£20bn boost to UK Economy Given by Youth Travel

A study of British Educational Travel Association (BETA) reported that the fastest growing sector in the UK travel industry consists of Youth, student and educational travel contributing over £20 billion per annum to the UK economy.

The consumer trends report also showed that while students spend less each day than business travellers, they tend to contribute more over longer periods of stay across the country, with Edinburgh, Oxford and Manchester the most preferred destinations outside London.

“We also know that young travellers to the UK are likely to return throughout their lifetime, to work, trade and tour,” commented BETA Chairman Dick Porter.

The transport, hospitality and education industries especially benefit from youth travellers. Of the 4,000 individuals aged 11-35 choosing the UK for study, work or leisure, half said they welcomed two to four visitors during their stay, and 80% said they believed education in the UK was “equal to or better than in their home country”.

BETA has collaborated with the VisitBritain campaign to increase the number of tourists in Britain from 31 million a year to 40 million by 2020, bolstered largely by youth travel.

However, the survey revealed that only 46% of young travellers felt the culture in the UK was oriented toward young people – a concern considering 300 million youth trips are forecasted globally by the year 2020.

“We must work proactively with our partners promoting the UK to ensure that this is addressed within our global marketing of brand Great Britain,” said Porter.

“Youth, student and educational travel represents an enormous opportunity for the future growth of the UK travel and tourism industry as a whole and by reducing the barriers to growth and increasing the welcome to young travellers it has the potential to be one of the UK’s largest exports.”

The survey was unveiled at an event to celebrate BETA’s 10th anniversary at the House of Lords last week. Guests of honour included former CEO of Universities UK, Baroness Warwick.

A Legendary Experience: Carnival Legend to Arrive in Sydney

Carnival Spirit's sister ship, Carnival Legend, is arriving in Sydney next year from the East Coast of America. The ship has been custom-built to create history-making holidays, and pays tribute to some of the world's greatest legends throughout the ages. Guest can take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for magic at Club Merlin Casino, and taste iconic flavours at Truffles Restaurant. Music lovers can head for Satchmo's Lounge and Billie's Piano Bar, then dance the night away at Medusa's Lair Dance Club.

 Carnival Legend will offer multiple ports of call (Los Angeles and Tampa), diverse cultures, exciting cities and activities on one cruise. Onboard features include a wide range of bars, dining choices and a variety of fun outdoor activities including the iconic Water Park and Green Thunder Waterslide, as well as indoor and relaxation options and exciting entertainment.

Carnival Legend will sail from the East Coast of America mid-August 2014 arriving in Sydney on 22 September 2014.

Itineraries on offer:

• 13-day cruise from Tampa to Los Angeles sailing through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Mexico departing on 17 August 2014 with prices from $1925 per person, twin share.
• 23-day cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney sailing through Tahiti, Fiji and Noumea departing on 30 August 2014 with prices starting from $2,795 per person, twin share.

Travel the World is also offering Carnival Legend guests the opportunity to combine the two itineraries for a legendary 36-day cruise experience sailing from Tampa to Sydney through Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji and Noumea. By booking through Travel the World, clients can access competitive airfares; from Australia to Los Angeles from $1,450, or Australia to Tampa from $1,610

For further information on bookings, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or www.traveltheworld.com.au.

European CANAL & RIVER CRUISE Savings

Join in the royal celebration with a luxury hotel barge cruise along the Royal River Thames near England’s Windsor Castle this autumn. Cruise aboard the hotel barge the Magna Carta and celebrate even more with savings of up to 25% on selected departures.

Indulge in a cruise along the sunny Canal du Midi in the south of France saving $750 per person twin share on cruise costs. Save too whilst sipping wine in Burgundy, discovering the spectacular Venice Lagoon in Italy or when drinking in the stunning scenery of the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands of Scotland.

Boating and cruise holiday specialists Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, based in Bright, Victoria are offering discounts up to $1500 per cabin or 25% off exclusive barge charter groups for selected destinations and dates for new bookings made by Friday 16th August 2013 on GO BARGING - EUROPEAN WATERWAYS HOLIDAYS

Click-on here to see the Go Barging - European Waterways brochure
Click-on here for latest Go Barging Dates / Prices and booking form

These all-inclusive luxury hotel barge cruises cater to a select group of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 20 passengers. An experienced on-board chef prepares gourmet meals and offers a selection of regional wines and cheeses with lunch and dinner each day. There is also an "open bar". You will be pampered by our cruise hosts and there are on-board facilities such as a spa, Jacuzzi or exercise room available for your use. There are bicycles for guests’ use and we include guided shore excursions by mini-bus on most days.

