New buyers can register for partial hosting status under the “Individual” category, and enjoy 50% off early bird savings from now till June 1.

Partial hosted buyers enjoy more flexibility and can choose to attend ITB Asia 2012 on any two days of the three-day show. They are required to attend a total of 15 appointments, and will enjoy similar benefits to fully hosted buyers excluding air passage.

Fully hosted buyer application under the “Individual” category starts from July 2. They are required to attend 30 appointments.

“Knowing that time is of the essence for buyers at the show we introduced the partial hosted buyer category last year to give buyers with tight travelling schedules more flexibility to participate in the show and manage their appointment schedules.” said Nino Gruettke, ITB Asia executive director (pictured below).

All potential buyers will undergo a stringent assessment process. They will be evaluated based on their calibre and experience to ensure that only the best buyers will enter the pre-scheduled appointment system.

ITB Asia encourages exhibitors to nominate buyers they would like to meet at the show. Once approved the exhibitors will be given a code to invite recommended buyers to register under the “Group” category.

In an independent post-ITB Asia 2011 survey over 97% of hosted buyers said they would recommend the programme to business partners, while over 95 percent showed intent to participate again this year.

ITB Asia 2012, which is in its fifth year. will be held from October 17 to 19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Last year the show attracted 7,511 attendees, an increase of around 14% from 2010, representing 91 countries, 50% more compared to 2010.