Thousands of exhibitors from 187 countries participating in ITB Berlin 2016
TravelBizNews —
Berlin: Global travel industry’s leading trade show ITB Berlin kicked off amidst a grand ceremony in Berlin today. Around 10,000 exhibitors from 187 countries and territories will be exhibiting the latest products and trends of the global tourism industry on 1,069 stands from 9 to 13 March 2016. Over two-thirds of the exhibitors are from abroad.
Over the last half-century ITB Berlin has had a decisive impact on tourism, and on the eve of its fiftieth anniversary it enjoys an excellent standing.
The organisers expect around 100,000 international trade visitors and public attendance to reach tens of thousands on the weekend. They will be able to obtain an overview of the industry’s wide range of products in 26 halls.
The ITB Buyers Circle gathers travel buyers from Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia, more than 40 per cent of whom do business in the order of about 50 million euros each.
The Maldives is the official partner country of ITB Berlin 2016. With its glistening white beaches, turquoise lagoons and unrivalled diving opportunities, this island nation is a nature paradise, and one of the last on the planet.
Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has been exhibiting at ITB Berlin since 1984 and is a model of eco-friendly and carefully controlled tourism development.
Dr. Christian Göke, CEO, Messe Berlin GmbH said : “We are delighted with the consistently high numbers of exhibitors, particularly from abroad, at the anniversary edition of ITB Berlin, which once again will provide outstanding opportunities for global business. In the face of terrorist attacks at popular travel destinations and palpable consumer fears the industry needs a strong boost to kick start the travel season. ITB Berlin is the industry’s leading marketplace and as the meeting place of the global travel industry can set the tone for change.”
The challenges and prospects arising from the digital transition will be discussed on all days of the convention. Günther H. Oettinger, the EU Commissioner responsible for the digital economy and society, will deliver a keynote speech on ’shaping a mega trend in Europe’
ITB Berlin 2016 will take place from 9 to 13 March.
In 2015 a total of 10,096 companies and organisations from 186 countries exhibited their products and services to 175,000 visitors, who included 115,000 trade visitors according to Messe Berlin .
March 9, 2016
