ITB Berlin 2014 concludes, business volume estimated 6.5 billion euros

Berlin- This year’s ITB Berlin confirms its role as the world’s leading travel trade show – increase in international buyers, exhibitors and congress delegates.

ITB Berlin 2014 sent out positive signals for the international travel industry. With the global economy expected to recover in the years to come the world’s travel industry has begun 2014 confident of good tourism business.

Following a recent period of relatively sluggish growth, particularly in many recession-hit countries, the global travel industry is once again on course for rapid growth.

In Germany consumers have ensured that the mood in the travel industry is positive. Backed by a stable employment market, good wage agreements and positive forecasts for economic growth, German citizens aim to spend more money on their holidays than in previous years.

This year’s ITB Berlin reported a four per cent rise in trade visitors and an increase in business volume, which Messe Berlin estimates reached 6.5 billion euros. 

The focus of the world’s leading travel trade fair, which came to an end on March 9 , was on travel bookings via smartphones and tablets and on sustainable practices in the travel industry.

Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin said, “Never before was there such an emphasis on innovation as at this year’s ITB Berlin. The world’s leading travel trade show had an even more positive impact on trade buyers and holidaymakers than in previous years. “

Among the countries on the Mediterranean Greece and Spain reported particularly high growth. In 2013, numbers visiting Spain reached a new record.
Germany and Europe have become increasingly popular with travellers from Asia.

At this year’s ITB Berlin numerous hotels and holiday resorts not only exhibited on the stands of the various countries and regions but also hosted their own displays in the halls.

Luxury travel was a key topic that attracted keen visitor interest.

From 5 to 9 March 2014, 10,147 exhibitors from 189 countries – more than two-thirds of whom came from abroad – were represented in 26 halls which were booked to capacity.

Overall, some 114,000 trade visitors (2013: 109,616) travelled to Berlin. This year there was a slight increase again in buyers from the USA and the Middle East.

A total of 22,000 took part in around 200 lectures, discussions and workshops, over 5 percent more than in 2013. Social Media and Mobile Travel Services proved to be major visitor attractions.

More than 60,000 members of the general public came to find out about the wide-ranging information on offer from exhibitors and providers of niche market products.

On average, each visitor spent around 2,000 euros on a holiday trip. Close to one-third of the companies exhibiting sold travel products to the end consumer.

Mexico, this year’s partner country, fascinated its visitors on the eve of ITB Berlin with a dazzling programme of entertainment and a fascinating multimedia show which highlighted its cultural treasures.

Around 5,700 accredited journalists from 81 countries and some 300 bloggers from 25 countries reported on events at ITB Berlin. Politicians and diplomats from Germany and abroad were present at the show.

Mongolia is the official partner country of ITB Berlin 2015.
Source : ITB Berlin