As an example, offers in England aboard the Magna Carta
Per cabin 25% off per cabin for departures on 4th & 18th August, 8th & 29th September, 20th & 27th October; Per charter 25% off per charter 11th August, 22nd September

These special offers are subject to availability and apply to new bookings only booked before Friday 16th August 2013 and they cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Cruises are inclusive of the following:
* 6-nights’ accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, cabin with private bathroom.
* The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Hostess(es), Driver/Tour Guide.
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. A local meal is taken ashore (once a week on most barges).
* A selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all-day open bar, tea and coffee.
* Excursions by chauffeured minibus and entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and places of interest.
* Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.
* Return transfers to and from the local meeting/drop off point.

Call toll free 1800 331 582 for a brochure or see the website: http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/sailing

Entries open for 35th Toyota Star Maker

Entry is now open for the 35th Toyota Star Maker – Australia's longest running search for a new country music star.

Star Maker has been a crucial launching pad for some of the nation's biggest country music stars including Kirsty Akers, James Blundell, Darren Coggan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan, Samantha McClymont (The McClymonts), Keith Urban and Brendon Walmsley.

The 35th quest, to run in January 2014, is expected to be "as tough as ever" in the words of organisers and promoters Rural Press Events (RPE), publishers of Australia's Country Music Capital News, "following the outstanding commitment from recent winners Luke Austen, Luke Dickens, Bob Corbett and Kaylee Bell, who have all grabbed the prize and haven't stopped running."

"The Australian country music scene has many outstanding established artists and those who continue to breakthrough," said RPE General Manager Barry Harley. "It has long been the belief of the industry that the scene is crying out for a new super star.

"And that is what the Star Maker platform sets out to achieve.

"The quality of performers has been outstanding in the past few years, in line with interest in the event, and the competition has a responsibility to deliver a new winner who becomes an automatic ambassador for the Australian country music industry," Barry said.

"Star Maker is heading into its 35th year and continues to take country music to new heights by elevating a new artist who has the most potential to go all the way in the country music industry.

"This year's winner Kaylee Bell entered the competition on two previous occasions and on her third attempt turned up to win and take home the prize. She had packed up her life in New Zealand and moved to Australia to follow her dream. She became the first female Kiwi to win the competition and I think she could be a hot contender to be 'that' new big star we’re looking for.

"Keith Urban was New Zealand born although he lived in Queensland at the time of winning in 1990 and Craig Robertson (1989 winner) remains in NZ where he performs regularly.

"Toyota Star Maker continues to set the benchmark in showcasing Australian country music's best new talent," he said.

"To enter is easy," said Star Maker Co-ordinator Cheryl Byrnes. "However, the hard part starts as soon as an artist commits. Even as a finalist, their lives will change forever as they prepare to win and be cast into the spotlight. From then on there's nothing easy about it.

"Any one of the previous winners will soon tell a prospecting entrant that, whilst it's exciting at the time, if you want to make it in the industry, be prepared to go, go, go."

Star Maker is an annual search for an individual star aged 18 years or more who has the greatest potential to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the prize package which includes the recording of a full album with a leading producer, full use of a Toyota motor vehicle including fuel card for their winning year, guaranteed performances at major festivals throughout Australia, monthly media exposure in Country Music Capital News, a return flight to Nashville to attend the CMA Music Festival with a performance at the Global Artist Showcase – total prize value more than $100,000.

For entry detail, contact Rural Press events on 02 6768 5800 or email cheryl.byrnes@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SYDNEY PAVES THE WAY FOR PASTRY INNOVATION

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is fast becoming a destination for pastry brilliance and exclusive events since welcoming award-winning Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou to the team. Chef Anna’s leadership in the pastry industry has led to the launch of sell-out events at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, such as the Dessert Degustation in June, which took place in the hotel’s impressive pastry kitchen.

