This partnership is a multi-agency initiative made possible with the support of Messe Berlin (Singaapore), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Pico.

“Japan is a key player in the global travel industry and tourism is a major contributor to the nation’s economy. By rallying the support of the regional travel industry through ITB Asia, we hope to spur on a faster recovery and contribute towards its overall social and economic growth,” said Nino Gruettke, ITB Asia’s executive director.

ITB Asia will provide a strategic platform for Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) to showcase the country’s impressive recovery from the March 11 earthquake and promote the destination to over 6,000 attendees expected at the three-day trade show.

The JTA delegation will provide updates on the remarkable progress of the post-earthquake rehabilitation work. They will also unveil a host of marketing and promotional initiatives aimed at restoring consumer confidence and encouraging the return of travellers.

On show are exhibitors that include the Shizuoka Prefectural Government, home of Mount Fuji,  Prince Hotels & Resorts, Hoshino Resort and Nippon Travel Agency.

Hiroshi Mizohata, JTA’s commissioner (pictured right), aaid the Asian markets played a very significant role in contributing to Japan’s inbound and outbound tourism.

“Tourist arrivals from Asian countries accounts for almost 70% of Japan’s international visitors. Despite the challenging post- earthquake recovery plans which Japan is spearheading, we aim to continue our support for the travel industry,” he added.

Aw Kah Peng, STB’s chief executive (pictured left), said that Japan, with a traditionally strong travel and tourism industry has always been an important partner in Asia.

“This collaboration at ITB Asia and TravelRave will further strengthen existing tourism co-operations and leverage growth opportunities in the region.” (TravelRave is a mega travel and tourism festival week organised by STB to be held in Singapore in October 2011).

According to PhoCusWright, Japan was the largest total and online travel market in Asia Pacific in 2009, contributing gross bookings amounting to US$75.5 billion, or 34% of the region’s total travel market.

A study by the Union of International Associations also showed that Japan ranked second in the “Top International Meetings Country” category in 2010, recognising the country’s position as one of the world’s preferred business events destination.