Image credit: ITB Asia

Two segments – travel technology and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel  (LGBT) – continue to see growth. The Travel Technology Hall (Hall 6.1) is fully booked, while the LGBT section in Hall 2.1 is also set to expand.

Indonesia is in the limelight this year as it is ITB Berlin’s partner country, as is Azerbaijan as the show’s convention & culture partner. Visitors to the Indonesia Pavilion (Halls 26 and 4.1) will be treated to colourful stage events, while Azerbaijan will showcase the beauty of the Silk Road in Hall 7.2b.

This is also an important year for ITB Berlin Convention as it is celebrating its10th anniversary. There will be a series of lectures and discussions by industry experts to mark this special occasion.

David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, said that despite the economic difficulties around the world ITB Berlin is a place where the global trade industry can still do good business.

“The high level of demand from emerging destinations such as Asia and South America, and the growth of popular markets such as travel technology are proof of how stable the global travel industry is.“

What’s on show at ITB Berlin 2013

• A wide range of destinations: It is destinations galore at this year’s show with regular exhibitors and newcomers. All the nations in South America will be represented. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, will make its appearnce for the first time. Other newcomers include a number of Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Libya and Yemen, the latter returning after a period of absence.

Asian countries that include Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and China, have taken larger stands. India is occupying Hall 5.2b, while a number of Indian exhibitors moving to Hall 5.2a. The  state of Uttarakhand is represented for the first time in the India pavilion.

Australia and New Zealand are combining again to present a joint display after a number of years hosting their own stands.

• Technology and social media: Travel technology companies are in Halls 6.1, 8.1 and 10.1, while newcomers and regular exhibitors in the mobile travel and social media sections are presenting their innovations and new products in Hall 7.1c. Hotel portals are exhibiting in Hall 25.

eTravelWorld will see experts debate on topics that include ”The opportunities and risks of the social web for the travel industry“ and ”More efficient travel using eTravel, navigation and mobile travel guides.“

Image credit: ITB Asia

• CRS Day: Corporate social responsibility (CRS) has been a major theme at ITB Berlin for many years. One of the most important events is CSR Day, which forms part of ITB Convention. Hall 4.1 also features an extensive programme of events on social responsibility in tourism.

• LGBT: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel (LGBT) has long ceased to be a niche market at the show, evident from the fully booked Pink Pavilion (Hall 2.1). This year the now famous Vienna Gay Café is joined by a stand hosted by the city of Vienna. Newcomers to the Pink Pavilion are the New York resort – The OUT NYC, Czech Tourism, the Monochrome Resort in Thailand and Indjapink, an Indian tour operator and pioneer of gay tours.

Also attending again are ITB partners TomOnTour/Diversity Management, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), as well as numerous international co-exhibitors including Siegessäule, Spartacus, DERTOUR and Destsetters and numerous co-exhibitors from Greece and Cyprus.

At ITB Destination Days on March 8, which is an ITB Convention event, experts will discuss the future prospects of this market.

• The Silk Road: ITB Berlin, in cooperation with UNWTO, will highlight the development of tourism along the Silk Road. Following its successful launch last year there will be a second edition of the Silk Road Ministers‘ Meeting on March 8.

• The Danube region: Seven of the 10 countries bordering the Danube – Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia  –  are joining forces to draw visitors’ attention to this region by providing information on each of the region’s diversity and attractions. Events include a panel discussion on March 7 at ITB Convention. There is also a competition on the open weekend when visitors can obtain a stamp in their own “passport to the Danube” from each stand, and get the chance to win attractive trips to the region.

• Vist the Virtual Market Place, an online catalogue, for details, products and services of all the exhibitors at ITB Berlin.