Building on the success of this event and the strong demand for unique experiences with Sydney’s best chefs, the hotel has just announced an Asian Dessert Degustation event with LuxBite, Melbourne’s latest gourmet café. Bernard Chu and Yen Yee are the visionaries behind LuxBite, which was recently featured on Channel Ten’s MasterChef programme for its famous Lolly Bag Cake. Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney will host the Asian Dessert Degustation on 7 and 8 August 2013, featuring a five-course menu with the impressive Lolly Bag Cake for guests to take home.

In addition to the launch of these exclusive events, Chef Anna is also leading the innovation and training of the pastry industry at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Earlier this month, the hotel hosted a pastry demonstration on Level 36 for Sydney’s top 40 pastry chefs. Andres Lara, executive pastry chef at Pollen in Singapore and guest speaker at the event, dazzled guests with his demonstration of a homemade basil crunch bar and Pistachio Gourmandise for Adriano Zumbo and other pastry chefs from establishments such as Lindt Chocolate, Merivale and Le Cordon Bleu.

“We are so proud to have all these wonderful pastry chefs support our work at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney and provide us with more opportunities to deliver great events. The pastry industry is made up of such a talented group of people who are all willing to teach, learn and share which is great to see,” said Chef Anna, who leads a team of 10 pastry chefs at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

Chef Anna is also the chairman and one of the founders of the Sydney Pastry Chef Club, an industry-learning programme for executive pastry chefs launched in 2011. The group regularly meets around the country to network, develop new skills and share innovations with their peers.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is currently exploring opportunities for more partnership events with leading brands, such as Gelato Messina, Kitchen Aid and Callebaut Chocolate.

For enquiries and reservations about the Asian Dessert Degustation event, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on (61 2) 9250 6247 or e-mail discovertaste.slsn@shangri-la.com.

To engage with Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney online, please visit, www.facebook.com/shangrilasydney, www.twitter.com/shangrilasydney or use the hashtag #shangrilasydney.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 81 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Welcome to Muswellbrook Carnivale... in Spring

We invite you, your family and your friends to help us celebrate our Community, our History and our Cultural Heritage in Muswellbrook, NSW Australia.

Carnivale is jam-packed with a host of exciting events and entertainment all throughout Spring – from August to early December every year.

Muswellbrook community is made up of a diverse mix of people from all over the world. People of every ethnic origin have come throughout the ages and made Muswellbrook their home – from the Dreamtime; on the First Fleet – Free Settlers and Convicts; Pioneers and people fleeing poverty, famine and persecution; Adventurers seeking fortune in gold, uranium and coal.

And in Muswellbrook they helped us develop our Vineyards and Dairy Farms; they have explored our valleys and our mountains; they have opened up our farm lands; they built our homes, Power Stations, Coal Mines and world class Thoroughbred Studs; they established retail and commercial empires; they help fight raging bush fires; they take our horses and livestock to higher ground when the big floods come; They help us feed the starving sheep in blistering summer droughts; they build our bridges and drive the ambulance wagons; they join our police force and work to keep us safe; they nurse us back to health when we are feeling poorly and they tuck in to bed at night with a gentle kiss; they say “g’day” when we meet them down the street; they slap us on the back and say “you little beauty” when we do something good; they are first to come around and offer a helping hand when things go wrong.

In summer, they send down an in-swinger bouncing round our ears; and we all enjoy a hit and giggle on the local tennis court. They share our grief when we loose a mate or our mum and dad; and many have stood beside us fighting a common foe, knee deep in mud and freezing brine. They have brought to us yummy tucker from all around the globe and some new names many of us find hard to say; they have made the best wine to serve with our best beef at finest restaurants in Australia and all around the world. They are the best players in our local netball team; they have married our sisters and play football with our brothers;

They are our neighbours and they are our friends. “They” are us; we are “They”.

Join us in the celebration during Muswellbrook Carnivale in Spring… A Festival for the People

Further Information:

Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre
Open Seven Days - 9.00am to 5.00pm
87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook NSW Australia 2333
Phone +61 2 6541 4050
Free Call 1800 065 773
Fax +61 2 6541 4051
Email visito rcentre@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.muswellbrookcarnivale.com.au

PATA Announces Grand and Gold Award Winners

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 PATA Gold Awards. Proudly supported and sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), for the last 18 years, this year's awards recognise the achievements of 22 separate organisations and individuals.

