BER opening postponed

Decision in the interest of travellers: getting the airport stably on stream

Berlin, 8 May 2012 – Flughafen Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH announced today that the new airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER) will not open on schedule on 3 June. Technical problems in the field of fire protection engineering make a postponement indispensable.

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, stresses: “This is a responsible decision. In the interest of the tourism and convention destination Berlin a launch of BER on a safe and comfortable basis is better than a possibly bumpy start, which impairs the arrival and departure of our guests.”

Kieker continues: “What we now expect is a calm approach and an opening date which will demonstrate the full qualities of the new airport.”

Berlin can be easily reached through the existing airports Schönefeld and Tegel; all flights to and from Berlin can be carried out as scheduled. At the beginning of the year Berlin recorded a double-digit growth in room nights, and visitBerlin expects a further positive development during the months to come.

Berlin premiere for leading health tourism convention

25 to 27 April: Medical tourism elite meets at the European Medical Travel Conference 2012 in Berlin / Capital region presents itself as a health destination

Berlin, April 2012. Travelling to Berlin for an operation – this trend cannot only be observed among an increasing number of international patients also for expert circles: Berlin hosts for the first time Europe’s largest and most important medical tourism convention. The European Medical Travel Conference 2012 (EMTC) offers from 25 to 27 April a unique platform for world renowned medical experts, who will discuss about new developments in the medical travel and health industry.

“HealthCapital, the network of the Berlin and Brandenburg healthcare sector, and visitBerlin have succeeded in attracting the EMTC 2012 to the German capital. There cannot be any better venue for the convention than Berlin. Our metropolis combines the expert knowledge from the convention area with an excellent infrastructure for medical travel”, says Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, who will open the Conference, together with the EMTC organizer on 26 April. “The healthcare industry has long since also become a tourist magnet and has a large potential for the capital region.”

The capital region presents itself – Joint appearance of the healthcare players

Premiere at EMTC: The capital region presents itself for the first time as a destination for health travel with a joint information stand. The players of the medical and tourism industries HealthCapital, Charité, Vivantes International, Deutsches Herzzentrum (German Heart Institute) Berlin, Medical Park and visitBerlin – present the concerted medical competency and region to the international expert audience at the Estrel Hotel.

In its promotion as a health metropolis Berlin focuses on the relevant markets Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Sybille von Obernitz, Berlin’s Senator for Economics, Technology and Research, opens the “Berlin-Arab Health Forum” on 27 April. The symposium, organized by Vivantes, will serve for the transfer of knowledge between Arab and European health institutions.

The partners HealthCapital and visitBerlin commit themselves to an active marketing of Berlin and Brandenburg as a destination for medical travel. The presence at international trade fairs – in addition to EMTC 2012, recently also at “Arab Health” 2011 in Dubai – is a consistent continuation of the activities within the framework of the visitBerlin “Health Tourism” marketing strategy. Other activities are already planned.

High-calibre speakers from all over the world

An exciting programme with the expert knowledge of 60 international representatives of medical tourism awaits the around 400 EMTC conference participants. Apart from senior hospital managers from Germany, experts and decision-makers from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Russia and USA will attend as guests in Berlin.

Further information: emtc2012.com and health.visitBerlin.com

VOK DAMS Berlin realizes institutional event for the „Local Alliance for Families“

The live-marketing experts of VOK DAMS Berlin have implemented the event for the Local Alliance for Families for the second time.

Under the slogan „Family first! – Family and job in time” 200 guests composed of federations, coordinators, business representatives and politicians came together in the Humboldt Carré in Berlin to discuss organizational possibilities for families to improve their personal time management.

Prime examples were used as templates and inspiration and the participants developed new approaches on the topic in workshops. The federal minister for family affairs Dr. Kristina Schröder opened the event and furthermore discussed with the guests in a round of talks.

VOK DAMS was responsible for the guest management of the event. Additionally the institutional events specialists of VOK DAMS Berlin designed and produced – on top of traditional print media – a 104-page handbook, which will function as a guide to the alliances in the future.

The event was part of the recent discussion on family-time-policy as a chance for a sustainable family policy of the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youths

Recent information about VOK DAMS on www.facebook.com/vokdams

ITB 2012: Berlin continues its uptrend

Capital region as a magnet for visitors / Award for the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office

Berlin, 13 March 2012, Success for Berlin: Around 175,000 travel experts and visitors from all over the world came to the International Tourism Exchange Berlin (ITB) during the five trade fair dates as guests to the German capital. Of the more than 113,000 professional visitors – and hence 2,200 more than last year – around 40% came from abroad. Some 7,000 journalists from 94 countries covered ITB Berlin.

Hall 12 of the Trade Fairgrounds was in particular demand amongst visitors: here visitBerlin and TMB Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH presented together, for the second time, the tourism offerings of the capital region Berlin-Brandenburg. “The interest from all over the world in the capital region is overwhelming – the popularity of our metropolis continues to increase,” visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker sums up. On the 1,600 square metre large exhibition stand 74 co-exhibitors from Berlin and Brandenburg were represented.

Awards: double gold for Berlin
Berlin was not only an excellent host at ITB – the metropolis on the River Spree was also elected best city in Europe: on Friday the popular destination was presented with the Zoover City Award in Gold. 85,000 visitors on the hotel rating portal Zoover had voted in favour of the city. The decisive elements were in particular the diverse cultural offering, the special ambience of the city and the excellent quality of its hotels.

Second award: The Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin was presented with the “Golden City Gate” award which recognises creative concepts in the tourism industry. In the category “Best Roadshow in Germany” Berlin convinced with the Germany road show “Berlin – a neighbourhood residential community”. With a moving box installation Berlin presented itself in 2011 as a six room apartment with the 12 districts in a creative and typical manner.

Large demand from future-proof markets
ITB was used by visitBerlin and the Berlin providers intensely for professional talks with the international travel industry. The opening of the new airport Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt (BER) was a focal theme. This will result in an increase in long haul flights, and the German capital will become even more attractive for international event planners.

Future-proof markets such as Russia, China and Brazil showed an increasing interest in the German capital as a travel destination.

Presentation of the ITB World Music Prize 2012 awarded to Natacha Atlas and Amr Diab

The first ITB World Music Prize 2012 is dedicated to the official partner country Egypt and honours two musicians who “in their own particular way, have succeeded in delighting an international audience with a combination of Egyptian/Arabic sounds with western rhythms”.

 – The singer and composer Amr. Diab, born in Port Said, is a superstar in the Arab world, and especially in Egypt, but regrettably less well-known in German-speaking countries. He is regarded as the father of the Mediterranen Sound – an electrifying combination of western and Egyptian music elements.

Amr Diab achieved his greatest success in 1996 with the song “Nour El Ain”, whose refrain “Ya Habibi“ became a mega-hit not only throughout the Middle East but also in India, Spain and South America. It is still the most successful recording ever made by an Arab singer and is the opening track on his “Greatest Hits” release (EMI Arabia), for which Amr Diab has received this award. For travellers to Egypt it is an emotive reminder of this modern and musical land on the Nile.

With her sensually extrovert and versatile musicality and her wonderful, multifaceted vocal talents the singer Natacha Atlas conjurs up the magic of the Orient and of North Africa, and has accordingly also been awarded the World Music Prize of the ITB Berlin. Born in Brussels and resident in the USA, but with Egyptian roots, this vocalist incorporates the classics, hypnotic dance and electrobeats, accomplished vocalisation and jazz elements on her latest CD entitled “Mounqaliba. In A State Of Reversal” (World Village).

Juror Jürgen Deeg: “Arranger Samy Bishai and producer Paul Castle are the men behind ‘Mounqaliba’ which is an intelligent and multilayered production and creates the perfect frame for the voice of Natacha Atlas. The ambient club track ‘Batkallim’ is the highlight of a CD, which takes us to a musical survey of the Middle Eastern music culture.

And the rhythmic effect of the stand-out dance tracks on this record, “Lahazat Nashwa” and “Taalet” in particular, are simply irresistable. Apart from her solo career Natacha Atlas is also the vocalist with the group Transglobal Underground as well as working with Jean Michel Jarre, Peter Maffay, Nigel Kennedy and Sarah Brightman.

UNWTO activities at ITB 2012

UNWTO events at this year’s ITB Travel Trade Show include a high-level session on tourism trends in the Mediterranean, the Silk Road Ministers’ meeting, a session on consumer protection and a meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection, among others (Berlin, Germany, 7-11 March, 2012).   

Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting (7 March, 11.00 – 12.30, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room)

Ministers of the Silk Road will meet to discuss how they can work together to capitalize on the revival of the Silk Road. This year’s meeting will include a special session on the importance of route development in strengthening the Silk Road product offer and attracting investment. The Ministers’ Meeting will be followed by the VIP Walk ‘Flavours of the Silk Road’ where UNWTO Secretary-General and ITB management will visit 10 countries showcasing the Silk Road’s most celebrated cuisine.

Tour Operators will convene at the Tour Operators’ Forum on the Silk Road – Creating a stronger business environment for growth (8 March, 11.00 – 13.00, Palais West), to discuss how to overcome the challenges and create opportunities for doing business on the Silk Road.

For more information, please click here or contact silkroad@UNWTO.org 

High-Level Session on Tourism Trends and Outlook in the Mediterranean (7 March, 14.00 – 15.00, Hall 7.1b, Auditorium London)

Destinations around the Mediterranean, the world’s most visited region, face a number of challenges; economic, political and environmental. This session, moderated by UNWTO media partner CNN, with Ministers of Tourism from the region and private sector representatives, will address questions such as: What trends are affecting the region? What challenges and opportunities face these destinations in the long-term and how can they adapt to changing market conditions? In view of the UNWTO forecast Tourism Towards 2030, what is the outlook for the region over the next two decades?

