The world´s leading travel show kicks off in Berlin with its 10,147 exhibitors from 189 countries.
The number of international exhibitors at this year’s ITB Berlin will be higher than ever before. More than two-thirds of the exhibitors showcasing their products and services in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, which are now fully booked up, are from abroad.
From 5 to 9 March 2014 ITB Berlin will be offering visitors a representative overview of travel products and services from around the world and of growth-intensive niche markets; the exhibition is expected to welcome about 110,000 trade visitors.
This year, on the weekend of the show, members of the public will again have an opportunity to purchase travel products directly from exhibitors. The focus will be on Mexico, this year’s partner country, which will have information on its wide range of products and services in Hall 1.1.
Around 700 hand-picked senior buyers from the international tourism industry from Europe, Canada, the USA, South America, Australia, Asia and Africa will be joining the exclusive Buyers Circle at ITB Berlin 2014.
At 74.6 per cent, two-thirds of the Buyers Circle’s members are from Europe and Russia. Over 13 per cent are from Asia, Australia and Oceania. Around 4 per cent each are from North America and the Middle East, as well as 1.4 per cent from South America. 80 per cent will be at the show in a decision-making capacity. The overall purchasing power of the Buyers Circle is equivalent to 1.8 billion euros.
With its Travel Technology segment ITB Berlin has taken on a pioneering role. Around 170 exhibitors will be showcasing the world’s widest range of travel technology products. 30 companies will be making their first appearance at the world’s leading travel trade show. They include IATI, Nor1 Inc, Accelya, Gate7 Reservation Systems, Abreu Online, Roomize and Vioma. Most of the companies exhibiting 'traditional’ travel technology products, who for more than ten years occupied Hall 6.1, have now moved to Hall 5.1. The eTravel World, which has now moved to Hall 6.1, will feature seminars and workshops on big data, social media and mobile communication trends. For the first time at the show, ITB Berlin and the consultancy Tourismuszukunft will be co-organising tours to guide visitors around Travel Technology. The tours will focus on software for the hotel industry, travel agencies, destinations and tour operators. A Mobile Technology tour will also be on offer.
Besides Travel Technology, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Travel (LGBT) segment also has enormous growth potential. For many years ITB Berlin has been helping to develop this booming area of the market. Besides numerous LGBT-themed events there will be a Networking Brunch for journalists, a seminar on ’Gay Pride Events“, numerous receptions and the popular TomOnTour Party.
In 2014 the main attraction will once again be the Gay & Lesbian Travel Pavilion.