PATA will present 26 Grand and Gold Awards, with awards going to Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Rottnest Island Authority, Korea Tourism Organization and Travel+Leisure magazine to name a few. The awards ceremony will take place at the Jinjiang Hotel, on Sunday, September 15 during the PATA Board and Committee meetings, just prior to the PATA Travel Mart on September 16-17.    

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, MGTO said, "Our hearty congratulations go out to all PATA Gold Awards 2013 winners. The list of PATA Gold Awards 2013 winners fully reveals the great dynamism of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. The innovation and excellence brought by the winners will inspire the rest of the region to do more and better through this meaningful PATA awards programme."

"The award winners have demonstrated a high degree of creativity and excellence," said Mr. Martin J. Craigs, CEO PATA. "We would like to extend our warmest congratulations and we are delighted to recognise these achievements at the PATA Gold Awards Luncheon in Chengdu. All winners will be invited to be our guest at the PATA Travel Mart."

The PATA Grand Awards are presented to outstanding entries in four principal categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment; and Heritage and Culture.

The Central Plaza Hotel will receive the 2013 PATA Grand Award for Education and Training for its "4 Cs: Centara Career Creation for Children" campaign. The programme has provided career development opportunities to underprivileged students through a five-month training programme intended to enhance their knowledge and skills in hospitality services. The initiative aims to expand the workforce base, targeting Thai juveniles who have the potential to become new workers within the hospitality industry. 

The Environmental award will be presented to Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka for its "A Heartfelt Commitment" project. Highlights of the project include a central chilling system powered sustainably by a biomass boiler for running the entire air conditioning system of the hotel. Other initiatives include 100% illumination through energy saving LED lighting, solar panels powering room lighting, hot water generated through biomass boilers, and all waste water being treated via a waste water treatment plant and being re-used within the hotel gardens.

The Heritage and Culture award will be awarded to Sampran Riverside in Thailand for its "Sampran Riverside - an eco-cultural destination." After 50 years of showcasing traditional aspects of Thai life for tourists, Sampram Riverside has embarked on a new venture: organic agriculture. Sampran Riveside has enhanced the use of traditional Thai farming culture throughout its property and the local community. It now promotes the use of Thai food, herbs, and traditional medicine without chemicals. Organic agriculture products produced at the property and by local farmers are available for tourists at the project's Sookjai Market and Sookjai Organic Development Centre.

The Marketing award is presented to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for its "Discover the Other You" digital marketing campaign. This campaign aimed to inspire travellers to discover their inner desires and develop new perspectives on their own lives, while creating an unforgettable experience. 

Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, this year's Awards attracted a total of 165 entries from 60 travel and tourism organisations.

PATA Grand Awards 2013

Education and Training
4 Cs: Centara Career Creation for Children
Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited, Thailand

Environment
A Heartfelt Commitment
Jetwing Hotels Ltd
Sri Lanka

Heritage and Culture
Sampran Riverside - an eco-cultural destination
Sampran Riverside
Thailand

Marketing
Discover the Other You
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand

PATA Gold Awards 2013

Marketing - Primary Government Destination
What Tribe Are You?
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority

Marketing - Secondary Government Destination
More Rottnest Winter Campaign
Rottnest Island Authority
Australia

Marketing - Industry
Hong Kong Disneyland Toy Story Land Travel Trade Integrated Marketing
Hong Kong International Theme Park Limited
Hong Kong SAR

Environment - Ecotourism Project
Wadjem up Coastal Walk Trail
Rottnest Island Authority
Australia

Environment - Corporate Environmental Programme
PLANET 21
Accor Asia-Pacific

Environment - Educational Programme
Eco-Walk & Training at the Frangipani
The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa
Malaysia

Heritage and Culture - Heritage
After Dark and Open House
Rottnest Island Authority
Australia

Heritage and Culture - Culture
Development of Phuket Old Town to be the Covservative Area
Phuket City Municipality
Thailand

Education and Training
Tourism Learning Centre Programme for 84 Schools
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand

Marketing Media - Consumer Travel Brochure
Smart Tour Guide
Korea Tourism Organization
Korea ROK

Marketing Media - Broadcast Advertisement
Breathe in a bit of Gujarat
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd
India

Marketing Media - Print Advertisement
Sarawak Tourism Re-Imaging Campaign
Sarawak Tourism Board
Malaysia

Marketing Media - Travel Poster
Gorgeous Shades of Craftsmanship - Chiangmai
Tourism Authority of Thailand