For more information, please click here or contact comm@unwto.org   

First Meeting of the Global National Tourism Organizations (NTO) Think Tank – Creating value through collaboration (7 March, 16.00 – 18.00, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room) 

A joint initiative of UNWTO and the European Travel Commission (ETC), the Global NTO Think Tank will provide an opportunity for NTOs from around the world to collaborate on common issues and strategic priorities. 

By invitation only. For more information, please contact eterzibasoglu@unwto.org 

UNWTO Press Conference – International tourism results and World Tourism Day 2012 (8 March, 12.00 – 14.00, ICC, Hall 4/5)

The UNWTO Secretary-General will present the tourism trends and figures for 2011 and outlook for 2012.

UNWTO will also launch the World Tourism Day 2012 official celebrations with the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego Cortés, under the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill, will also be present to highlight the joint efforts of WTTC and UNWTO in advancing a common agenda on visa facilitation as a driver of economic growth and job creation.

For more information, please contact comm@UNWTO.org 

Meeting on Crisis Management – Information needs in times of crises for the travel and tourism sector (9 March, 09.30 – 11.00, ICC, Salon 21)

UNWTO and members of the Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) will meet to discuss their information needs in times of crises to help minimize the negative perception on consumer’s behaviour, while at the same time ensuring safety and well-being and allowing for a fast recovery.

For more information, please click here or contact rcm@UNWTO.org   

UNWTO Session on Consumer Protection – Accommodation related issues (9 March, 11.00 – 13.00, ICC, Hall 7) 

In the absence of international regulations governing the rights and responsibilities of tourists/consumers and tour operators, UNWTO set up a working group to draft a legal instrument for their protection. At ITB 2012, UNWTO will host a special session on accommodation related issues, the conclusions of which will feed into the next meeting of the working group.

For more information, please click here or contact cpt@UNWTO.org 

27th Meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection (9 March, 14.30 – 17.30, ICC, Hall 7) 

The 2012 meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection will focus on “Young Workers in the Tourism Sector: Risks and Opportunities”. The event is jointly organized by UNWTO and the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO–IPEC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The meeting will also feature a reporting session, affording representatives of national tourism administrations, the tourism sector, NGOs and specialized media outlets an opportunity to report on new projects concerning child protection in tourism.

For more information, please click here or contact ethics@UNWTO.org

CSR in tourism: a long-term topic at ITB Berlin

Forward-looking projects and new ideas on corporate social responsibility in tourism – ITB CSR Day with hot topics – human rights in tourism and sustainability certificates – new: practical information from Responsible Tourism Clinics

Berlin, 28 February 2012 – CSR in tourism is becoming an increasingly important issue. Nowhere is this more accurately reflected than at ITB Berlin. All areas of corporate and social responsibility are hot topics at the world’s leading travel trade show. More issues are now being covered than ever before. They include accessible tourism, human rights, seals of approval, geoparks, rainforests and over-exploitation of resources.Corporate social responsibility has been top of the agenda at the ITB Berlin Convention for many years. The Destination Days (7 to 9 March 2012), MICE Day (7 March 2012) and Mobility Day (9 March 2012) will all be addressing aspects of climate change and sustainable tourism. In a noteworthy keynote speech Felix Finkbeiner will talk about the future of transport, for example. In front of an audience the 14 year-old initiator of the “Plant for the Planet Children Initiative“ will set out the next generation’s expectations. For many years the ITB CSR Day has been driving discussion forward. On 8 March 2012 there will be lectures and panel discussions attended by tour operators, technical colleges, the hotel industry and non-profit organisations who will be debating sustainability certificates and accessible tourism. Among the main events will be a panel discussion entitled “Human rights in Tourism“ with members of the German Tourism Association (DRV), Tourism Watch and Studiosus.

New exhibitors and a big programme of events in Hall 4.1

CSR is the main theme of the ECO & Adventure Hall (4.1), where lectures and events on sustainable and socially responsible tourism await participants on each of the three days of the show reserved for trade visitors. At an event moderated by Mary Amiri, a well known travel journalist and TV personality, international tourism experts will be holding discussions at the seventh pow-wow for trade visitors. The main topic on day one will be rainforests, accompanied by an outstanding photo exhibition. The images are from the eponymous documentary called “Pearls of the Rainforest – a Peace Park in the Centre of America “, which was filmed on Lake Nicaragua in Rio San Juan, in the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve on the Caribbean coast. Day two will feature workshops and lectures on geotourism, geoparks, geo-travellers and geo-destinations, and on day three experts will highlight the benefits, challenges and trends involved in responsible tourism.

Following their successful launch at ITB Asia the Responsible Tourism Clinics are due to take place at ITB Berlin for the first time. In Hall 4.1, at the stand of The Blue Yonder, a partner of ITB, experts will be offering practical tips and responding to questions on how to put sustainable tourism measures into practice. Visitors can find out about the development of innovative products from India and South Africa.

ITB Berlin stands for CSR

This year ITB Berlin is again supporting reconstruction in Haiti, the charity fund Aidshilfe Berlin and the Child Protection Code. Last year ITB Berlin was the world’s first trade fair to sign the code of conduct pledging to protect children against sexual exploitation in tourism. What is more, ITB Berlin offers all visitors to the show and exhibitors an opportunity to improve their carbon footprint through compensation payments. Together with Deutsche Bahn ITB Berlin recommends climate-friendly travel packages to the show, available at www.itb-berlin.de/en/AboutITBBerlin/TravelInfo.

By compensating all business flights through Atmosfair ITB Berlin supports a project in the Indian province of Karnataka, an emergent tourism region: small biogas plants run on local cow dung are replacing firewood and paraffin. This significantly helps improve women’s and children’s health and reduces the currently high volume of logging.

ITB also lets exhibitors and visitors support this project. At the Atmosfair counter at the south entrance they can calculate and compensate their carbon footprint.

All events to do with CSR at ITB Berlin 2012 are presented in a programme which is available at every information counter on the exhibition grounds. A flyer can also be downloaded at http://www.itb-berlin.de/en/SocialResponsibility/. Inside the Convention programme, all events on sustainability in tourism at the ITB Berlin Convention are marked with a CSR icon and are chronologically listed on the internet at CSR Convention Program.

Partner country Egypt at ITB Berlin

Grand opening ceremony on 6 March 2012 – numerous cultural events with typical national attractions at the world’s largest travel trade show – interactive communication via Facebook and Twitter

Berlin, 24 February 2012 – In March 2012 Egypt, the partner country of ITB Berlin, will have a wide-ranging programme of events to offer the international trade visitors and the general public attending the world’s largest travel trade show. During the show, which takes place from 7 to 11 March 2012, visitors to Hall 23a will be able to find out more about Egypt’s culture and history as well as tourism to this country. Among those performing at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, 6 March 2012 in the International Congress Center ICC Berlin will be members of the Cairo Opera House. At the ITB Berlin Convention, the international travel industry’s leading think tank, discussion will focus on the Arab Spring and its impact on tourism.

Hisham Zaazou, Senior Assistant Minister of Tourism: “As the partner country of ITB Berlin 2012 Egypt is highly enthusiastic and committed. This is a milestone for our tourism industry and signals continuity for our strongest branch of industry in these times of political change.“

The question as to what the future holds for the tourism industry in the Arab countries will be debated at the ITB Berlin Convention. On 7 March 2012 from 4.15 to 5.30 p.m. the topic for discussion will be “The Arab rebellion: an Arab Spring or tourism ice age?“. Experts on the Arab region including Prof. Dr. Volker Perthes, Humboldt-Universität Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, director of Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik and Dietmar Gunz, CEO FTI Group, will put forward scenarios and provide orientation.

Egypt has been at ITB Berlin ever since the show’s launch in 1966. In 2012 it will occupy close to 2,000 square metres of floor space in Hall 23, making it one of the largest exhibitors at the show. Visitors to the hall can experience the diversity of Egypt’s holiday regions, including the Nile Delta, Red Sea, desert landscapes, oases and the Mediterranean coast. At a bazaar they can also purchase the country’s handicrafts, sample regional specialities, or enjoy a musical foretaste of Egypt with atmospheric live music and folk presentations. Badawy, one of the country’s best known chefs, will be cooking dishes at the Brandenburg Restaurant in Hall 24.

A colourful Egyptian carnival procession will be taking place in the various halls on every day of the fair. An impressive performance of traditional Tanoura dancing, which involves an artistic display of dancers’ skirts, awaits visitors to Hall 4.1. Samaa, a group of Islamic and Coptic singers, blends different religious beliefs with its sounds, expressing peace among faiths and Egypt’s uniformity as a nation. On 9 March, at 3.30 p.m., book lovers can draw inspiration from the ITB Book Awards which will take place in the hall hosting Egypt’s displays. Travel calendars, travel guides and travelogues covering the country’s entire range of attractions will whet the public’s enthusiasm for Egypt. On 11 March 2012 at the closing ceremony of ITB Berlin, Egypt will put on an artistic performance with The Festival of the Delphic Games.

The ankh project is yet another of the numerous trade fair and marketing measures which this year’s partner country has launched. This ancient symbol signifying eternal life forms part of the “We are Egypt“ logo and represents Egypt’s visual signature as the partner country of ITB Berlin 2012. Visitors to Berlin will be able to see twenty different ankh sculptures by Egyptian artists throughout the city. From 7 February to 4 March 2012 various promotional activities involving this year’s partner country await customers visiting the store of the outdoor equipment supplier Globetrotter in Berlin-Steglitz. Competitions with prizes, videos, music and information on Egypt as well as a lecture by the travel agency DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen will bring Egypt’s magic to the German capital.

