International Tourism Exchange Berlin 2005 - Partner Country: Positive Signs for Tourism to Germany
"The worst of the recession is over for the international tourism sector: Continuous improvement is now expected." These were the positive conclusions drawn by Dr. Christian Goke, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin, speaking at the International Tourism Exchange ITB Berlin 2005. "The figures speak for themselves: The total of 10,409 exhibitors is not only a new record but we are also pleased to report that, despite unfavourable weather at the start of the event this year, the attendance of 142,351 is even better than last year's substantial total of 141,139."
Furthermore the structure of the visitors reveals a significant improvement in quality. Goke: "Attendance by trade visitors rose by 12 per cent to 83,987 (2004: 75,019)." The world's leading tourism trade fair is becoming increasingly international: among this year's trade visitors more than one third, 33.5 per cent, came from abroad, a one per cent increase over the previous year.
This year the ITB Berlin featured a second Asia hall for the first time. Goke: "Exhibitors from the regions stricken by the tsunami did not cancel their participation in the ITB, but instead came to Berlin with a clear message: 'We are back, and we now await the return of tourists from all over the world.'" Goke regards this as evidence that now, more than ever, the ITB Berlin is the leading marketing platform for the international tourism industry.
According to the new arrangement the ITB Berlin 2006 will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 to 12 March 2006. At next year's event the Trade Visitors' Days will be Wednesday to Friday midday.
