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The countdown to the 46th ITB Berlin, which takes place from March 7-12, has begun. Many of the halls are already booked up. Messe Berlin expects participation from around 11,000 exhibiting companies and organisations from more than 180 countries.
David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin said bookings were on level with 2011’s figures.
The agenda of ITB Berlin Convention features up-to-the-minute and forward-looking themes, with leading experts taking part in the debates. Among the topics will be cruises and tourism market developments in the Arab states.”
The focus is on the partner country Egypt, which will be organising the opening ceremony on the eve of ITB Berlin. During the fair all of Egypt’s local regions will be presenting their wide range of products and services to trade visitors and the general public (hall 23a).
One of the high points of this year’s ITB Berlin will be the celebration of the 13th anniversary of RUF Jugendreisen.
Newcomers, returning exhibitors mirror changing travel market
More exhibitors from the Far East and Southeast Asia will be at this year’s ITB Berlin.
Indonesia, a booming tourism region, is strongly represented as is Vietnam. Exhibitor numbers from China and Mongolia have grown significantly too, with nearly two dozen newcomers taking part. India will be occupying additional display. New hotels from Rajasthan and Kerala will be exhibiting their products and services. The number of individual exhibitors from Bhutan has also risen considerably. (halls 26 & 5.2a).
Exhibitor numbers from Central Asia are also very high due to the return of Bangladesh, absent from ITB Berlin since 2007, and to a rise in individual exhibitors from Uzbekistan. (hall 7.2b)
From Africa are several newcomers and the return of countries that include the Republic of Côte d´Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad that is participating for the first time since 1999. Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya will be occupying larger stands, while Réunion’s is expanding by 50%. (halls 20 & 21).
First time exhibitors include cruise tour operators - Passat Kreuzfahrten, TUI-Flussgenuss, Hapag-Loyd and Plantours, and software providers -Tripadvisor, Unister, Mystifly, Air Fast Tickets, Expedia, Travel Guru (India), Booking Markets and z-direct. (hall 25)
The U.S. will be occupying a larger stand (hall 2.1), as will several countries from Central America: Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras (hall 3.1).
Short-haul destinations are becoming more popular, with growth in the European halls reflecting a significant tourism trend. Among the new comers in this section are Portugal, Greece, Italy, Spain and the Turkish Riviera.
After several years’ absence Deutsche Lufthansa will be back at the show.
Wellness boom continues
Among the exhibitors for wellness products are newcomers More Travel from Latvia and Chic Outlet Shopping, Under the Holland Classics brand name, Keukenhof, Floriade World Expo Holland 2012, and numerous other partners will be exhibiting Dutch specialities on its stand. (hall 18)
Beauty 24 will host stage events for the public on open days that features wellness programmes (hall 16).
Other exhibitors
Brazil will be hosting its own stand for the first time, while exhibitors from Greece, Mexico and Portugal will also be debuting at the show.
Inside the trade visitor area the Pink Pavilion boasts its own genuine Viennese coffee house.
For the first time in its history Dertour has released a gay and lesbian travel catalogue, a reflection of the expanding market.
Adventure travel and socially responsible tourism are also growth markets. Exhibitors in this segment include newcomers from South America, Geoparcs and organisations such as the Rainforest Alliance, Atmosfair, Myclimate, Ecpat, Tourism Watch, TourCert and the International Eco Tourism Society, Greenland (hall 4.1).
• Details, products and services of all the exhibitors can be found at the Virtual Market Place
