ITB 2014 opens in Berlin

Thursday, 6 March 2014 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The number of international exhibitors at this year’s ITB Berlin is higher than ever before. More than two-thirds of the exhibitors showcasing their products and services in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, which are fully booked up, are from abroad. The number of international trade visitors (2013: 40%) at this year’s show is set to rise significantly too. Overall, 110,000 trade visitors are expected to attend. From 5 to 9 March 2014 ITB Berlin will be offering visitors a representative overview of travel products and services from around the world and of growth-intensive niche markets. At the 48th edition of the world’s largest travel trade show 10,147 tourism companies (2013: 10,086 exhibitors) from 189 countries will be represented on a display area covering 160,000 square metres. This year, on the weekend of the show, members of the public will again have an opportunity to purchase travel products directly from exhibitors. The focus will be on Mexico, this year’s partner country, which will have information on its wide range of products and services in Hall 1.1. Dr. Christian Göke, CEO, Messe Berlin GmbH said: “ITB Berlin mirrors the entire value-added chain of the international tourism industry and boasts the world’s largest attendance of international exhibitors from all parts of the globe. ITB Berlin is also a leading knowledge platform. Exhibitors and trade visitors can find out about all the latest trends and innovations, information on exploiting new markets and listen to thought-provoking views on current topics.” Furthermore, according to Dr. Christian Göke, Travel Technology and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Travel (LGBT) are clearly among the growth segments at ITB Berlin. India, Asia and the Arab countries are booming travel markets and will be represented at the world’s leading travel trade show in unprecedented numbers. Exhibitors from the Arab countries and Africa will be attending the show in similar numbers to 2013. Following an absence, the Comoros, Mayotte, Gibraltar and Djibouti will be back at ITB Berlin. Muriya Tourism Development from Oman is a newcomer to the show from the Arab countries. Dubai will be occupying a larger stand measuring 56 square metres. A waiting list exists for Hall (5.2a), where countries from Southeast Asia and the Pacific are represented. Nepal and Bhutan will require larger display areas. Hall 5.2b, occupied by India, is also booked up. For the first time the three Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal will be represented with their own stand. The exhibitors in the Asia Hall will be more diverse than in previous years, as many hotels and holiday resorts are no longer in the sections of their relevant regions and instead will be hosting their own displays.

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