Massive demand for display space at ITB Berlin 2006 – increased display areas for…
Massive demand for display space at ITB Berlin 2006 – increased display areas for Arab countries, South America, Turkey and India – expanded ITB Congress and even more new features
The next International Tourism Exchange ITB Berlin will take place in just under three months time, from 8 to 12 March 2006, and the current level of bookings is very encouraging. “On its 40th anniversary the ITB Berlin will see a further increase in the numbers of exhibitors,” according to Senior Manager David Ruetz. Booking levels have risen compared with last year, and increased display areas have been reserved at the ITB 2006 by the Arab countries, Turkey and South America. For the first time India will be occupying an entire hall.
India: Asia’s economic giant awakens
India is a rapidly expanding tourism destination and is beginning to emerge as one of Asia’s economic giants. This process is being accompanied by development of India`s potential as a tourism source market too. Growth rates are increasing year by year, attracting greater attention from the international tourism sector. The response to this development by the ITB Berlin has been to set up the 2nd India Forum at the ITB Congress Market Trends & Innovations (MTI) on 8 March 2006. Already known as the land of maharajas’ palaces and luxurious resorts, its diversity and constantly expanding range of tourism attractions and facilities will be on display in Hall 5.2b on an area measuring just under 2,000 square metres.
Some of the most thriving destinations report further increases
Ever since it was first held in 1966 the ITB Berlin has provided an accurate picture of the industry. Next year some of the most successful destinations will be increasing their stand areas, in particular the Arab countries. Every year sees even more visitors to the United Arab Emirates. In addition to some spectacular hotels and shopping malls the other attractions include the desert, the sea and almost continuous sunshine. Some 70,000 Germans each year are among the visitors, especially to the Emirate of Dubai. Turkey and South America have also applied for larger display spaces, and both will be occupying an additional area of some 600 square metres.
Many new features in 2006
The ITB Congress Market Trends & Innovations is the world’s largest tourism convention and in response to the high level of interest that has been generated it has been extended for the whole five days of the fair in 2006. New features in 2006 will include the “ITB Hospitality Day” and the “ITB Marketing & Sales Day”, which will supplement the existing “ITB Aviation Day” and the “ITB Future & Innovation Forum”. The ITB Congress also provides events dealing with individual destinations, while the ITB Business Travel Days offer an extended platform for contacts and professional advancement, as well as meeting the needs of exhibitors in the business travel field. The event that was previously known as the Travel Technology Congress has now been renamed TRAVDEX@ITB and is being developed in partnership with a leading consultancy in the USA, PhoCusWright Inc.
“ITB Supply” is making its debut at the world’s largest travel trade fair, meeting the needs of a new service sector. The presentations here will be by a variety of suppliers such as the providers of travel agency fittings and equipment and consultants specializing in solar energy systems for hotels.
A special fair for holiday accommodation is also being introduced for the first time. Immovest will take place from 8 to 12 March 2006 and will cover a wide spectrum of holiday and second homes. This German and international trade fair for holiday properties and second homes which takes place at the ITB Berlin seeks to attract exhibitors from areas such as project development, management and financing, architecture, consultancies, property selling and real estate operators.
The ITB Berlin celebrates its 40th anniversary
On its 40th anniversary there will be changes to the timing of the ITB Berlin, accompanied by a new advertising campaign. The fair now begins on a Wednesday and ends on the following Sunday. From Wednesday until Friday admission to the ITB Berlin will be restricted exclusively to trade visitors and afterwards it will be open to the general public.
In addition to extensive stands reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the various countries, for the first time the ITB Berlin 2006 will also present some culinary delights to get its visitors into a holiday mood.
Another attraction next year will be the ITB Grand Draw, with holiday trips as prizes.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
