Increased trade visitors, exhibitors reporting more contracts signed and increased attendance were all positive signs for the travel industry at this year’s ITB Berlin.
Attendance was up over 20 percent versus last year, and the show reported 2,200 more trade visitors.
This year the show highlighted partner country Egypt with opportunities for visitors to use various social media platforms to find out about the political situation within the country, including a live stream showing vacation centers and resorts in Egypt and a chance to exchange views and thoughts with Egyptians on Facebook and Twitter.
This year’s show focused on technology with a first-ever reception for bloggers, which attracted over 120 online journalists from more than 10 countries. The Travel Technology section featured 236 exhibitors showcasing the latest mobile travel services and social media innovations. An App Marathon on Saturday provided an overview of the world of travel apps.
The ECOtourism & Expeditions hall covered sustainability with daily papers on accessible tourism, human rights, seals of quality, geoparks, rain forests and the overexploitation of resources. The “1st Day of Barrier-Free Tourism,” which discussed the commercial potential of disabled travelers, attracted nearly 300 trade visitors.
The next ITB Berlin will take place Wednesday to Sunday, March 6 – 10, 2013. The official partner country will be Indonesia.
Visit www.itb-berlin.de/en/