BERLIN--()--The internet and virtualisation have accelerated the pace of development in the global travel industry. From 6 to 10 March 2013 ITB Berlin will be mirroring the industry’s increasingly dynamic market trends and providing a representative overview of global travel products and attractive niche markets. At the 47th edition of ITB Berlin 10,086 companies from 188 countries will be presenting their products and services on a display area covering 160,000 square metres. The 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds are booked up. The focus is on Indonesia, the official partner country of ITB Berlin, which is taking part with 120 exhibitors. Indonesia is represented in Halls 26 and 4.1. South Sudan, an independent state since 2011, is a newcomer to ITB Berlin. For the first time, exhibitors and travel agencies will be offering tours directly to the consumer on the weekend of the show.
Dr. Christian Göke, COO, Messe Berlin: “More than a billion travellers worldwide and the increasing popularity of easy-to-find internet products have totally fragmented demand. People’s travel motivation and travel products have become increasingly diverse. The industry’s information and business needs are growing all the time. At ITB Berlin exhibitors and trade visitors can gain a representative and up-to-the-minute overview of the travel industry’s entire value chain. They will find growth and niche markets, find information on exploring new markets and ideas for innovative sales strategies.“
Bloggers on the march
ITB Berlin is bringing international bloggers and exhibitors together at numerous panel discussions and lectures. A total of 250 bloggers from Germany and abroad are expected to attend. For the first time ITB Berlin is featuring a matchmaking event, which will be taking place on 7 and 8 March.
ITB Berlin features the largest range of travel technology products anywhere in the world. For years this section has been constantly expanding. Due to the high number of bookings this year hotel portals are also exhibiting in Hall 25. Around 150 companies from 25 countries are represented in Halls 6.1, 8.1 and 10.1, which will be exhibiting their IT-related services and product innovations for back and front offices in the travel industry as well as hotel software solutions and hotel booking portals.