WTM Connect Asia – the newest event in the WTM portfolio and the most exclusive hosted buyer event in the region – has signed up several leading global travel companies for its second edition, which takes place in Penang, Malaysia, on 17-19 May 2017.
Against a backdrop of a boom in Asia outbound travel, confirmed exhibitors that have signed up to the unique one-to-one showcase include Cox & Kings, Visit Berlin, JacTravel, Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific, My Way Tourism LLC and Sceneryretreats Investment Ltd.
The list of buyers includes cTrip, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Thomas Cook China, Qunar Travel, Cathay Pacific Holidays, Kuoni Travel, Rakuten Inc and many more.
Following a successful debut event in 2016, WTM Connect Asia 2017 will facilitate over 2,000 quality pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and suppliers at the Straits Quay Convention Centre, while also providing unique networking opportunities.
WTM Connect Asia has been designed for travel companies to help maximise their budget and time with a dedicated Hosted Buyer and networking event that focuses 100% on doing real business. Exhibitors and buyers meet in a private setting for pre-scheduled business meetings, education settings, networking events and interactive evening functions.
Exhibitors and visitors can:
- Secure up to 30 pre-scheduled appointments
- Generate new sales leads in an exclusive, closed community format
- Meet high quality buyers and sellers from SE Asia, China and the rest of the world
- Network with industry peers
- Discover new industry content
In partnership with Penang Global Tourism, MyCEB, Tourism Malaysia and Discovery Overland, the event programme will offer attendees the opportunity to forge new business partnerships while also discovering everything Penang has to offer.
Before the formal business sessions get underway, delegates can get to know the area by taking one of several hand-picked FAM trips, then celebrate the start of WTM Connect Asia with a gala dinner.
With a choice of four FAM trips on day one (May 17th), there is something to suit everyone. Delegates can choose from:
- Connect with Nature: A boat trip and trek to Penang National Park, which includes a stop at the turtle sanctuary and picnic on the beach
- Connect with Culture: A walking tour through the narrow lanes of Georgetown in search of heritage gems
- Connect with Food: Discover what Penang is most famous for and sample a variety of local cuisines
- Connect with Local Beliefs: An interactive tour where participants can learn and understand more about the various religious beliefs of the people of Malaysia
FAM trips will be followed by a cocktail reception and gala dinner at the viewing platform and restaurant in Penang Hill, where attendees can admire 360 degree views over Georgetown.
The core focus of the remainder of the event will be the pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings, which will bring together pre-qualified Chinese, South East Asian and international travel buyers with suppliers of South East Asian and international travel product.
The event’s unique pod format allows for an exclusive one-to-one ratio closed community experience for exhibitors and Hosted Buyers who do business in and around South East Asia.
Ralf Ostendorf from Visit Berlin, which has signed up for Connect Asia for the second year, said: “We’re returning to WTM Connect this year as the 2016 event was a positive experience with many interesting meetings with well qualified hosted buyers in a very professional intimate atmosphere. It also served the purpose to get market updates and in-depth market knowledge.”
Charlie Cracknell, Senior Exhibition Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions, added: “Asia is the fastest growing outbound travel market in the world and WTM Connect Asia provides a unique opportunity to bring together key players in the region. The interactive event programme, along with the closed door, one-to-one buyer-supplier format, means the event is unlike any other currently on offer and we’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning attendees to the 2017 edition.”
To see the event programme visit – http://connectasia.wtm.com/events/
To register your interest as a supplier visit http://connectasia.wtm.com/forms/enquiry-form/ or to be considered for the Hosted Buyer programme go to http://connectasia.wtm.com/forms/Hosted-Buyers-Register-Your-Interest/