Larger display areas for India and Indonesia, the partner country of ITB but also more space for Travel Technology as well as Gay & Lesbian Travel are some indications of the travel trends at ITB 2013, the largest show in the world with over 100,000 visitors.
BERLIN – ITB Berlin does not know the crisis as worldwide demand for floor space remains as high as ever. ITB Berlin Management has even been taken by surprise by the number of demands from exhibitors representing Arab and Asian countries as well South America.
Areas in expansion are the Travel Technology Hall (Hall 6.1) -already fully booked-with eTravelWorld experts giving lectures and workshops debating the latest social media and mobile travel services topics. Another booming segment is Gay & Lesbian Travel. This niche market has its dedicated section in Hall 2.1.
David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin: “Despite the economic difficulties around the world ITB Berlin is a place where the global trade industry can still do good business. The high level of demand from emerging destinations such as Asia and South America and the growth of popular markets such as Travel Technology are proof of how stable the global travel industry is.“
Indonesia, the partner country of ITB Berlin 2013, is represented in Halls 26 and 4.1, where visitors can watch colourful stage events. Other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Taiwan and China are represented on larger stands.
Hall 5.2b is fully occupied with India’s displays and a number of Indian exhibitors have moved to Hall 5.2a, where the State of Uttarakhand is represented for the first time. Destinations such as Nepal and Bhutan are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in Hall 5.2a along with various independent exhibitors.
After a number of years hosting their own stands Australia and New Zealand decided to combine their market forces (as well as financial resources) to present a joint display in 2013. This year Papua New Guinea can be found in the centre of Hall 5.2a.
The show’s Convention & Culture Partner is another Asian country. Azerbaijan, which in addition to being on the combined stand in Hall 3.2 is also showcasing the beauty of the Silk Road in Hall 7.2b. This year marks the second time that ITB Berlin, together with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is highlighting developments on the famous Silk Road.
While all the countries of South America and the Middle East will all be present, ITB will welcome among newcomers South Sudan, which gained independence back to July 2011.
For many years Travel Technology, which can be found in Halls 6.1, 8.1 and 10.1, all of which are booked up, has been among the boom markets at ITB Berlin. Newcomers and regular exhibitors in the Mobile Travel and Social Media sections are presenting their innovations and new products in Hall 7.1c.
At this year’s eTravelWorld experts are again debating industry topics from a variety of angles. Among the topics are ”The opportunities and risks of the social web for the travel industry“ and ”More efficient travel using e-Travel, navigation and mobile travel guides.“ Visitors can find out about new trends at workshops and establish valuable contacts in the lounge. Due the high number of bookings hotel portals are also exhibiting in Hall 25. Hall 10.2 with its focus on cultural tourism is also booked up.
Corporate social responsibility has been a major theme at ITB Berlin for many years. One of the most important events at ITB Berlin is the CSR Day, which forms part of the ITB Convention. Hall 4.1 also features an extensive programme of events on social responsibility in tourism and for the duration of ITB Berlin important discussions and information events are taking place on the large events stage.
Finally, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel (LGBT) are further gaining in visibility at the Pink Pavilion in Hall 2.1, which has been fully booked up. This year the now famous Vienna Gay Café is joined by a stand hosted by the city of Vienna. Newcomers to the Pink Pavilion are the New York resort The OUT NYC, Czech Tourism. For the first time, a Thai hotel, Monochrome Resort will be present as well as Indjapink, an Indian tour operator and pioneer of gay tours.
Also attending again are the ITB partners TomOnTour/Diversity Management, the International Gay &Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), as well as numerous international co-exhibitors including Siegessäule, Spartacus, DERTOUR and Destsetters, and numerous co-exhibitors from Greece and Cyprus. On March 8 at the ITB Destination Days, an event at the ITB Convention, experts will talk about future prospects of this market.
The details, products and services of all the exhibitors at ITB Berlin can be found at the Virtual Market Place. ITB Berlin 2013 will be taking place from Wednesday, 6 to Sunday, 10 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. Parallel with the trade show, the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest travel industry event of its kind in the world, will be held from Wednesday, 6 to Friday, 8 March 2013. Additional information is available at the show website.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
