ITB 2012 concludes in Berlin
Berlin : An increase in the number of trade visitors, exhibitors reporting more contracts signed, and an upsurge in attendance were all some of the key themes at ITB Berlin this year.A total of 113,006 trade visitors came to obtain information about all sectors of the international travel industry from the 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries during the 46th staging of the event in Berlin.
Some 59,126 people from Berlin and Brandenburg came during the weekend to find out about holiday destinations and new travel offers.
Christian Göke, chief operating officer of Messe Berlin, drew some very positive conclusions: “Over 2,200 more trade visitors than last year, an outstanding climate for business and the efficient creation of new business contacts at the newly established ITB Buyers Circle all underlined the position of ITB Berlin as a world leader. ‘
The partner country Egypt was aware of the strong solidarity shown by the international travel industry.Mounir Fahkry Abdel Nour, Egypt’s minister of tourism, said: “ITB was fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of it and met some fascinating and outstanding people.
“All our German partners declared their solidarity with us, including the Federal minister of economics Philipp Rösler.
“In personal discussions with Klaus Brähmig, chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Bundestag, the representatives of the Egyptian parliament and I were able to resolve the confusion that arose as a result of his critical remarks regarding Egypt.
Sixt chairman Regine Sixt celebrated the brand’s centenary at ITB Berlin by picking up the Woman of the Year title from World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke
A total of 6,975 accredited journalists from 94 countries reported from ITB Berlin.
Once again this trade show provided a meeting place for international politicians and diplomats. In addition to the 64 foreign delegations the fair was also attended by princess Ubolratana Mahidol of Thailand.
Meetings took place between 76 ambassadors from all over the world, as well as 43 government ministers and numerous state secretaries from many countries.