Social networking sites offer numerous opportunities for those interested in finding out more about Egypt at the show or at home. Here, they can contact Egyptian internet users, chat live with people in Egypt, or exchange views via Facebook or Twitter, for example. Additional information on Egypt is available from www.egypt.travel or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AegyptenFans.

Opening ceremony of ITB Berlin with leading figures from politics and tourism

A celebrity line-up will be present at the world’s leading travel trade show: on 6 March 2012, on the eve of the fair, Governing Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Dr. Philipp Rösler will open this year’s ITB Berlin. ITB Berlin and Egypt, this year’s partner country, will extend an invitation to attend the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in Room 1 of the ICC Berlin.

Raimund Hosch, CEO Messe Berlin GmbH, will welcome around 4,500 international industry representatives before handing over to other celebrity guests at the opening event. Among those due to speak are Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Klaus Laepple, President of the German Tourism Industry (BTW). H.E. Mounir Fahkri Abdel Nour, the Egyptian Minister for Tourism, will speak on behalf of Egypt, the partner country of ITB.

At the opening ceremony in the ICC Berlin the partner country of ITB will be highlighting Egypt’s past with historic exhibits ranging from ancient times to the present day. Afterwards, traditional and contemporary dancing will offer a foretaste of the evening’s celebrations. Taking as its slogan “The Colours of Egypt“ this 15-minute opening performance will display a variety of folk dancing styles. A ballet piece by the Cairo Opera House entitled “Malgré Tout“ tells the story of Egypt’s rebirth after the trials of revolution. At the end of the event the guests will all be invited to dance with the artists on stage before Egypt invites them to savour its regional specialities and culinary delights.

The complete guide to ITB Berlin on your mobile

Berlin, 23 February 2012 – With the free ITB Mobile Guide app visitors to ITB Berlin are always well informed. This year’s trade fair guide has numerous new features, including “What’s on“, an overview of current events, plus an A to Z of ITB, which lists everything visitors need to know about the world’s largest travel trade show (7 to 11 March 2012). Besides a map of the grounds, information includes the programme of the ITB Berlin Convention, a list of events along with press conferences, presentations, receptions, and a function for looking up exhibitors. For the first time the Android and iPhone versions showing the grounds are linked to a comprehensive map of the halls.As always there is a list of all the exhibitors with links to the Virtual Market Place and a wealth of information for visitors to Berlin. After the fair closes the ITB Mobile Guide provides users with information on the quickest way to the city centre and tips on Berlin nightlife. Also included are restaurants, bars and information on tourist attractions.

The ITB Mobile Guide – provided by GIATA & TOURIAS – is available for downloading free of charge from the App Store and Android Market. This clever pocket-sized trade fair companion can be easily downloaded fromwww.itb-berlin.de/mobil, can be run using a mobile or smartphone browser from itb-berlin.mobi, or can be requested via SMS by sending the keyword “ITB” to +49-177-1781424 (individual SMS/download charges apply).

The ITB Mobile Guide was developed by leading tourism content providers TOURIAS & GIATA. Both companies offer comprehensive solutions for mobiles and smartphones for hotels, tour operators and travel portals. With the GIATA TOURIAS Travel Guide travel agencies and tour operators are able to offer their customers a free smartphone travel guide to over a hundred of the most popular travel destinations. “Apps have become indispensable to the tourism industry “, says Christoph Schotter, managing director of Tourias Mobile GmbH. “They create entirely new prospects for marketing and winning over new customers.“

Just 100 days to go until the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport

The final construction work is in full swing / BER trial runs reach the halfway mark / Relocation from Schönefeld and Tegel to BER starts in April / Public weekend three weeks before opening

Since the groundbreaking ceremony on 5 September 2006, 1,997 days of construction have passed on Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and in precisely 100 days from tomorrow (Friday), the time will have come for the new Capital Airport to go into operation. With the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the existing airport system will be replaced and all air traffic will be concentrated in the new location to the south-east of Berlin. Tegel and Schönefeld will close in the evening of 2 June and on the morning of 3 June, the new airport with the IATA code BER will go into operation.
Until the opening in 100 days, the final construction work, trial runs and tenant fit-outs will all be ongoing. So what has been achieved so far? And what’s left to do? A brief overview 100 days before the opening:

Construction progress
In the 1,997 days since construction work began, the new Capital Airport has been built to the south of what is currently Schönefeld Airport. Aircraft operation areas and operational buildings have been completed, as well as the underground systems, train station and rail link, and power stations. About 5,000 builders are currently carrying out the final construction work on the building site of Berlin Brandenburg Airport. In the remaining 100 days, interior work must be carried out on the terminal, rental space developed and appurtenant areas including green spaces created. Building site facilities will be dismantled, final cleaning will be carried out and the building will be furnished.

Trial runs
The trial runs for Berlin Brandenburg Airport have reached the halfway mark: the BER trial runs started in November 2011. Ground handling, security, airline and airport staff have put the airport through its paces over the course of 17 days in so-called basic trial runs, testing systems, warming up baggage carousels and getting acquainted with their new workplaces.
10,000 airport testers from Berlin and Brandenburg have been playing the role of passengers in trial runs since February. All airport procedures – from check-in through security checks to boarding – are being tested during 30-day integrated trials. By mid May, Berlin Brandenburg Airport will have been put through its paces in a further 24 days of trial runs. Besides the usual standard procedures, emergency situations will be simulated, and intentional errors and incidents integrated: e.g. some test passengers will have to try and get through security with liquids and scissors in their hand luggage. Other testers will be tasked with demanding the return of their checked-in suitcase or asking to change seats. The idea is to simulate normal airport operations as closely as possible.

Two become one – relocating from TXL and SXF to BER
Tegel and Schönefeld Airport will start relocating to the new location in April: a relocation control centre will then be set up. In the weeks leading up to the opening of the airport, the relocation of around 190 airport users must be coordinated – 4,000 rooms and offices at BER must be arranged, and 150 shopping units filled with goods. The first batch of equipment and installations will be transported from the existing airports to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The main logistics challenge lies in consolidating the operations of the existing airports at BER in just a few hours during the night of 2–3 June. The majority of vehicles and apron equipment (e.g. firefighting vehicles, tow tractors and other special vehicles) must be transported overnight to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Around 600 lorry trips will be made in just one night. The autobahn from Tegel to BER will be closed in one direction for several hours.

Retail and gastronomy at BER
When the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport goes into operation, 150 shops, restaurants and service facilities will be offered across 20,000 m2. Besides well-known international brands, BER will primarily present high-class regional concepts from the retail, gastronomy and service sector. Work is already under way on developing rental space in close cooperation with the airport. All establishments will be inspected and approved by the authorities in time for the opening. The intense moving-in and relocation phase will begin for tenants immediately after the cleaning process on 21 May. All shops and restaurants must be stocked, operational procedures tested and staff trained on site. The airport will assist its tenants in this respect, too: around 1,500 sales staff will be trained in service standards and helped to settle in to their new workplace in time for the opening on 3 June.

Road and rail connections at BER
All transport connections to and from Berlin Brandenburg Airport have been completed. BER is easily accessible by road and rail and has its own motorway exit on the A113, which is conveniently connected to the A100 autobahn and the A10 outer motorway ring. Berlin Brandenburg Airport can easily be reached from the Berlin metropolitan area, the surrounding area of Brandenburg and the catchment area in Poland.
BER is also well connected to the public transport network: with a six-track train station directly below the terminal. The Airport Express and regional railway also offer various direct connections to destinations in Berlin and Brandenburg. Trains run every 15 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. S-Bahn trains run every 10 minutes on both Berlin‘s eastbound and southbound ring. Additional bus services supplement the local public transport options available. As well as the regional transport network, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is well connected to towns and cities further afield, both in Germany and abroad: e.g. direct connections are available to Cracow, Münster, Hamburg and Amsterdam Schiphol.

Expanding the route network
The opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport will see airlines considerably expand their flight offerings: airberlin has been offering a new long-haul flight to Abu Dhabi since January. As of May, the airline will also be offering a non-stop flight to Los Angeles. When airberlin joins the airline alliance oneworld in March, its flight offerings will be further expanded over the long term. Lufthansa has announced 30 new destinations from BER and will expand its Berlin fleet from nine to 15 aircrafts. Other airlines such as Condor, Air France and easyJet will increase the frequencies of existing flights and offer numerous new destinations as of the summer flight schedule.

General public weekend and BER opening
On 12 and 13 May, just three weeks before the opening, all Berliners and Brandenburgers are cordially invited to get to know the new Capital Airport. The public festival “Around the terminal” will be the last opportunity to wander around the new terminal. Visitors can expect a child- and family-friendly festival on the apron, helicopter flights, music, entertainment and useful information on the new airport. On 24 May, BER Airport will be officially opened by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Governing Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit and Brandenburg’s Minister President Matthias Platzeck.

