ITB Pushes Global Influence
FEBRUARY 23, 2007. ITB Berlin, now in its 41st year and established as the world's largest travel exhibition is getting some significant help from across the Atlantic this year.
Exhibitors from the United States and Canada are occupying more space at the show, "thereby making it their largest participation since 2001," says Bj"orn Bieneck from B-FOR International, organisers of the North American pavilion. For the first time the US is exhibiting under the new Discover America banner.
Meanwhile, the collaboration between India, another nation with a booming tourism industry, and ITB Berlin has come to fruition with the event's official partner country hosting a wide range of activity at the show.
"As a principal destination for business travellers and tourists India has now established a firm place in world tourism, in particular it is also becoming more important as a source for Europe's incoming market," said Dr. Christian G"oke, COO of Messe Berlin.
ITB Berlin will also be staging its first specialist Asian exhibition in Singapore next year.
Experience leads the way
Expeditions, adventure and discovery travel represents one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry, a trend which visitors will experience first-hand in the "Experience Adventure" section of ITB, Hall 4.1. The programmes offered by tour operators and tourist boards from around the world look set to spark visitor's enthusiasm for adventure.
Travel tech just got bigger
This year the travel technology section is more comprehensive with over 120 international exhibitors. Experts will be exhibiting products such as back, mid and front office software, booking tools and booking systems.
The travel technology market is growing rapidly so new players are being incorporated. These include Globetrack from Ireland, Triton Data Solution from the USA and Skyline Internet Station from Israel.
Cultural tourism in focus
The ITB Book World & Cultural Tourism is at a new location this year. The Palais am Funkturm is being turned into a cultural centre. Exhibitors representing city and cultural tourism from Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as leading travel publishers will all have their products and services on display. Cultural attractions will be on display including a large stage hosting events and a Culture Bar on the top floor.
ITB: http://www1.messe-berlin.de
ITB Congress: http://www.itb-kongress.com
TRAVDEX@ITB: http://www.phocuswright.com/events/travdexitb
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