110,000 trade visitors, 42 per cent from abroad - topical issues ensure record attendance (plus 10 per cent) at the ITB Berlin Convention - public interest remains high - successful premiere for the ITB partner region: RUHR.2010 now firmly established on the international stage - 180,000 visitors in the display halls

"More market players visited the leading platform of the international travel industry than ever before. In times of rapid structural changes and highly competitive markets they focused on gaining a comprehensive market overview and on new business approaches. Thus, unlike many other industries, the travel sector is actively responding to the challenges. Trade visitor attendance remained high, proof of ITB Berlin's resilience even in economically difficult times. We are delighted that there was an increase in visitors from abroad. Once again, ITB Berlin re-established itself as the world's leading travel trade show", said Dr. Christian Goke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin.

From 11 to 15 March 11,098 companies from 187 countries (2008: 11,147 companies from 186 countries) exhibited their products and services and discussed their future market strategies. Of the 110,857 trade visitors who attended (110,322), 42 per cent came from abroad, an increase of four per cent. Once again, record numbers took part in the convention. This year's figure was 12,000, compared with 11,000 in 2008.

"Clearly we were once again able to address urgent problems and topical market issues with leading experts. The result was a global survey of the market and possible scenarios for solutions", Dr. Goke added.

Crowds thronged the halls over the weekend as well. Approximately 68,114 members of the public (67,569) came to find out about travel destinations and products and services from around the world. Overall attendance in the display halls was 178,971 (177,891).

Despite the global financial crisis there was a positive mood among exhibitors, who were satisfied with business at ITB Berlin. According to a representative survey carried out by Fachhochschule Eberswalde during the fair, six out of ten exhibitors said the recession had had no impact on their business. However, they said that travel behaviour would change. 52 per cent of exhibitors expected tourists to take even shorter trips, 60 per cent believed local tourism would boom, and 68 per cent expected demand for last-minute travel to increase. More than half of the exhibitors claimed they were currently adapting their products to suit changing conditions, for which ITB Berlin is the ideal venue. According to a survey by an independent market research institute, more than 87 per cent (85) of exhibitors obtained a positive impression of the fair. As in 2008, even before this year's fair had ended, 91 per cent said they would be back next year at ITB Berlin.

Dr. h.c. Fritz Pleitgen, General Manager of Ruhr.2010 GmbH: "We are very grateful that ITB Berlin had the courage to accept us as their partner region - and are pleased we could fulfil the high expectations. We ourselves were curious as to whether we could keep up with the exotic countries at the fair, but things went extremely well. We received a lot of praise for our opening ceremonies. Interest in our region increased noticeably. There were significantly more people at our stand than at our individual displays in previous years. Coming to Berlin was worth our while. I always say that if you can make it there you can make it anywhere." 

Axel Biermann, Managing Director of Ruhr Tourismus GmbH, added: "We at Ruhr Tourismus GmbH are extremely satisfied with the way ITB Berlin 2009 went. The reactions to Metropole Ruhr as the ITB partner region were positive throughout. Our opening event and the trade fair display were very well received. Several large tour operators have agreed to long-term collaboration with our region. Trade visitors, members of the media and the general public all expressed very keen interest. We believe that ITB Berlin has helped us take a huge stride forward en route to our mid-term goal of establishing Metropole Ruhr as an attractive travel destination."

Klaus Laepple, President of the German Tourism Industry Federation (BTW) and of the German Travel Association (BTW): "This year there will be huge challenges facing the global economy. Against this backdrop it is impossible to offer any sound predictions for tourism this year. What is certain is that the tourism industry has already overcome many crises, and this is where ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism trade show, plays a major part. This is the venue where during the last few days the foundations were being laid for the future. There was short-term as well as long-term business in particular being concluded. Equally, there were discussions about companies finding strategies and measures to react to the current situation and about stimulating the market by optimising products and quality. In such difficult times it is especially important to maintain existing relations and networks, and build new contacts, for which ITB is ideal. This year ITB Berlin once again gave a clear signal, and as such the industry is well equipped to face the future."

Trade visitors' reactions to the range of products and services at ITB Berlin were even more positive than last year. 79 per cent (77) rated it either "excellent" or "good". 94 per cent (93) were satisfied with their visit to the fair and 95 per cent (94) would recommend it to friends or colleagues. At 92 per cent, the proportion of trade visitors planning to return to ITB Berlin next year increased (2008: 88).

ITB Berlin is an international media event. In addition to international news agencies some 7,7000 journalists from 87 countries were at the fair. Representatives of politics and the diplomatic services attended the world's largest travel trade show in large numbers. 178 (176) members from 100 countries representing politics and the diplomatic services attended ITB Berlin, among them 77 ambassadors, 85 ministers and 16 state secretaries.

The next ITB Berlin will take place from Wednesday, 10 to Sunday, 14 March 2010, with Turkey as its partner country.