ITB Berlin Convention: Younger generation on the platform

14-year old Felix Finkbeiner to give keynote speech on the future of mobility – Well-known German PUMA manager Jochen Zeitz presents future sustainability scenarios – ITB Berlin Convention from 7 to 9 March 2012 free for trade visitors

Berlin, 22 February 2012 – Children’s power: this year’s ITB Berlin Convention welcomes a special speaker to the platform in the person of 14-year old Felix Finkbeiner. He was responsible for launching the children’s initiative Plant for the Planet and from 10.50 to 11.15 p.m. on 9 March 2012 he will be delivering the keynote speech in Hall 7.1a on the subject of “The Future of Mobility”. From 7 to 9 March 2012 the leading tourism convention will address the main issues confronting global tourism and will be presenting some solutions and examples of best practice to meet current and future challenges. Two prominent speakers, Felix Finkbeiner and Jochen Zeitz, have been invited to discuss the subject of sustainability at this year’s ITB Berlin Convention.

In a paper to be given on the ITB Mobility Day Felix Finkbeiner will examine how the teenage generation assesses the present mobility system and current efforts to achieve sustainability. The 14-year old has been attracting worldwide attention since 2007 with the initiative Plant for the Planet. At that time, as a nine-year old, he learned during the course of his homework about the Kenyan environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Wangari Maathai, who has planted some 30 million trees over a 30-year period. The Plant for the Planet initiative, which is now active in 193 countries, was inspired by this idea. Children obtain information about sustainability from other children, and learn how every individual can contribute to climate protection by planting trees.

The sort of future sustainability scenarios that are conceivable will be explained by Jochen Zeitz, Executive Chairman PUMA and Chief Sustainability Officer PPR, who was responsible for setting up the Zeitz Foundation. One of the best-known entrepreneurs in Germany, Jochen Zeitz is devoting his efforts to the sustainable management of the eco-system. In his paper, to be delivered on the ITB CSR Day, he investigates the question of how to balance social, ecological and economic sustainability for the benefit of all stakeholders. In his perspective, to be presented from 5 to 5.30 p.m. on 8 March 2012 in Hall 7.1.a, he will offer some visionary insights and useful suggestions for business strategies and sustainability concepts. The “4Cs” – conservation, community, culture, commerce – is a new kind of concept being presented by the Zeitz Foundation as a basic approach that can also be applied by the tourism industry as a means of achieving sustainable growth.

Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is included in the price of the ITB Berlin trade visitor ticket.

Strong Berlin convention year 2011

Around 10 million participants / 10 percent increase in sales revenues

Berlin, 20 February 2012 After tourism reported new record results for last year, the German capital now also takes positive stock of the meeting and convention year 2011: 115,700 events took place last year (+2 percent). They were attended by 9.7 million participants; this corresponds to 7 percent more than in 2010. The number of room nights rose to 6.05 million (+9 percent). The convention industry hence generates more than a quarter of all hotel room nights in Berlin.

The upwards tendency is reflected in a particularly significant manner by the sales revenues: EUR 1.8 billion were generated last year by meeting and convention participants in Berlin; this corresponds to a 10 percent increase versus prior year. The meeting and convention industry secured 34,000 full-time jobs – a plus of 2,000 compared to 2010.

For visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker the convention industry is an important pillar of Berlin’s business community: “We will continue to do our utmost to further strengthen the convention destination. The BER airport is an important stage on Berlin’s way towards a world metropolis in order to secure more international conventions for the German capital. New air connections will contribute towards turning Berlin into an even more successful meeting and convention venue. In order to be able to continue to grow, the number of possible event locations must likewise be increased. A new demand arises here.”

In 2011 the share of international congress participants amounted to 19 percent. The number of German guests rose to 81 percent (+1 percent). A particularly large number of meetings and conventions took place in Berlin for the pharmaceutical and commerce sectors, each accounting for 10 percent.

The statistics are based on data from Berlin convention hotels, centres and event locations. An independent market research company evaluates the results. All details are available for downloading on convention.visitBerlin.de

ITB Berlin Convention: Think tank for the topics of tomorrow

Ifo president Hans-Werner Sinn on global economic developments – topics include tourism, technology, marketing, health at the world’s largest tourism convention – admission to the ITB Berlin Convention from 7 to 9 March 2012 free of charge for visitors to ITB Berlin

Berlin, 16 February 2012 – Once again, topics including tourism, marketing, technology, politics, the economy, sustainability and health await visitors to this year’s ITB Berlin Convention. From 7 to 9 March 2012, for the seventh time, experts, scientists and practitioners will meet at the world’s largest tourism convention to discuss innovative solutions and best practices in the travel industry and related sectors.The agenda focuses on the latest topics, including the Arab Spring, the challenges facing the cruise industry, as well as problems such as oversubscribed tourism destinations, human rights in tourism and the shortfall in qualified employees and management staff in the hotel industry.

In his keynote speech on 7 March 2012 Prof. Dr. Dres. H.c. Hans-Werner Sinn, president of the ifo Institute in Munich, will talk about “global economic developments and the situation in Germany and Europe“. A leading economist, he will discuss the problems surrounding the EU bailout plan and highlight the consequences for future economic developments in Europe and the world. Matthias Hartmann, CEO, GfK Group, will examine consumer behaviour and travel patterns in times of financial crisis and analyse the effects of a recession on spending. The discussion round entitled “The Arab rebellion: an Arab Spring or tourism ice age?“ will focus on the impact of the political upheavals in Tunisia and Algeria. The boom in the cruise industry raises questions concerning safety on board and protection of the environment. Taking part in the Executive Cruise Panel will be leading figures from the cruise industry: Michael Bayley, Executive Vice President International, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Larry Pimentel, President & CEO, Azamara Club Cruises, Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director, Cunard Line, Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO, MSC Crociere S.A., Enzo Visone, CEO, Silversea Cruises, and Richard J. Vogel, CEO, TUI Cruises.

Technical progress as the travel industry’s driving force

The example of a new trend, collaborative consumption, shows how greater involvement in e-commerce and online networking can result in the emergence of new business models. Arne Bleckwenn, CEO of Wimdu.de, explains how, based on his web portal for private accommodation, the internet facilitates sharing one’s possessions.

Markus Barnikel, CEO, carpooling.com, pursues a similar concept. In his session entitled “Ride Sharing – the smart transport alternative of the future“, he will be showing how the combination of sharing transport over the web and smartphone use has triggered a mass phenomenon and also benefits the environment. The tsunami in Japan in 2011 once again showed how dramatic the consequences of natural disasters can be on this country and on tourism demand. On 9 March 2012, together with other panel members, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Reinhard F. J. Hüttl, science chair and board spokesman of Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ, will discuss what lessons can be learned from the example of Indonesia’s tsunami early warning system.

At the ITB Berlin Convention a wide range of discussion rounds awaits visitors interested in sustainability. Koen Olthuis, Chief Creative Officer, and Paul H.T.M. van de Camp, CEO, Dutch Docklands will present a far-reaching innovation. The Dutch company is the market leader for floating facilities – a solution for destinations threatened by rising sea levels. Its representatives will talk about the floating hotels currently under construction on the Maldives. This year’s Studiosus discussion round will debate “human rights in tourism“. Panel members will include Jürgen Büchy, president of the German Travel Association (DRV) and Markus Löning, Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid.

Thought-provoking ideas for marketing heads

On 9 March 2012 at the ITB Marketing and Distribution Day, a paper entitled ”New Trends in Luxury Travel“ will address the fact that for many travellers luxury no longer means extravagant wealth. Marc Aeberhard, President & Managing Director, Luxury Hotel and Spa Management Ltd., will show how hotel owners and destinations can satisfy their guests by successfully exploiting a current trend that embraces self-discovery, simplicity and slow movement ideals. The award-winning travel journalist Doug Lansky will raise some laughs when he presents ”the biggest mistakes in travel marketing“, including the worst tourism slogans and hotel names. In order to prevent these pitfalls he will be offering some thought-provoking ideas for innovative marketing strategies and measures. By contrast, the question Dirk Beckmann, managing director of artundweise GmbH and author of the eponymous book, will ask is “What would Apple do?“. What is Apple’s recipe for success and can lessons be drawn for the tourism industry?On 7 March 2012 another market giant will address the revolutions in global tourism. Dr. Bernd Fauser, Head of Travel Top Accounts, Google, will talk about the Google products impacting on the travel industry and what other innovations lie in store.

The topical issue of health also concerns the ITB Berlin Convention.On 9 March 2012, at the ITB Health Tourism Panel, the focus will be on the health tourism market. Among those taking part in the discussion will be Ralf Baumbach, proprietor and managing director of the MediPlus Group and Dr. Andreas Gent, chairman of HanseMerkur Krankenversicherung AG. Afterwards, at the push of a button, audience members can decide on the winner and losers of the first ITB Health Tourism Battle. Nine panel members will have an opportunity to make their point and the winner’s prize is an air fare to Berlin.

A trade visitor pass to ITB Berlin is valid for admission to the ITB Berlin Convention.

ITB Berlin expands its floor area for over 230 travel technology exhibitors from 15 countries

More technology than ever

Berlin, 7 February 2012 – Nowadays travel technology is omnipresent in the global travel industry: this includes the back office, electronically-supported personalised sales and location-sensitive mobile travel services. At ITB Berlin 2012 this rapid development has led to an unprecedented rush of exhibitors: over 230 travel technology companies from 15 countries are expected from 7 to 11 March in Berlin. The event features back office technology (Hall 6.1), hotel software and reservation machines (Hall 8.1 and 10.1) as well as social media, travel portal and mobile travel solutions (eTravel World, Hall 7.1.c).

The traditional travel technology display areas have been fully booked since December 2011. For this reason, some exhibitors from this sector are in Hall 25 for the first time. Here visitors can find online travel agencies as well as providers of event and airline software. With a joint stand for the Thai Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) as well as new technology providers from Greece, India, Romania and the United Kingdom, ITB Berlin once again highlights its major international importance in this segment.

