Singapore, 15 September, 2005 – China’s beautiful tropical paradise, Sanya, on Hainan Island was the perfect backdrop for the 5th Abacus International Conference (AIC) from 7–10 September 2005. Some 500 of Abacus’ top travel agents and partners from about 20 Asia Pacific markets took part in what is one of Abacus’ biggest AIC conference.

The AIC conference programme included a series of interactive plenary and workshop sessions as well as 14 booths exhibiting some of the latest in travel solutions technology, services and products.

Generally, our customers and sponsors were pleased with the opportunity to visit the widely acclaimed Hawaii of the East – Hainan - the next big tourist destination in China. Many were impressed with the destination and the various opportunities the island can offer.

“All of us at Abacus are extremely pleased with how the conference went,” said Don Birch, President and CEO of Abacus. On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank all the delegates, sponsors and exhibitors whose participation helped to make it such a success. We were particularly excited to host the conference in Sanya, our first in the People’s Republic of China. Aside from being an idyllic setting it also helped to demonstrate first hand to the delegates that China is indeed the next biggest travel growth market.”

The theme of this year’s conference was “Moving Asia”, with the conference plenary and workshop sessions highlighting the recent changing patterns of travellers and how travel agents need to adapt their business models to keep up with the changing trends.

Aside from the plenary and workshops coupled with networking opportunities, our delegates were also pampered with several recreational activities such as sightseeing, shopping and golf.

Abacus also took the opportunity to honour the region’s outstanding players in the travel industry at its annual Awards Ceremony. (The list of award winners is at the end of the release.) In addition, our travel agents and business partners were also treated to an awesome night of good entertainment, fine food and great company. Indeed, the entire conference and the grand finale have clearly demonstrated our core attributes of industry leadership, Asian spirit and rewarding relationships to our delegates.

From the initial feedback received, many delegates and exhibitors were delighted with the content and format of the event. As one of our top travel agents aptly shared, he has found the substance of the conference most beneficial and was equally surprised and glad that Abacus is leading the travel industry by formulating insights and trends. He added that our conference was a rare one where delegates gained both knowledge and had great fun.

The first AIC conference was held in Singapore 1995 as a trade event for Abacus-connected travel agents and partners. In 1997 the AIC was held in Bali Indonesia, with Hong Kong the host in 2000, followed by Bangkok Thailand in 2002.

More information on the conference is available on www.abacus.com.sg/AIC2005.