Marketing Media - Travel Video
This is Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand

Marketing Media - Public Relations Campaign
Benefits Beyond Borders
Air Transport Action Group
Switzerland

Marketing Media - Web Site
What Tribe Are You?
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority

Marketing Media - E-Newsletter
Kerala Tourism Newsletter
Kerala Tourism
India

Marketing Media - Social Media
Discover Hong Kong Facebook Fan Page
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong SAR

Travel Journalism - Business Article
A Brighter Shade of Green
TTGmice, July 2012
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Singapore
By Karen Yue, with reports from Linda Haden, Patricia Wee,
Mimi Hudoyo, Timothy France and Brian Higgs
Singapore

Travel Journalism - Destination Article
Return to Cambodia
Travel+Leisure, February 2012
Written by Thomas Beller and Photograph by Christopher Wise
USA

Travel Journalism - Travel Photographer
Kathmandu, By Martin Edström, Qatar Airways Oryx magazine, May 2012
Agency Fish
United Kingdom

Travel Journalism - Guidebook
International Spotlight Northern  Region - 88 Useful Tips
Tourism Bureau, Chinese Taipei
Chinese Taipei

Sydney Football Club to Showcase our Harbour City in Japan

Sydney Football Club will play a friendly match against Japanese-League side, Sagan Tosu in Tosu City, Japan on the evening of 23 July 2013. This match in Japan will be a positive boost for Japanese Tourism in NSW.

"Destination NSW's sponsorship of Sydney FC, provides a fantastic opportunity to promote Sydney and NSW into one of Destination NSW's key Asian markets and to global audience now focussed on Sydney FC since the arrival of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero," said Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase.

"The Sydney.com logo will feature on the back of Sydney FC's jerseys and the match will be broadcast live into parts of Japan by Skeyperfect TV."

Ms Chipchase said, "With our mix of world class sports, events, stunning natural attractions and top-end food and shopping, Sydney is Australia's number one destination for international and domestic visitor numbers, visitor nights and visitor expenditure."

"Sydney FC has great reach with sports fans with more than 63,000 Facebook fans, and more than 28,000 Twitter followers and a record number of members."

Sydney FC's appearance in Japan is a pre-season fixture with their A-League campaign set to kick off on 11th October, 2013, against Newcastle Jets at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

Last Chance To Register As A Buyer For IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2013

• Event Set To Be The Largest Installment To Date With 35% New Exhibiting Organisations

With just 1 month till registrations close on 23 August, buyer applications to IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2013 remain in full swing. Till date, over 700 MICE, Corporate Travel, Luxury Travel, Association and Corporate buyers have registered to be at this event in Bangkok – the World’s top destination hotspot according to MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index 2013.

The city surpassed even London, Paris and New York with total international visitor arrivals reaching close to 16 million, and is the only city among the top 5 to demonstrate the highest growth at about 10% for the year.

Largest Show To Date With 35% New Exhibiting Organisations For 2013

Come 1 to 3 October 2013, a total of some 600 buyers are expected to source at the event that boasts the largest showcase of Asia-Pacific MICE and Corporate Travel suppliers with an added luxury travel dimension.

The World’s Only Doublebill Event In MICE and Corporate Travel will be celebrating its 10th year of co-locating IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific with the largest show to date, where delegate numbers are expected to cross the 2,800 mark. This year’s event will also be featuring 35% new exhibiting organisations on board.

Said returning buyer Ben Gosman, Managing Director of Free Style from the Netherlands – who has participated at more than six IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific events, “I look forward to discussing and exploring new experiences and business opportunities each time I attend. The promise of new exhibitors like with this year’s show, and the ease of touching base with existing partners justifies why IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is a must-attend event for me.”

Debuting CVBs include India Tourism, Fukuoka CVB, Sapporo CVB and Tourism New Zealand, while first-time corporates include Federal Hotels International, Fujita Kanko, Globewerks Confex, Melia Hotels International, Panorama Convex, Safaris Adventures Travel and Cargo, Sentosa Leisure Management, Solar Empire and Winsor Suites Hotel Bangkok, amongst others.

Proven Sourcing Platform

Buyers who had attended the past IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific events have consistently given the show top scores for its quality exhibition showcase as well as the high quality of business appointments.