“We are particularly pleased that we have been able to inspire many new innovative companies and the regular, high performing participants as well as previous exhibitors to come to ITB Berlin”, says David Ruetz, Director of ITB Berlin. This can be attributed not just to the general travel technology boom but also to the wide range of attractions at the world’s leading travel trade show: “In the last few years we have continually increased the number of forums and discussion platforms at ITB Berlin. This year the papers will be interpreted on the stage of the eTravel World. As part of the ITB Berlin Convention we examine industry trends, which are more than ever driven by further developments in the field of travel technology”.

Travel Technology Trends 2012

The travel technology trends for 2012 continue to include the development of mobile travel applications (apps), which have grown rapidly over the last two years and are continuing to expand. The 2012 issue of the “Mobile Travel App Guide”, which is published by m.volution with the support of ITB Berlin, has more than 100 pages.

In the field of analysis new evaluation tools are now available for review portals: the discipline is referred to as Social Review Management. At ITB Berlin, solutions for hotel review portals and suitability of the user-generated content available there for promoting sales are highlights of the programme.

Through the use of innovative search technology companies are also endeavouring to make it easier for customers to access an ever increasing amount of data. Two search technologies which could, in the future, help to consolidate accurate and genuinely relevant information and filter out cheap offers are semantic or free text searches (natural language search, automatic evaluation of search queries based on language expressions) and gesture based searches (whereby facial expressions and gestures are interpreted in order to incorporate the searcher’s emotions in a presentation of the findings).

Internet driven product innovations with a promising potential includesocial trip planning, also in combination with group buying portals: Travellers with the same destination who meet on social networks or travel discount portals can combine their purchase power online in order to obtain particularly favourable conditions when booking city tours, journeys to attend specific events or cultural trips .

Last but not least, there remains the issue of how the enormous costs of IT and networking can be optimised in the long-term. In an industry that has been dominated by proprietary solutions for so long, open sourcing or cloud computing are newly emerging concepts in innovative infrastructure, architecture and software development, and no-one need renounce any part of what are in any case narrow profit margins.

Visitors can find out more about this topic from the exhibitors, either at the ITB Berlin Convention or the eTravel World.

Travel Technology in the convention programme

Travel technology topics are represented several times in the programme of the ITB Berlin Convention:  PhoCusWright@ITB (7 March, Hall 7.3, Europa Hall) is the forum for travel technology experts and CXOs, who will be discussing market developments under the slogan “Travel Unleashed: Any. Every. Always.”   Visitors can find out interesting information about the state and development of social media at the Marketing and Distribution Day (9 March, Hall 7.1b, London Hall). The programme on the stage at eTravel World (Hall 7.1c) also provides insight into trends such as Social-Mobile-Local (SoMoLo), couponing, mobile payment and review management. An all-day travel app marathon (10 March, eTravel World Hall 7.1c) informs visitors about the most exciting smartphone applications when on the move.

ITB Media Day: the meeting place for journalists and bloggers

Open press conference of ITB Berlin on 6 March 2012 – followed by further press conferences with exhibitors – a major networking event for bloggers

Berlin, 6 February 2012 – This year the media world is already gathering in Berlin from 6 March 2012. On the eve of ITB Berlin, for the first time, the world’s leading travel trade show will be devoting this day entirely to the media. Events will feature the opening press conference of ITB Berlin and further press conferences with individual exhibitors.An event welcoming bloggers from Germany and abroad, who this year will find a large number of events and discussion rounds on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, will round off the ITB Media Day.

On 6 March at 10 a.m. the opening press conference of ITB Berlin will kick off events at the Palais am Funkturm on Hammarskjöldplatz,where the organisers of ITB Berlin will provide information on bookings and exhibitor numbers as well as trends and the challenges facing the world’s travel industry. This will be followed by a press conference with the Hungarian Tourist Board at Empore Ost which starts at 11.30 a.m.Afterwards, the Japanese Tourist Board will report on all the latest news for travellers to Japan at an event in the central area of the ground floor, starting at 1 p.m. At 2.30 p.m. ruf, a tour operator which organises accompanied travel for children, young people and young adults, will talk about developments in the market for young travellers as well as the company’s thirtieth anniversary.

Towards the end of the afternoon the focus will be on bloggers. From 5 p.m., Travel Massive @ITB Berlin will welcome bloggers from around the world at the Palais am Funkturm. At ITB Berlin the global networking initiative Travel Massive is organised by pocketvillage.deand sponsored by visitBerlin. Bloggers will be able to exchange views with the management of ITB Berlin and representatives of startups and tour operators in a relaxed atmosphere.

A variety of events for bloggers and anyone interested in blogging are also scheduled to take place during ITB Berlin. The New Media Summit at the eTravel World in Hall 7.1c, a special event for bloggers, will take place on Thursday, 8 March at 10.30 a.m. On Friday, 9 March at 11.30 a.m., taking as their slogan ”New kids on the blog – how destinations can succeed in the blogosphere“, tourist boards and bloggers will be discussing in what way and to what degree travel bloggers can successfully market destinations. Taking part in the discussion will be Reine Gammoh of Visit Jordan and blogger Keith Jenkins, who have jointly realised the iAmbassador project for Jordan. Michael Buller, chairman of Verband Internet-Reisevertrieb e.V. (VIR), will moderate the debate. During the afternoon the third ITB Media Summit will address the following issues: ”How are travel bloggers, corporate bloggers and travel technology bloggers changing the traditional media landscape?“. Dirk Rogl, deputy editor-in-chief of the business magazine fvw, will moderate the event. Among those taking part will be Angelika Schwaff, press spokeswoman of germanwings, a travel blogger and former travel journalist, and Sebastian Heinzel, CEO and corporate blogger, tripwolf.com, who will be discussing the transition from an electronic diary to a professional internet medium (Hall 7.1b, London Room, 2.45 to 4 p.m.).

This year ITB Berlin has created a special button that reads “for bloggers“, to make finding one’s way around the show as easy as possible. An overview of all the main events are listed at www.itb-berlin.com/Blogger.

Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics, is delighted that bloggers have expressed such keen interest in the travel show: ”In recent years bloggers’ interest in ITB Berlin has risen sharply. We note the industry is also very keen to strike up partnerships with bloggers and eager to make contact. ITB Berlin, the leading platform of the international travel industry, is the ideal venue for this.“

ITB Berlin Convention: power shifts in the hotel industry

The power of brands, safety in hotels and future workforce issues – leading international hotel experts and CEOs to debate the latest trends and challenges at the ITB Hospitality Day on 8 March 2012

Berlin, 2 February 2012 – Safety at hotels, the shortfall in staff in the hotel industry and the consolidation trend among hotel portals: these are items on the agenda at this year’s ITB Hospitality Day at the ITB Berlin Convention. On Thursday, 8 March 2012 experts and CEOs representing the hotel and tourism industries will be discussing the latest topics. Now in its seventh year, the forum has developed into one of the industry’s leading events. Maria Pütz-Willems, editor-in-chief of hospitalityInside.com, is responsible for its content.

Cassidy Morgan, CEO Central and Eastern Europe, Interbrand, will kick off the event with his keynote entitled “Unlimited brand power “.The first discussion round will take up this subject, asking: ”Brands everywhere: how many brands make sense?“. Bernold Schroeder, CEO, Jin Jiang International Hotels, China, and Osama Hirzalla, vice president, Brand Marketing and eCommerce Europe of Marriott International – the chain with more brands than anyone worldwide – will discuss whether many different brands offer travellers a better service or whether they are simply clever marketing strategies.

The wave of consolidation among hotel booking portals and new economic dependencies in the hotel distribution will be the main topics of the discussion round entitled ”Distribution: less providers with more power?“. Arne Erichsen, director of Markt-Management Deutschland, Expedia Partner Services Group; Monique Jaspers-Wijn, vice president, Business Development, EMEA beiSabre Hospitality Solutions; Tobias Ragge, managing director of HRS, and Ognjen Zeric, founder and managing director of the startup Justbook Mobile will debate the most recent shifts in the market and their impact.

Two discussion rounds at the ITB Hospitality Day will highlight issues concerning staff and senior executives. Taking as its slogan “the next generation“, the CEO panel will feature two well known CEOs and their sons. Chanin Donavanik, managing director and CEO of the luxury hotel group Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Thailand; Siradej Donavanik, manager, Investment and Development, Dusit Hotels; Daniel Müller, director, Operations, of the budget design chain Motel One Hotels & Resorts, and Dieter Müller, chairman of the board of One Hotels & Resorts, will talk to Maria Pütz-Willems about how the two generations view the hotel industry today and what challenges exist in business dealings between fathers and sons. The discussion round entitled ”The War for Talent: the mass exodus from the hotel industry“ will also address the topic of this sector’s future workforce. Manuel Konen, chairman of Konen & Lorenzen Recruitment Consultants; Katrin Melle, director, Human Resources, Hyatt International, and Robert F. Wetterauer, president of EUROCHRIE/European Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education, will debate what the hotel industry must undertake to keep its trainees and future workforce and what incentives the industry needs to offer young graduates.

Rounding off the ITB Hospitality Day, the travel journalist and author Peter Hinze and his fellow panel members will discuss how hotels can protect their guests in the event of unexpected political unrest, crises and bombings. Mayar Abdel Aziz, tourism and marketing expert from El Gouna; Ed Fuller, the long-standing and experienced president and managing director of Marriott International, and Michael-W. Hartmann, senior vice president and head of Market Development Board Hospitality, Siemens AG will be debating the topic of “Safety: when a holiday turns into chaos“.

