IMEX looks to boost 2006 Asia presence

The organisers are forecasting further growth this year — with more than 3,000 exhibiting companies expected to exhibit from 140 countries. The organisers are also arranging a programme for an estimated 3,400 hosted international buyers, together with more than 3,000 buyers from the influential German outbound market. The Asia-Pacific region in 2005 was represented by destinations such as China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam. In 2006, Hong Kong is expected to exhibit for the first time since 2003. The Asian presence is forecast to be further boosted by destinations such as Taiwan, which has doubled its presence since last year. To ensure the presence of key Asian buyers, IMEX's organisers have worked closely with partner airlines such as Lufthansa and Swiss to host buyers from such destinations as China, Australia, India and Thailand. IMEX organisers are also working closely with regional associations such as PATA and the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations(AFECA). Also present will be the winners of the Executive Masterclass, which took place recently in Malaysia, hosted by Anthony Wong of Asian Overland Services.