But even to new buyers such as Joost de Meyer, Chairman & CEO of First Incentive Travel from USA, the reputation of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific drew his attention to the show. He remarked, “IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is the best show in this part of the world, and I must be here.”

This sentiment is mirrored by Bernard Daly, Owner of B.D. Incentives from Ireland. “This will be my first participation at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific and I am certainly looking forward to it as I have heard from my colleagues that it is the biggest and best in Asia!”

A survey conducted in April this year (6 months after the 2012 event), proved the event’s efficacy as a sourcing platform where close to 70% of 2012 buyers confirmed purchases with exhibitors thus far. Over USD45 million of sales were confirmed as a result of the 2012 event at the point of the survey, with the aggregate procurement value estimated at USD 120 million.

The Largest Buyer Hosting Programme In The Region

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific also boasts the largest buyer hosting programme in the region to ensure the event attracts the crème of the buying crop.

While most of the 500 buyer hosting places have already been allotted, limited hosting positions with privileges that cover air fare and accommodation during the event, are still available. Hosting criteria include but is not limited to the relevance of the buyer’s profile to the event, potential procurement value, past procurement and track records at any IT&CM event organised by TTG Events.

Buyer Entitlements

For the first time, buyers will be able to take advantage of up to 100% appointments that can be scheduled prior to the event, thus optimising their business productivity even before the show begins.

Other buyer benefits such as privileged access to exclusive hosted luncheons and dinners for buyers and media only; complimentary use of the buyers lounge, entry to the inaugural association day and IT&CMA seminar sessions; and a chance to experience Bangkok during complimentary pre-show tours and other Thailand destinations with post-show destination tours at special rates, continue to add to the value of the event’s buyer programme.

20 eligible Luxury Travel buyers in particular will have the chance to be part of the all new luxury dual-tour to Chiang Mai and Bangkok. This exclusive post-event luxury tour, is in addition to the perennial post-show tour line-up and aims to showcase Thailand’s appeal and ready offerings that cater to international clients looking for luxury experiences. “The enhancement to the show’s Luxury Travel programme will enable luxury suppliers to showcase their services beyond the exhibition ground, and allow luxury buyers to experience first-hand a luxuriously crafted itinerary. This will enable delegates to maximise the outcome of their participation.” Said Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media.

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 October 2013 at the Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld. All interested buyers can register here:
http://eventscrm.ttgasia.com/ttg2013/itcma/buyer/itcma_buyer.asp,
while association buyers in particular should send in their application here: http://eventscrm.ttgasia.com/ttg2013/itcma/buyer/itcmbuyer_asso.asp

About IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2013

1 to 3 October | Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand

Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific is The World's Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel. Both events have been co-locating since 2004, offering its delegates a valuable platform to do business, learn and network. Since 2012, the event has incorporated Luxury Travel in its ambit. 2013 will see the 21st and 16th instalment of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific respectively. 

Established in 1993, IT&CMA is the leading international MICE show centered in Asia, offering the largest collection of Asia-Pacific MICE suppliers. IT&CMA brings together MICE suppliers as well as regional and international buyers in a 3-day exhibition showcase coupled with intensive business appointments. Exhibition features include destinations, products, services and solutions relating to meetings, incentives, conventions and events.

Launched in 1998, CTW Asia-Pacific is a conference and exhibition on Travel & Entertainment (T&E) management for the Asia-Pacific region. Influencers, planners and decision-makers of Corporate Travel functions in their organisation attend the annual conference to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and knowledge that enable them to get the most out of their T&E decisions. IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is organised by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media.

 

More Information:

Event Emails  itcma@ttgasia.com | ctw@ttgasia.com

Delegate Contacts Buyers | buyers@itcma.com
Media | media@itcma.com
Corporate Travel Managers and Conference Delegate | ctm@corporatetravelworld.com
Exhibitors | exhibitors@itcma.com

Event Websites
www.corporatetravelworld.com | www.itcma.com

注册申请2013年亚洲国际奖励旅游及大会博览会买家资格的最后机会 历年来规模最大，35%展商首次参展

新加坡, 2013年7月25日 – 距离注册截止日8月23日仅有不到一个月时间 ，2013年亚洲国际奖励旅游及大会博览会买家资格的申请依然如火如荼。截至今日，超过700家MICE、豪华旅游、企业及协会买家已经提交了申请，希望有机会前往曼谷——这个被2013年万事达卡全球目的地城市名录评出的世界顶级热点目的地，参与这次盛会。