The 7^th ITB Hospitality Day will take place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds in Hall 7.1b, the London Room, on Thursday, 08 March 2012 from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The online trade magazine hospitalityInside.com is the media partner of the event. A trade visitor pass is valid for admission to the ITB Berlin Convention.

PhoCusWright@ITB Berlin: Preeminent Travel Technology Conference to Host Key European Travel Leaders

7 March 2012 event includes interviews with the CEOs of Booking.com and ODIGEO

Berlin, 1^st February 2012 - Travel industry research authority PhoCusWright has unveiled a pioneering program forPhoCusWright@ITB, taking place Wednesday, 7 March 2012 in conjunction with ITB Berlin, The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Now in its seventh year, this conference-in-a-conference is meticulously designed by PhoCusWright’s expert analysts to help executives capitalize on key trends impacting the travel, tourism and hospitality marketplace.

This year’s event features interviews with the CEOs of two of Europe’s leading online travel agencies, Booking.com (Darren Huston) and the recently formed ODIGEO (Javier Perez-Tenessa). In addition, PhoCusWright analysts will share insights on key European consumer trends and deliver findings from a recent landmark study of the European vacation rental landscape. Dynamic roundtable sessions will focus on the emerging Russia travel market, mobile strategy and other hot topics.

PhoCusWright@ITB empowers an audience of travel professionals, innovators and thought leaders to interact in a unique community setting. A flexible format enables attendees to immerse themselves in the entire daylong event or focus on select sessions. The compact program is included at no additional charge with ITB Berlin tickets valid for entry on 7 March 2012, however advance registration is required.

This year’s theme, Travel Unleashed: Any, Every, Always heralds the exceptional forces liberating the travel marketplace. Amidst rapid advances in technology, constant change is the norm, and empowered, hyper-connected consumers are engaging with information and organizations in entirely new ways.PhoCusWright@ITB challenges travel companies to leverage these powerful new catalysts to attract and retain customers like never before.

PhoCusWright@ITB is followed on 8 March 2012 by The PhoCusWright New Media Summit, where travel bloggers, tweeters and social media enthusiasts from around the world will convene to share insights and strategies on new media in the travel industry.

ITB Berlin 2012: driving force for new trends and established industry meeting place

High growth in exhibitors from the Asian-Pacific region – socially responsible tourism and gay & lesbian travel are booming –Travel Technology Hall booked up since December – Deutsche Lufthansa back at ITB Berlin

Berlin, 31 January 2012 – The countdown to the 46^th ITB Berlin, which takes place from 7 to 11 March 2012, has begun. Many of the halls at the world’s leading travel trade show are already booked up. Overall, Messe Berlin expects around 11,000 exhibiting companies and organisations from more than 180 countries to be present in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin: “Bookings are level with last year’s figures, once again confirming ITB Berlin’s role as the travel industry’s leading international platform. Furthermore, ITB Berlin 2012 is living up to its reputation as the travel industry’s driving force. The ITB Berlin Convention’s agenda features up-to-the-minute and forward-looking themes and leading experts will be taking part in the debate. Among the topics will be cruises and tourism market developments in the Arab states.”

The focus is on the partner country Egypt which will be organising the opening ceremony on the eve of ITB Berlin. During the fair all of Egypt’s local regions will be presenting their wide range of products and services to trade visitors and the general public in Hall 23a.

Newcomers and returning exhibitors mirror the changing travel market

More exhibitors from the Far East and Southeast Asia will be at ITB Berlin than ever before. Indonesia, a booming tourism region, is making its way onto the market and Vietnam will also be strongly represented. Exhibitor numbers from China and Mongolia have grown significantly too, with nearly two dozen newcomers taking part. This trend is reflected by the fact that Hall 26 is now completely booked up, as is Hall 5.2a, which will mainly feature exhibitors from Southeast Asia and Australia. India (Hall 5.2b) will be occupying additional display areas in Hall 5.2a. New hotels from Rajasthan and Kerala will be exhibiting their products and services. The number of individual exhibitors from Bhutan has risen considerably too. Exhibitor numbers from Central Asia (Hall 7.2b) are also very high, due to the return of Bangladesh, absent from ITB Berlin since 2007, and to a rise in individual exhibitors from Uzbekistan.

Halls 20 and 21, where Africa is exhibiting, will also witness newcomers and the return of several countries. For example, the Republic of Côte d´Ivoire is back at ITB Berlin, as is Chad, which will be exhibiting in Hall 21, the first time since 1999. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also back at ITB Berlin. Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya will all be occupying larger stands. Réunion’s is expanding by 50 per cent.

Hall 25 will see numerous new arrivals. After several years’ absence Deutsche Lufthansa will be back at the show. Among those exhibiting for first time will be cruise tour operators such as Passat Kreuzfahrten, TUI-Flussgenuss, Hapag-Loyd and Plantours. Software providers will be debuting in this section, including Tripadvisor, Unister, Mystifly, Air Fast Tickets, Expedia, Travel Guru (India), Booking Markets and z-direct.

The USA will be occupying a larger stand in Hall 2.1, as will several countries from Central America: Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras (Hall 3.1). Short-haul destinations are becoming more popular, with growth in the European halls reflecting a significant tourism trend. Among other newcomers are exhibitors representing Portugal, Greece, Italy, Spain and the Turkish Riviera.

The wellness boom continues. Hall 16 is fully booked up and on the open days for the general public a big programme of stage events hosted by Beauty 24 will be taking place here. Tour operators More Travel from Latvia and Chic Outlet Shopping, who are also newcomers to the show, will be displaying their products in Hall 18. Under the Holland Classics brand name, Keukenhof, Floriade World Expo Holland 2012 and numerous other partners will be exhibiting Dutch specialities on its stand.

The Gay & Lesbian Travel section no longer represents a niche market, a trend mirrored by the growth in products on display in Hall 2.1. For the first time Brazil will be hosting its own stand and exhibitors from Greece, Mexico and Portugal will also be debuting at the show. Inside the trade visitor area the Pink Pavilion boasts its own genuine Viennese coffee house. For the first time in its history Dertour has released a gay and lesbian travel catalogue, a reflection of the expanding market. Adventure travel and socially responsible tourism are also growth markets. Together with many newcomers from South America, as well as Geoparcs and organisations such as the Rainforest Alliance, Atmosfair, Myclimate, Ecpat, Tourism Watch, TourCert and the International Eco Tourism Society, Greenland will be promoting itself as a new destination in Hall 4.1. One of the high points at ITB Berlin 2012 will be the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of RUF Jugendreisen.

Travel technology plays an increasingly important role

The number of exhibitors back at the show representing mobile travel and social media mirrors the continuing success of the eTravel World platform in Hall 7.1c. This section has been booked up since December, an indication of the market’s growing significance and the dynamic developments taking place here. Companies representing social review management services such as Reevoo and Review Pro will be setting new trends. Thursday and Friday will mark the high points of the programme of stage events. On Thursday and Friday international panel discussions debating travel blogs will be taking place at ITB Berlin. This is the first time simultaneous interpreting into English and German will be available at these events. On the Saturday of the show in Hall 7.1c an app marathon will be taking place that offers the general public an overview of the world of travel apps. ITB Berlin supports the Travel App Guide (published by mvolution, Alabasta Verlag) which will be re-released to coincide with ITB Berlin 2012.

Trade visitors will be able to obtain in-depth knowledge about social media not only at the eTravel World but also at the PhoCusWright@ITB Travel Technology Convention on Wednesday, 7 March and at the Marketing and Distribution Day on Friday, 9 March at the ITB Berlin Convention.

The details, products and services of all the exhibitors at the ITB Berlin can be found at the Virtual Market Place at www.virtualmarket.itb-berlin.com. The Virtual Market Place also functions as an online catalogue. Information is updated on a regular basis.

Business travel success factors in 2012

ITB Berlin Business Travel Days address hot topics

Berlin, 23 January 2012 – Rarely have changes affecting the overall situation in politics, society and the economy had such a dynamic impact on the business travel world as in present times. How are they influencing travel management decisions? From 7 to 9 March, at a panel discussion at the ITB Berlin Business Travel Forum, this is what experts from various countries will be discussing. Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), will moderate a panel with high-ranking participants. Among its members are Herman Mensink, Vice President EMEA of the PRISM Group Inc., Lutz Stammnitz, CEO, Global Mobility Services, Siemens, and Vadim Zelenski, Chairman of the Russian Association of Business Travel.

Corporate size has long ceased to guarantee marketplace success, as evidenced by the example of numerous medium-sized companies catering to the business travel market who have found their market niche and enjoy a high reputation among their customers. Attended by leading figures from a variety of sectors, among them Otto Lindner jun., Chairman of Lindner Hotels & Resorts, the panel discussion entitled “Small is beautiful“ will debate success factors and talk about individual challenges.

A presentation by the Business Travel Committee of the German Travel Association (DRV) at the Business Travel Forum entitled ”Business Travel – a management issue“ will also be eagerly awaited. Travel management companies want to firmly focus senior executives’ attention on the topic of business travel. At the same time an exclusive report is due to arrive directly from the Federal Chancellery.

The topic of travel safety is also becoming more and more important. In the case of international companies this forms part of their risk management. Hans Jürgen Stephan, Managing Director of Control Risks Deutschland, will talk about existing strategies and instruments. Another panel discussion will debate whether the new Optional Payment Charge (OPC) really presents companies with an alternative.

