Top Tourism Fair in Berlin
© ITB
The International Tourism Exchange (ITB) is fully booked with more exhibitors than ever before and opens on Wednesday (10 March) at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The record number of 11,127 exhibitors from 187 countries will be presenting their offers from the travel sector up until the weekend in all of the 26 exhibition halls. “We’re very pleased that we’ve managed to increase the numbers of exhibitors yet again. What’s more, the ITB Berlin is demonstrating its role as a trendsetter and opinion leader with new market segments and new exhibitors,” said Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin, as he commented on the development of this year’s ITB.
The partner country of the 44th ITB is Turkey, which is also the largest individual exhibitor at this year’s tourism exchange. Turkey has created an oriental bazaar atmosphere and a replica of an ornamentally decorated mosque entrance and is presenting itself as a versatile holiday destination. And in 2010 its capital Istanbul is also one of three European Capitals of Culture. From a German perspective Turkey is an especially popular destination and even notched up improved figures last year, contrary to the general trend.
At the start of ITB the travel industry is viewing the current year with confidence. Following a three-per-cent drop in turnover for 2009 the sector is now prepared for a new swing. Again there are many exhibitors from Asia, a boom region in tourism. In the new hall for the “Central and Inner-Asian Countries” Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are presenting themselves as travel destinations.
The ITB is also focusing on training and job opportunities. Under the motto “Training and Employment in Tourism” 73 companies from 17 countries are presenting their offers. Prominent tourism companies and institutes are providing information about study and further training opportunities. The trade fair is also being accompanied by a major tourism congress. The halls will first be open for the specialists until Friday. Then the ITB opens to everyone at the weekend, when 170,000 visitors are expected.
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