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Despite a slowdown in the world economy, demand within the travel industry remains stable.
As ITB Berlin ends, the economic outlook for the global industry in 2019 is positive once again.
Trade visitor numbers at the show rose to 113,500, a three per cent increase compared with last year, emphasising the important role played by the event.
”ITB Berlin is of great importance, particularly in times of widespread uncertainty.
“Even in a digitalised world, it is not possible for hi-tech communications to replace the confidence-building measure that face-to-face meetings and a direct exchange between business partners on issues concerning the global industry represent.
“That is why ITB Berlin functions”, said Christian Göke, chief executive of Messe Berlin.
The sustained growth in all areas of the industry in Germany is due once again to the positive situation in the employment market and a generally buoyant mood among consumers.
For Germany as a travel destination, the fact that domestic tourism is booming is especially welcome news.
Germany’s federal states are confident that the record figures achieved last summer will be repeated again in 2019.
As regards the global outlook, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation forecasts that this year international arrivals will increase in the order of three to four per cent.
ITB Berlin, which was booked up months beforehand, is seen as a reliable economic indicator and forward-looking trendsetter of the global travel industry.
Between March 6th-10th over 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries and regions displayed their products and services to visitors in 26 halls.
Michael Frenzel, president of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry, added: “This year, ITB Berlin once again justified its role as the world’s leading travel trade Show.
“Naturally, there was a focus on many successful business deals and the release of the latest industry figures and subsequent discussions.
“Happily, people remain eager to travel and the industry is well-equipped to meet the demand.
“All these things give us hope that despite the somewhat gloomy economic outlook, 2019 will be a good year for the tourism industry.”
The next ITB Berlin will take place from Wednesday, March 4th, 2020.
Source: breakingtravelnews.com
