ITB Asia is set to deliver a series of keynote presentations over the event’s 16-18 October dates, in line with 2019’s conference theme, ‘Bold Thoughts, Bold Moves.’ The keynote sessions will focus on sharing innovative ideas, where attendees can expect to gain knowledge on practical applications to keep pace with industry changes.
Recognising the impact of technology on the travel industry, speakers from leading online travel agencies (OTA), travel-related partners and technology companies will share their perspectives on how businesses can innovate and leverage on technology as they tackle the challenges of this era.
“By bringing together leading industry experts in the keynote sessions, ITB Asia will get to the heart of today’s complex travel issues. We will discuss major game-changing issues within the industry and strategies on innovating business models in order to remain competitive. As the industry continues to evolve, attendees want to gain more than just insights of what leading businesses do to remain at the top. Through our sessions, they will be equipped with actionable steps on how to drive their business forward,” said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB Asia.
The first keynote session on 16 October brings together experts from Bedbank, Hotelbeds Group, Booking.com and IBM. They represent three of the biggest pillars in the travel industry – accommodation, distribution and technology. Addressing the industry’s common challenges, topics will include how businesses can ready themselves for the next wave of growth; rethinking and reinventing distribution strategies; and how the travel industry can capitalise on the digital revolution to succeed.
ITB Asia 2019’s keynote panel on 17 October, ‘The Future of Travel Distribution,’ will identify business solutions for challenges faced by the sector during a time of uncertainty. The discussion will be led by senior executives from Agoda, Expedia Group, Hotelbeds, KAYAK, and TripAdvisor. They will answer the big “where to next?” question, as they explore the rapidly changing travel industry, new technological advancements, and implement diverse distribution strategies to improve the consumer experience.
In addition to the discussions of the travel industry’s three pillars, ITB Asia 2019 will also feature a keynote panel on 18 October focused on the new Chinese traveller, of which their overseas consumption is predicted to grow as large as $120 billion as preferences evolve.
Aside from the keynote sessions, ITB Asia 2019’s conference will also deliver a series of themed sessions, including Corporate Travel, Destination Marketing, Muslim Travel and Travel Technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience over 200 sessions led by more than 260 speakers.
