Paul Robi group event director at Centaur Exhibitions returned to
Hong Kong recently, rallying the corporate travel market behind the third annual Business Travel Expo which takes place in
Hong Kong at the end of this month.
¡°Last year was a reflection of a market having a tough time. We are working hard to bring in the right people in corporate travel this year. In spite of last year¡¯s turnout of 1,200, we¡¯re happy that in our third year here in Hong Kong, we seem to be a regular fixture.¡±
Robin forecasts 1,500 - 1,750 visitors will take part in this year¡¯s event.
¡°This year will be different. We are widening the scope of our promotion. We¡¯ve set up telemarketing into Southern China¡¯s cities of Guangzhou,
Shenzhen and Macau. We want to bring in real, new potential business for the show.¡±
One area of the show that won¡¯t change, is the emphasis on teaching people the benefits of managing travel. ¡°We want people to know how to get better value for the travel budget; avoid wastage; how to better negotiate with corporate accounts; and better travel planning for travellers,¡± Robin said.
BTE is very much B2B, but not just for the travel industry, he said.
¡°Travel suppliers do not want to bite the hands that feed them, but on the flip side, they do want to talk direct to corporates, and BTE helps them do that,¡± Robin said.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, American International Travel and Westminster Travel are all booked to join the show once again this year. However, AMEX Corporate Services has yet to commit, and ABACUS has chosen not to participate this year, citing that the audience does not suit its needs.
Tony Sham, general manager for ABACUS
Hong Kong said, ¡°The target audience (at BTE) is different from what we had expected. We do business with travel agents, and we found that the show does not bring in major travel agencies from Hong Kong. Therefore, we have chosen not to participate this year.¡±
In response to this, Robin said, ¡°Although ABACUS will not exhibit, Galileo will be back again this year. I also expect AMEX to participate once again this year, and we are also hopeful that Jebson will take part.¡±
AirPlus International, which just set up its regional headquarters for Asia in
Hong Kong last December, will participate for the first time at BTE and Juergen Thompson, executive director for AirPlus International,
Hong Kong said, ¡°We have just opened our operation here in Asia, and this is one of the first business travel exhibitions where we can show our products to travel managers, secretaries, administrative
managers.
¡°We have good expectations for the show, because the business environment is improving here, and there is a need for corporate travel management.¡±
Claudia Thiele, head of sales and marketing for AirPlus International will conduct a seminar at BTE on centralised payment systems, and how it is an efficient means for managing travel.
BTE will host seminars on issues facing corporate travel management. Much like last year, most concerns revolve around security; cutting travel costs and low cost carriers. There will be a new seminar on what to look out for when sending travellers to China.
Anyone who pre-registers can attend the seminars for free, Robin said.
BTE will be held March 30-31 , just two days after the Rugby Sevens.
