The International Tourism Exchange (ITB-2008), which opens in Berlin on March 5, will see Dubai’s strongest-ever presence with the participation of 109 government and private sector organizations under the umbrella of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

This will be Dubai’s participation in the world’s largest travel trade fair for the 19th successive year. Dubai Stand at the International Congress Centre (ICC Berlin) measure 529 square meter and will have 58 booths.

Details about the DTCM’s participation in the five-day show were announced by the DTCM Director Overseas Promotions, Mr. Salah Al Geziry, at a pre-fair meeting held at the Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai the other day.

Mr. Al Geziry said the ITB, now in its 42nd edition, provides an ideal forum for establishing new customer contacts and conducting business as it attracts high-ranking professionals with decision-making powers. The composition of ITB exhibitors represents the entire service spectrum of the global tourism industry.

Among the organizations participating in the Dubai Stand include Dubai Airports, Dubai Duty Free, Jumeirah, Dubai Shopping Festival/Dubai Summer Surprises, Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Water Park and Atlantis, The Palm.

A large delegation from the DTCM Head Office including Mr. Mohammed Khamis Bin Hareb, Executive Director Operations & Marketing, Mr. Awadh Al Ketbi, Executive Director Convention Bureau, Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director Overseas Promotion, Mr. Mohammed Essa Al Muhairi, Officer Overseas Promotion, Mr. Khalid Bin Nassar, Exeuctive Overseas Promotion, and Mr. Anwar Al Hanai, Manager will be joined by the representatives from the DTCM’s Representation Office in Germany.

ITB-2008 is taking place in 26 halls of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. A total of 10,923 companies from 184 countries and territories presented their tourism attractions on a display area measuring some 160,000 square meters last year and almost similar participation and interest is expected this year.