曼谷的国际游客总人数达到近1600万，甚至超过了伦敦，巴黎和纽约，并且在前五名中唯一展现高达10%的年度增长率。

历年来规模最大，35%展商首次参展
2013年10月1日至3日，共有约600名买家将带着购买意向来到这一亚太地区MICE及企业旅行供应商汇聚，并新增豪华旅游元素的最大型的展会。

这一世界上唯一的MICE及企业旅行两展并行的盛会将以历年来的最大规模庆祝亚洲国际奖励旅游及大会博览会及亚太区国际商务旅游论坛同期举办10周年。参会代表人数将突破2800，创历史新高，今年的展会也将拥有35％的全新展商。

超过六次参加IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 的资深买家，荷兰Free Style公司董事总经理Ben Gosman表示：“每次参加这一盛会，我都期待着探讨与发现新的经验和商务契机。像今年这样接触新的参展商的机会，以及与已有商务伙伴保持良好合作关系的便利，是我将IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific列为必须参加的活动的原因。”

首次参展的会议及观光管理局（CVBs）包括：印度旅游局、福冈旅游局、札幌旅游局以及新西兰旅游局。首次参展的企业包括联邦国际酒店、藤田观光集团、欧恒酒店集团、Globewerks Confex 、Panorama Convex 、Safaris Adventures Travel 、Cargo、圣淘沙休闲管理公司、Solar Empire 及Winsor 温莎斯尔酒店（曼谷）等等。

真实的采购平台
参加过IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific的买家一直给予这一盛会非常高的评价，不仅是因为超高质量的展会，也是因其高效务实的商务约谈。

然而对于新的买家来说，IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific的声誉也足以引起注意。来自美国First Incentive Travel的董事长兼首席执行官Joost de Meyer表示：“IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific是亚太地区最好的展会，我必须参加。”来自爱尔兰B.D. Incentives的业主Bernard Daly也有相同的观点：“今年我将第一次参加IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific，非常期待。我的同事们都说这是亚洲最大、最好的展。”

今年4月（2012年盛会结束后的6个月）进行的一项调查显示，将近70%的2012年度买家完成了与展商商定的采购，充分证明了这一采购平台的真实和高效。截至调查时，2012年展会已产生了超过4500万美元的销售额，并预期销售总额将高达1.2亿美元。

亚太区规模最大的买家招待计划
IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 同样退出了引以为豪的亚太区规模最大的买家招待计划来确保吸引最优质的买家前来参展。

500席特邀买家名额已尽告罄，提供机票返款及展会期间五星酒店住宿的特邀名额所剩不多，竞争激烈。审核标准包括买家公司与展会主题的相关程度、买家的潜在购买力、曾经的采购经历及参与以往由TTG会展部举办的IT&CM系列展会的表现等等。

买家优待
今年展会的一大创举是，买家可以利用展前预约和在线日志系统在展会之前就安排好100%的商务约谈
从而在展会开始之前就能优化他们的商务会谈效果。

其他的买家福利包括：受邀参与非公开性的特邀买家及媒体午宴和晚宴；免费享用买家休息室；免费在第一届协会日及其他IT&CMA研讨会上获取新知；免费参加展前旅游以体验曼谷；以优惠价格参与展后旅游以探索其他泰国目的地……这些都增添了买家招待计划的价值。

全新的展后豪华清迈曼谷双城游将专为20名符合要求的豪华旅游买家设计。在现有的例行展后游外增加这一特别的展后豪华游，进一步展示泰国的吸引力及已经准备好为国际客户提供豪华享受体验。TTG亚洲传媒公司的董事总经理黄汉明先生指出：“这一新增的豪华游项目将为豪华旅行供应商提供在展会现场之外展示他们的服务的机会，并且让豪华旅行买家体验第一手的为其豪华定制的旅游行程。这将最大化参与代表们的投资回报。

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific将于2013年10月1至3日在圣塔拉世贸中心曼谷会议中心隆重召开。有兴趣的MICE买家请于http://eventscrm.ttgasia.com/ttg2013/itcma/buyer/itcma_buyer.asp提交申请，协会买家请于http://eventscrm.ttgasia.com/ttg2013/itcma/buyer/itcmbuyer_asso.asp提交申请。