A trade visitor pass to ITB Berlin grants admission to all the lectures at the Business Travel Forum. Costing 46 euros, it is available from the online shop at www.itb-berlin.com/VisitorCentre/TicketsAndEntrances. The ITB Business Travel Lounge by HSMA in Hall 8.1 and the new ITB Berlin Business Travel Café by VDR in Hall 7.1 each offer visitors excellent opportunities for networking in a relaxed atmosphere. More details are available at www.itb-convention.com/businesstravel.

Attractive travel arrangements for the ITB Business Travel Days 2012

Special travel packages and other services are available to business travel and MICE industry buyers attending the ITB Business Travel Days. A travel package including single overnight accommodation costs 89 euros, or 139 euros for two nights from 7 to 9 March. Prices cover a single room and breakfast at Hotel Estrel Berlin, a bus shuttle to and from the exhibition grounds, a trade visitor pass for admission to ITB Berlin and to seminars at the ITB Business Travel Days 2012.

Reservations can also be made for a Deutsche Bahn first-class return fare from any railway station in Germany, valid from 05 to 13 March 2012, as well as for various seminars and conferences offering fascinating lectures. More details and information on available bookings can be found at www.itb-convention.com/businesstravel.

In 2012 hotel.de will once again be the ITB Business Travel Days’ official partner for hotel reservations and over the five days of the show will be displaying its products to business travellers, business travel managers and event planners in Hall 8.1. Business travel executives will also be able to find out how, by using the hotel.de application for companies, they can save time and costs when making hotel reservations.

Messe Berlin: High growth and maximum utilisation of capacity – new exhibition grounds to open in July 2012

Group turnover at around 180 million euros, 14 per cent more than in 2009 – capacity utilisation at Berlin ExpoCenter City among the world’s best – excellent business expected in 2012 – trade fair grounds to expand at two venues

MICE Day at ITB Berlin provides tips for event planners

Berlin, 17 January 2012 – Event managers can do anything, but one thing they should not be is boring. Customers and guests’ demands are growing day by day, and so there is a constant need for new ideas. This is exactly what event planners will be getting at MICE Day at ITB Berlin on 7 March 2012. The keynote will set the tone for a fascinating event when Stephan Meyer, well-known for his unorthodox approach, will be merrily issuing instructions to throw conventions overboard.

Anyone looking to meet the industry’s opinion-formers, leading event planners and service providers and intent on cultivating relations with colleagues will find no other meeting offering more under one roof. As part of the ITB Business Travel Days this one-day session offers MICE organisers a packed range of advanced training options with concrete solutions, a “manual for a successful event“. Discussion will focus on why communication objectives must be clearly formulated ahead of events, how emotive story telling works, and what the legal pitfalls are. Among the speakers will be leading experts such as Matthias Kindler, managing director of The Companies, Friederike von der Marwitz, head of Marwitz Akademie, and Mandy Risch-Kerst, a lawyer who specialises in legal matters concerning events.

Dr. Simon C. Woodward of Leeds Metropolitan University will present the findings of a survey entitled “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Hospitality Industry”. The organisers of the convention taking place in the capital from 18 to 20 June 2012 will provide a fascinating insight into event industry trends of the future.

Holders of a trade visitor pass for ITB Berlin can attend lectures at MICE Day at no extra cost. Once again Vereinigung Deutscher Veranstaltungsorganisatoren, the partners of the event, will be guaranteeing highest standards. A new exhibition area next to the lecture hall will provide decision-makers and executives with an opportunity to meet and talk. The ITB Berlin Business Travel Lounge awaits its guests in Hall 8.1.

More details are available at www.itb-convention.com/businesstravel.

Attractive travel arrangements for the ITB Business Travel Days 2012

Special travel packages and other services are available to business travel and MICE industry buyers attending the ITB Business Travel Days. A travel package including single overnight accommodation costs 89 euros, or 139 euros for two nights from 7 to 9 March. Prices cover a single room and breakfast at Hotel Estrel Berlin, a bus shuttle to and from the exhibition grounds, a trade visitor pass for admission to ITB Berlin and to seminars at the ITB Business Travel Days 2012.

Reservations can also be made for a Deutsche Bahn first-class return fare from any railway station in Germany, valid from 05 to 13 March 2012, as well as for various seminars and conferences offering fascinating lectures. More details and information on available bookings can be found at www.itb-convention.com/businesstravel.

Cultural Highlights 2012 – the year of anniversaries

Experimental art, 775 years of city history, the 300th anniversary of the birth of Prussian King Frederick II and ancient Egypt – the Berlin cultural year 2012 will be rich in events. The calendar is already bulging with anniversaries and cultural highlights. Every month there will be exciting reasons for a visit to Berlin. A selection:

Pergamon – panorama of the ancient metropolis

The ancient Pergamon is turned into a live experience on Museum Island. Until 30 September 2012 a 22 x 100 metre panorama with day and night simulation, music and everyday sounds revives the ancient city. At the same time the first major general exhibition on the ancient metropolis Pergamon is shown in the museum.

For film fans: The 62nd Berlinale

At the Berlinale every visit to the cinema becomes a special experience. In particular if you can admire the stars on the red carpet before the film. The 2012 Berlinale offers great cinema and attracts international stars to Berlin: US actor Tom Hanks and the Indian film star Shah Rukh Khan are expected to attend the festival in February.

Gerhard Richter Retrospective

Gerhard Richter is the most well-known and stylistically most versatile painter, sculptor and photographer of contemporary art. In the world ranking of living artists he is the uncontested number 1. On the occasion of his 80th anniversary on 9 February the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin organises together with the London Tate Modern and the Paris Centre Pompidou a retrospective of his work. The exhibition includes 150 paintings and provides a comprehensive impression of Richter’s multifaceted, brilliant creations in dealing with colour, shape and canvas. For the exhibition the artist has especially realised the 200 metre long work of art “4900 colours”.

7th Berlin Biennale for contemporary art

The Berlin Biennale is one of the world’s most important exhibitions for contemporary art. Every two years international up-and-coming artists present their experimental works at different locations in the city. From 27 April to 1 July the Biennale will again represent a gathering of the creative scene in Berlin. The curator of the 7th Biennale will be the Polish artist Artur Zmijewski and the main theme will be social activism.

The “Old Fritz” turns 300

2012 will see the 300th anniversary of the birth of Frederick the Great. During the theme year of the Prussian King many exhibitions such as “Friederisiko” and events in Berlin and Potsdam provide insights into the life and work of one of the most versatile personalities in Europe. In Berlin the Deutsches Historisches Museum devotes, for instance, an exhibition to the Old Fritz entitled “Frederick the Great – respected, revered, reviled”. On 24 January a grand anniversary celebration will be staged at the Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt.

Foundation jubilee: Berlin celebrates 775th anniversary

775 years ago Berlin was mentioned for the first time in an official document. On the occasion of the anniversary Berlin places the “Medieval City” centre stage. During the historical city festival on 28 October fire shows and medieval sounds will take the Nikolai district back to times when it still covered the entire city. Under the title “City of Diversity” an open-air exhibition will be devoted to the Berliners. The Long Night of the Museums on 25 August and the Day of the Open Monument on 8 and 9 September will likewise focus on the history of the city.

Nefertiti – the most beautiful Berliner for 100 years

Ancient Egypt in the New Museum: For 100 years beautiful Nefertiti has attracted art lovers from all over the world to the German capital. The bust of the Pharaoh Queen was discovered on the Eastern Nile shore in 1912 and transported to Berlin in 1913. For the celebration of the anniversary the New Museum lets ancient Egypt come to life again with its collection of papyrus. A special exhibition on the Amarna period deals with the understanding of art and theology as well as everyday life of the Pharaohs.

One century of opera history

Since its foundation in 1912, Deutsche Oper Berlin has risen to the position of the most modern and second largest opera in Germany. It is considered as one of the most important stages for Wagner operas. To celebrate the 100th anniversary in autumn 2012 a new production of Wagner’s “Parsifal” will be produced.

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More information on the 2012cultural highlights on:

Pergamon – Panorama of the ancient metropolis: Museum Island, until 30 September 2012
www.smb.museum; www.asisi.de

Celebration of the 300th anniversary of Frederick II: Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt 24.01.2011

62nd Berlinale – International Film Festival Berlin: Berlinale Palast on Potsdamer Platz
Friedrichstadtpalast and many other locations, 9-19.02.2012, www.berlinale.de/

Gerhard Richter Retrospective in the Neue Nationalgalerie: 12.02.-13.05.2012

Deutsches Historisches Museum “Frederick the Great – respected, revered, reviled”: 22.04.-29.07.2012

7th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art: KW Institute for Contemporary Art and others, 28.04 to 01.07.2012
http://www.berlinbiennale.de/

Friederisiko: Neues Palais and Park Sanssouci, Potsdam, 28.04.-28.10.2012

City anniversary 775 years of Berlin, Historical City Festival: Nikolai district, 28.10.2012
www.berlin.de/775

100 years of Nefertiti in Berlin: Exhibition on the Armana Period: Neues Museum (Egyptian Collection), Papyrus Collection, 06.12.2012-13.04.2013

100 years of Deutsche Oper
http://www.deutscheoperberlin.de/

Cruise industry increases its efforts to protect the environment

Integrated approach all the way from ship construction to operation and the involvement of passengers – ITB World Travel Trends Report presents the latest trends and developments – Distinguished Cruise Executive Panel at ITB Berlin Convention 2012

Berlin, 22 December 2011 – With the dynamic expansion of the worldwide cruise industry attention is focusing increasingly on the subject of sustainability. International shipping lines have been introducing a whole range of ecological and social measures. Environmentalists and cruise experts are also calling for greater corporate social responsibility in the cruise sector. That is why Dr. Alexis Papathanassis, Professor for Cruise Management at the Hochschule (Institute of Higher Education) Bremerhaven, spoke out in favour of a more pro-active approach to sustainability at the recent World Travel Trends Forum in Pisa: “The industry should see sustainability as an opportunity and not as a threat.”

