ITB Berlin launches with record 11,127 exhibitors

ITB Berlin has launched with flying colours today (10 March) with 11,127 exhibitors presenting their products and services across the Exhibition Grounds, which comprises of 26 halls and covers 160,000 square metres.

"At a time of reduced marketing budgets the worldwide market leader ITB Berlin enjoys a clear competitive edge", states Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin.

"We are proud to announce that the number of exhibitors has increased again. Moreover, with new sections and new exhibitors, ITB Berlin confirms its role as a trendsetter and opinion leader."

The beginning of the 44th ITB Berlin has showed encouraging signs for the travel industry's recovery, with a slight expansion in exhibitor's from 11, 098 in 2009 to 11,127 from across 187 countries this year.

South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, England, Italy, the Balearics, Hamburg, Bremen and Singapore Airlines all have new stands at ITB Berlin this year.

Emirates has also debuted a new stand design this year in addition to a completely new external facade for the stands rotating sphere.

Another popular trend this year has been two storey stands: Malaysia has added another storey, the Dominican Republic is exhibiting on two floors, and Turkish Airlines, Rixos Hotels and the new exhibitor Harlequin Hotels, a luxury hotel group from the Caribbean, have also expanded upwards.

ITB Berlin has also provided mobile internet service providers with their own separate platform to promote their products and services.

The "Mobile Travel Services" section in the exhibition area in Hall 7.1.c provides a compact overview of advice about suitable strategies for creating one's own mobile page and the technical details needed to adapt it for use with various terminals, as well as an integrated smartphone marketing campaign.