The 43rd ITB Berlin 2009 opened on 11 March, with almost the same number of  exhibitors as last year, despite the global economic downturn. Event organisers Messe Berlin reported that all available space had been booked by 11,098 companies from 187 countries - only 49 fewer exhibiting companies than in 2008.

At the ITB Berlin 2009 opening press conference, Messe Berlin’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Christian Goke, told over 280 travel journalists that ITB Berlin was “stable and standing firm”, in spite the economic crisis. “ITB Berlin is a venue for discussions about the strategies to be adopted in difficult times,” he said.

Numerous themes, special days and the traditional wide range of new initiatives at ITB Berlin reflect the diversity of the travel and tourism industry. As already reported by Messe Berlin, events include a corporate social responsibility day, a travel bloggers’ summit, a business travel forum, an aviation day, a special report on culture and tourism and a focus on optimising city destinations.

“The many uncertainties within this sector make this outstanding marketplace more important than ever,” Dr Goke said. “All the relevant participants in this market are expected at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Not only are trends on display here, but it is above all a place where business is negotiated at international level. With over three quarters of our exhibitors and more than 35% of trade visitors coming from other
countries, ITB Berlin remains the undisputed leader for the world’s travel and tourism industry.”

Moreover, the presence of some 120 ministers of tourism from around the world ensures close contact with politicians and provides opportunities for discussions about the present economic situation with people in positions of responsibility.