ITB opens with record exhibitors

The World's largest travel trade fair - ITB - opened its doors this morning in Berlin with a record 11,127 exhibitors and optimism about the future of the travel industry worldwide.  

 

German tour operators had experienced an overall sales loss of only three per cent in 2009 against record 2008 levels and demand for holidays in the German market remains high, said German Travel Association president Klaus Laepple.

 

Domestic tourism in Germany has benefited from the recession with 40% all all holidays taken at home, making it the largest market whilst traditional destinations of Spain, Austria and Italy held their league positions despite declining numbers.

 

ITB itself reflects the increased competition in the travel market with new marketing investment from Egypt, Malaysia, England, Italy and South Africa.

 

Turkey, a main sponsor for ITB, continues its huge investment in attracting vistors who have traditionally looked to Spain for holidays.

 

There also seems to be a change in the attitude of some major players to trade shows as Frankfurt Airport and United Airlines are exhibiting for the frirst time for many years. 

 

Exhibitors such as Sri Lanka, recovering from a civil war, and Kenya which suffered from post-election violence, both report large increases in visitor numbers and support the general feeling of optimism which even sees Haiti exhibiting at ITB to 'fly the flag'.

 

But as the doors open reports that TUI has had to move in and support Turkish associate Joy Hotels with its 16 properties show that despite the sea of optimism, the effects of the world wide recession still plague the world's travel industry.

 

*For updated ITB reports go to www.TravelMole.com .

 

by John Bell