SINGAPORE: 22 February 2019 - NATAS Travel 2019, the most celebrated consumer travel show is back from 22 to 24 February 2019 (Friday to Sunday) at Singapore EXPO Halls 5 & 6A. The 54th edition of NATAS fair is set to wow all visitors! Boasting over 80 Exhibitors across 700 booths, the three days fair features Airlines, Cruise Operators, Hotels/Resorts, National Tourism Organizations, and Travel Agents to other Travel-Related companies all under one roof.“This year marks a momentous occasion as it is NATAS’s 40th anniversary and the 54th edition of the fair since its inaugural launch,” stated Mr Steven Ler, President NATAS at the opening ceremonies. “The demand for travel remains resolutely high; and travel agents, amidst fighting trenches, have continued to stand steadfastly strong in this industry. According to a survey by IATA in 2018, 43% of passengers prefer to use a travel related agency to book their flights, this is indeed testament to the fact that travel agents are maintain their foothold in today’s context, but it remains paramount that individual agencies continue to enhance their value proposition for sustainability and growth. In line with this year’s theme, “Look no Further, NATAS is here!”, NATAS Travel 2019 is committed to offering impeccable promotions and travel ideals to more than 100,000 expected visitors during the three days fair. “NATAS Travel 2019 promises to leave no stone unturned. With more than 80 exhibitors participating in this fair, I am certain that there will definitely be a fitting package for all.” 

Gracing the Opening Ceremony of NATAS Travel 2019 is Mr. Keith Tan, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “Over the years, NATAS has worked hand in hand with STB to embark on various trailblazing initiatives. We look forward to continuing working with STB, leveraging on our strengths in pursuit for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive travel and tourism landscape,” remarked Mr. Ler.  Speaking of Singapore as a travel destination Mr. Tan noted: “looking ahead, we recognize the competition is heating up, but we believe there are still opportunities that we can tap on. We have several new offerings such as Design Orchard, Jewel at Changi Airport, new tours and refreshed concepts in Orchard and Chinatown. More importantly, there is growing interest in Asia-Pacific tourism and increasing air connectivity to drive it. “For 2019 STB is forecasting visitor arrivals to grow between 1 – 4%, reaching 18.7-19.2 million. Tourism receipts are forecast to grow between 1-3% to reach $27.3 to 27.9 billion. With that, we believe there is potential for the travel agent industry to grow. To sustain this growth, we need to ensure that our industry is equipped to keep up with the changes in consumer demands and can ride the wave of disruptions.”  NATAS has come a long way since its inception in 1978 and it has been an exciting 40 years for the association and its members. In conjunction with the association’s 40th Anniversary, NATAS Travel 2019 will be adopting Mercy Relief; Singapore’s homegrown humanitarian nongovernmental organization as part of its CSR project. We warmly welcome the generosity of the members of the public who would like to join us in the fund-raising campaign during the fair.  NATAS Travel 2019 is your ticket to the world. With a wide range of fun-filled activities, attractive lucky draw prizes and enthralling stage performances, there is something for everyone. So, don’t miss out the opportunity to book your well- deserved holiday at NATAS Travel 2019. 

NATAS Travel 2019 opens to the public from 10am to 9.30pm daily. Admission is free.