”

More than 700 buyers have already registered their interest in WTM Connect Asia and China. Prospective Hosted Buyers include Trails of Indochina from Vietnam, Brown and Hudson from the UK, Il Viaggio - Journeys & Voyages, Italy, and Temaresor/TUI Nordic from Sweden.

Anthony Hill, CEO and founding director, Adventure Travel Group, Australia explains why he is interested in attending WTM Connect Asia: “WTM is a proven platform to generate valuable appointments between key players. Penang is a great launch location and is a tourist destination. Most other shows in Asia are held in destinations that are not traditionally leisure destination and I am hoping by having such a location the event will attract additional valuable sellers and buyers to make this a very successful show.”

WTM Connect Asia is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Tourism Malaysia and State Tourism of Penang. WTM Connect China is supported by Sanya Tourism. Penang State Minister for Tourism Development, Yb Danny Law Heng Kiang explains why such events are important for them: “Penang is very proud to be the host of the inaugural WTM Connect Asia. We believe the event will showcase Penang's strength as a holistic destination for business events and leisure activities. We welcome all international buyers and exhibitors to our city, George Town, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy Penang's street food, culture and heritage”. – TradeArabia News Service