ITB Berlin 2019: Growth of Global Travel Industry Continues at Full Pace
Partnerland der diesjährigen ITB Berlin war Malaysia.
More than 10,000 exhibiting companies from 181 countries and regions presented their services during this year’s ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) in Berlin/Germany, which took place from March 6th to 10th. Around 113,500 professionals visited the exhibition, an increase of over three percent compared to the previous year – in total, the trade show registered 160,000 visitors this year. The results underline the fact that even in times of widespread uncertainty due to geopolitical and economic factors such as “Brexit”, ITB Berlin has retained its position as the world’s leading travel trade show.
According to the official trade show results, Germany sees a sustained dynamic growth in all areas of the industry, domestic tourism is booming. “According to Germany’s Annual Tourism Report, during the 2018 holiday season more German citizens travelled than ever before. In our society, going away on holiday is practically a basic need that is taken for granted. It is with that potential boost in mind that the travel industry can look forward to business this year. However, in Germany many people appear to be expecting a repeat of last year’s record summer weather and intend to make travel plans at short notice, depending on the forecasts,” said Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin.
As regards the global outlook, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts that this year international arrivals will increase by three to four per cent. Important topics the international travel industry currently focuses on include the phenomenon of overtourism, sustainability and climate change.
The next ITB Berlin will take place from March 4th to 8th, 2020. Next year, Messe Berlin will also be organizing the first ITB India in Mumbai. (eap)
