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Berlin, 3rd March 2008 - The world's most important trade show for the travel industry opens its doors at Berlin's trade show site from 5th to 9th March. ITB Berlin is continuing the success of previous years with record participation. Dr. Christian Göke, Managing Director of Messe Berlin says, “Once again this year ITB Berlin will be a fantastic B2B platform for excellent business dealings and enduring, first-class contacts for exhibitors from all over the world. The 42nd year of the event is evidence that ITB Berlin is indisputably the number one in this global industry. This year we have broken through the 11,000 exhibitor barrier for the first time ever. A total of 11,147 exhibiting companies from 186 countries and regions will be showcased on Berlin's trade show site (2007: 10,923 companies, enterprises and institutions).

ITB Berlin is sending out clear signals for the industry

On an area covering around 160,000 square metres, ITB Berlin offers a complete overview of all the products relating to travel, be it holiday or business travel. The range extends from service providers such as hotels and airlines to tour operators and individual countries and regions. Over five days, the trends will be set in the capital for an industry which, with over 100 million employees, is indisputably one of the largest and most important growth industries. During the ITB Convention Market Trends&Innovations, eminent figures from the industry will discuss the challenges of the present and highlight prospects for the future. Prof. Norbert Walker, Chief Economist of Deutsche Bank, will be presenting the recently published study “Climate Change and Tourism", an analysis by Deutsche Bank Research, as an exclusive at the Convention. Following its successful premiere in 2007, the World Economic Forum will present its “Global Travel&Tourism Competitiveness Monitor" once again this year and ensure a few surprises when assessing the performances of destinations. For the first time ever, the European Investment Bank is using ITB Berlin to hold an event attended by eminent figures on the topic of sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean region.

The ITB Berlin will be taking place from Wednesday, 5 March, to Sunday, 9 March 2008, and the ITB Berlin Convention Market Trends&Innovations is held from Wednesday, 5 March, to Saturday, 8 March 2008. The trade visitors’ days will run from Wednesday to Friday.

Full programme details can be found at www.itb-berlin.com and www.itb-convention.com.