Preparations are underway for WTM Connect Asia which is due to open its doors for the first time this May, marking World Travel Market’s arrival in South East Asia.

The ‘pod’ event will be taking place in Penang, known as the cultural melting pot of Malaysia.

From May 18 to 20, suppliers of international travel products will meet with Chinese, South East Asian and international Hosted Buyers for pre-scheduled business appointments, inspiring education content, networking functions and cultural evening events.

The Hosted Buyer Programme offers carefully selected leisure travel buyers from all over the world the chance to attend and make new business contacts. China’s outbound leisure travel market is now the largest single travel market in the world and continues to grow. Taking this into consideration, WTM Connect Asia is hosting a number of key outbound Chinese leisure travel buyers providing more business opportunities for exhibitors.

Beijing Luxtrip Holding, Mudianjiang Youth International Travel Agency, Ctrip, Beijing Huantao Information and Technology, GZL International Travel Service, Chongqing Guangda International Travel, China Chongqing Holiday International Travel Service, and 6renyou Trip are some of the Chinese buyers confirmed to attend.

Iris Lu, senior operations manager, Ctrip said: “WTM has a good reputation in China. I believe WTM Connect Asia will provide new opportunities for my company to develop in new markets and source new products. I’m looking forward to the business appointments and education sessions.”

Jojo Jin, Coo, Beijing Huantao Information & Technology, said: “WTM Connect Asia will be a great opportunity for me to meet with international suppliers, let them understand our business model and build long term business relationships”.

In addition to the Chinese Hosted Buyers at WTM Connect Asia there will also be buyers attending from South East Asia and the rest of the world, providing a strong offer for exhibiting companies. Some of these buyers are Interpark, Cathay Pacific Holidays, APT, Gate 1 Travel, Tidesquare/ Privia Travel, Pacific Leisure Group, and CBS Travel Asia.

WTM Connect Asia has an equally strong mix of exhibitors lined up including Missing Italia, INCOTOUR GROUP Oy, JTB Global Marketing & Travel, Cox & Kings, Helidubai, Olympia Europe, Travallanda, Let's Travel, C Hotels, Tourico and Kaimoo Travels & Hotel Services. - TradeArabia News Service