The 18th International Travel Expo (ITE HK 2004) opened Thursday in Hong Kong.

Stanley Chu, chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. and the organizer of ITE HK, said," Tourism is now one of the most important economy drivers in Hong Kong. I believe that the success of ITE HK will further contribute to the blossoming of the travel industry and related sectors."

Around 500 exhibitors from China's mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong and foreign countries participate in the Expo. They include 70 tourism offices, and others from airlines, hotels and travel agents. Peru, Zimbabwe and Bhutan are new comers.

It also gathers 500 hosted buyers and other individual buyers from more than 30 countries and regions.

Apart from the usual "New Travel Destination/Product Presentation," a "Trade Forum on MICE (meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition) Market" was held at the first day. Touroperators from Hong Kong and the mainland exchanged information inthe forum and explored joint working opportunities in the MICE market.

ITE HK 2004 lasts till June 13. The first two days of the show are tailored for trade visitors while the latter two days, Saturday and Sunday, are open to public.