Reliable barometer for the economic situation in the industry – ITB Berlin confirms its position as leading global travel trade fair – new records in participation also expected for ITB Berlin Convention
Fully booked, and with waitlists for various exhibition halls: ITB Berlin impressively confirms its role as leading global travel trade fair. For the period between March 11 and 15, 2009, the trade fair organizers expect around 11,000 companies and organizations from more than 180 countries to exhibit inside the 26 halls near the Berlin Funkturm. This means that in 2009 the demand will, again, be larger than the supply despite an economically tense global environment. Messe Berlin is further expecting an especially high count of international trade visitors at the simultaneously held ITB Berlin Convention, the world’s largest convention of its kind.
Dr. Martin Buck, Director of Messe Berlin: “Leading international trade fairs are generally reliable barometers of the economic situation in the respective represented industry. In light of a notedly cooling global economy and mainly skeptical expectations, this year’s ITB Berlin is more important than ever for exhibitors and visitors. During this phase, the ITB Berlin will be able to play out its strength as networking platform and marketing instrument.”
Six weeks prior to opening, ITB Berlin is reporting an impressive amount of applications, despite the global economic and financial crises. Among the new exhibitors presenting themselves to the trade visitors is the world’s youngest state: the Kosovo. The African Gabon, as well as Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, report back this year after a period of absence. The Middle East is again presenting itself as a booming region on the touristic map in 2009. The Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Qatar have expanded their range of offers. The air carrier Emirates will bring its spectacular, globe-shaped exhibition stand to Berlin for the second time. The rising number of travelers to the USA is reflected in the planning of American exhibitors: New York and Florida increased their exhibition area. The German federal states have high expectations in Berlin this year. The halls of the German federal states are fully booked, and there are waitlists for four of them.
This year’s ITB Berlin is all about the 2010 European Capital of Culture. RUHR.2010 is the partner region of the world’s largest travel trade fair. The partner region Ruhrgebiet will be holding the opening festivities on March 10, 2009 at the International Convention Center (ICC) Berlin and be present for the duration of the trade fair, providing cultural events and culinary treats. Also, the diverse range of offers of the European Capital of Culture, RUHR.2010, will be the center of attention in the official opening round tour of the ITB, presenting itself as a metropolis with a difference.
