In 2010 the ITB Berlin will be focusing on Turkey as the partner country. This was announced by the Turkish Minister of Tourism Ertugrul Gunay and the COO of Messe Berlin, Dr. Christian Goke, at the press conference held by Turkey at the ITB Berlin on Thursday (6 March).

According to Dr. Christian Goke, “Turkey is now firmly established in world tourism as a year-round destination for vacationers and for incentive tour operators. This is apparent from the increase in the number of visitors, not only from Germany but also from around the world, with arrivals totalling more than 23 million in 2007. Due to the constantly improving climate for business and investment the prospects for growth are considerable. The ITB Berlin is the ideal platform for convincing future vacationers that Turkey deserves its ranking, as a result of consistent improvements in the quality of its hotels, its value for money and tourism diversity in recent years.”

“Friendship has existed between Germany and Turkey for many years and the Federal Republic of Germany is Turkey’s most important partner in Europe. Turkey attracts more tourists from Germany than from any other country, and in 2007 we welcomed over four million German holiday-makers. The Ministry for Culture and Tourism is undertaking all necessary measures to ensure that Turkey is presented in the best possible way in Germany. In this respect the ministry attaches particular importance to the ITB Berlin and has already taken the decision to attend the ITB Berlin as partner country in 2010,” stated the Turkish Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay.

Turkey has been represented at the ITB Berlin on the Exhibition Grounds since 1968. The systematic marketing strategy being pursued by Turkey also includes an increasing commitment to its regular appearances at this trade show. For example, Turkey is the main sponsor of the event RockITB on 8 March at this year’s ITB Berlin. Aimed at young counter staff, the evening’s big RockITB party will feature Turkish rock music and culinary delights from the Bosphorus. Turkey has already indicated that it will assume a leading role at the ITB Berlin 2009 as Premium Partner of the ITB Convention Market Trends & Innovations. The continuous commitment to the ITB Berlin shown by Turkey will reach a new peak in 2010 when Turkey becomes the official partner country of the ITB Berlin. No only will this generate greater interest in Turkey among German media and visitors, it will also have a worldwide impact and result in a greater international response.
 
In 2010 the ITB Berlin will be taking place from 10 to 14 March.