Between 2005 and 2010 the international cruise industry expanded by some 35 per cent. According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, with a total of 6.5 million trips annually, cruise passengers in Europe already account for two per cent of all vacation travel. One consequence of this development is the need for increased responsibility in all matters of sustainability, and this has led, for example, to the introduction of sustainability reports, documenting the ecological and social measures being undertaken. Dr. Alexis Papathanassis wants to see a more integrated approach, covering the entire cycle from the construction of a ship to its deployment and also incorporating aspects such as socio-cultural sustainability: “More supervision is required instead of a patchwork of rules and regulations.” At present the cruise industry is applying a “Triple E” approach, comprising Engineering (the deployment of more eco-friendly ships), Education (activities and reports) and Enforcement (legal checks).

However, Papathanassis believes that new technical solutions and more innovative mechanical engineering are needed if the ecological impact of cruises is to be reduced. Furthermore environmental protection should be made part of the cruising experience, for example in the form of on-board activities or excursions on land, so that passengers can support local communities.

The cruise industry has, until now, shown a lack of sustainable responsibility, uniting all the various aspects and all those involved in this market, in order to create a combined approach. This requires a whole catalogue of measures such as legally based monitoring, technological innovations, initiatives aimed a clarifying various aspects, and a more highly developed awareness of sustainability issues. “The industry should see sustainability as an opportunity and not as a threat”, concluded Dr. Alexis Papathanassis.

An acknowledged expert on the cruise market, he will be chairing an Executive Cruise Panel on the subject of “The worldwide cruise industry today and tomorrow” at the ITB Berlin Convention on Wednesday, 7 March 2012. The speakers taking part in this panel discussion will be: Larry Pimentel, President & CEO Azamara Club Cruises; Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director Cunard Line; Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman Costa Cruise Lines; Michael Bayley, Executive Vice President International Operations Royal Caribbean International; Enzo Visone, CEO, Silversea Cruises.

Young Chinese citizens say goodbye to group tours

New kinds of Chinese tourists are keen to experience individual travel – the economic boom and fascination with technology are driving their desire to travel – the ITB World Travel Trends Report presents the aspects that make up China’s latest generation of tourists

Berlin, 19 December 2011 – In the near future, the sight of groups of Chinese tourists following their tour guides around to the most beautiful tourist attractions could well become a thing of the past.Young and wealthy Chinese citizens fascinated by technology and with a desire to experience individual forms of travel are no longer taking the kind of trips once popular with many Chinese people.According to the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report, Chinese citizens’ travel habits are undergoing huge change.In order to keep up with the ever-increasing number of Chinese tourists the international travel industry must tailor its services to meet the demands of China’s new generation of tourists. Chinese speaking staff, typical Chinese dishes, and communicating via China’s popular social media channels could well be the recipes for success.

The economic boom is the driving force behind Chinese citizens’ desire to travel.Well-educated young professionals in particular are benefiting from the economic boom and can afford to take international trips which focus on experiencing something new.The demand is for high-quality service rather than low-cost group tours. China’s tourists want to experience individual travel. While visiting as many attractions as possible remains an important part of a tour, factors such as relaxation and entertainment have now moved further up the wish list.For many Chinese people shopping is still one of their favourite activities when travelling abroad. One indicator of this is the average amount of money they spend per visit, which has now reached double-digit figures.

In order for the travel industry to be acknowledged by Chinese tourists it must meet their specific requests and demands and respect their local culture and customs. Chinese speaking staff and audio guides in museums ensure that tourists feel welcome.For many travellers, additional comforts such as a kettle in one’s room for preparing snacks in between meals or Chinese dishes on the hotel restaurant menu are seen as respecting their culture.

Baidu instead of Facebook

Tour operators should also take the needs and habits of Chinese people into account on their websites.Individual information pertaining to the market as well as links to Chinese search engines such as Baidu are what is required, instead of simply translating one’s own content. Websites should be hosted in China to enable a quick response to any censorship activities.Furthermore, they should not contain any links to websites which are banned in China, such as Facebook or YouTube.Chinese citizens go on different social networking sites, and this must be taken into account.For Chinese people, taking their specific cultural aspects into account is equivalent to affording someone respect, whereas for many Chinese tourists a website that ignores their needs is tantamount to a bad travel experience.

Dr. Martin Buck, the director of the Competence Center Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin: “In China, social networking takes place through channels different to those in the West.Tourism managers need to be aware of typical national aspects, including in the digital sphere, in order to achieve success on the market.”

Digital natives – including with travel planning

For China’s young generation of digital natives especially, social media, online bookings and mobile technologies are indispensable tools for planning and booking trips.In particular those who wish to travel abroad make use of online media to prepare in detail and to obtain information on their travel destination, and after a trip they share their experiences with other community members on the web. 92 per cent of China’s internet users go on social networking sites, around twice as many as in Europe or the US.However, according to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, despite the rapid rise of online bookings for flights, tours and accommodation, they have not yet left conventional travel agencies behind.

Chinese tourists remain eager to travel, and Chinese citizens are well on the way to soon becoming one of the world’s main source markets for tourism. According to estimates by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 66 million Chinese citizens travelled abroad this year,15 per cent more than in 2010.Even if the majority of these day trips and those including overnight stays are to former colonies, i.e. Hong Kong and Macau, the number of trips taken by Chinese citizens to other countries in Asia and beyond is increasing rapidly.IPK’s Asian Travel Monitor expects that by the end of the year Chinese citizens will have undertaken around 18 million trips with overnight stays to destinations abroad. The most popular countries in Europe for Chinese holidaymakers are Germany and France.

A boost for South America – USA stagnates

South America benefits from stable growth – recession dampens US citizens’ desire for travel abroad – ITB World Travel Trends Report examines travel trends and opportunities in the Americas

Berlin, 13 December 2011 – It is a tale of two Americas where travel trends are concerned. In 2011 the South American market remained buoyant, whereas international arrivals in North America rose only slightly and US travel abroad was weak. These are the findings of the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report. Boosted by the strong economic performance of countries such as Brazil and Argentina, South America’s domestic and international travel markets registered high double-digit growth. In America, economic uncertainty dampened many US citizens’ desire for travel. Trips to North America increased slightly over the last eight months, whereas international travel remained at last year’s levels. For next year UNWTO forecasts a four to five per cent increase in international tourists from the Americas, compared with 6.4 per cent in 2010.

South America – a success story

By contrast, many countries in South America can reap satisfaction from a travel market that continues to boom. Even if growth rates have now slowed when compared with previous years, during the past eight months trips abroad by South Americans increased by 15 per cent. Brazilians were particularly keen to travel. With the help of a robust domestic economy and strong currency they spent 45 per cent more on trips abroad than in 2010. Relatively young, well educated and wealthy travellers are characteristic of South America’s three burgeoning markets, those of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. The arrival of more and more low-cost airlines in South America will further increase the number of long-haul trips. Many holidaymakers who travel abroad have also put South America at the top of their wish list. International arrivals increased by 13 per cent, while trips to the Caribbean and Central America rose by a lowly four per cent each.

US citizens spend their holidays at home

The difficult economic times currently experienced by many Americans is also reflected in how they take holidays. The focus is increasingly on price awareness and travel bargains. ’Staycationers’ either remain at home altogether or go on holiday locally. Only 23 per cent of US citizens intend to take more trips abroad next year, 28 per cent aim to take less, while 23 per cent have no plans at all to travel abroad next year. The US inbound market registered only slight growth. During the last eight months the number of international arrivals rose by only three per cent, compared with seven per cent in 2010.

Now online: a concise overview of travel industry trends

Details of global travel trends can be found in the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2011 which went online today and can be downloaded at www.itb-berlin.com. The findings are based on the assessments of 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor®, recognised as the largest ongoing survey of global travel trends in some 60 source countries. The findings reflect trends which emerged during the first eight months of 2011. At the ITB Berlin Convention Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the findings for the entire year, as well as the latest forecasts for 2012.

European tourism defies the euro crisis

Robust growth in European and international travel – city breaks and short trips preferred – only three per cent use smartphones to book trips

Berlin, 21 November 2011 – Good news for European tourism: despite continuing economic turbulence European tourism industry figures are up. These are the findings of the ITB World Travel Trends Report, compiled by IPK International and commissioned by ITB Berlin. The figures are based on extracts from the European Travel Monitor and World Travel Monitor as well as on assessments by more than 50 tourism experts and scientists from around the world.

According to the findings, a year-on-year comparison shows that trips out of Europe have increased by four per cent. Economic uncertainty in many European countries has not affected travel spending, which has risen by two per cent.

According to UNTWO, from January to August 2011 international trips to Europe rose to 671 million, an increase of 4.5 per cent. The forecast for next year is positive too. In September 2011 travellers from 13 European countries were asked whether and how often they intended to travel next year. 43 per cent said they would be travelling as often in 2012 as this year. 27 per cent aimed to travel more. By contrast, 20 per cent said they would be travelling less than in 2011. Overall, IPK’s ‘European Travel Confidence Index’ lies at 103 points for 2012, indicating 2-3% growth next year. This would represent solid growth and would mean a new all-time high number of trips, ahead of the previous record year of 2008.

Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin: “Despite the difficulties experienced by various eurozone countries Europe’s travel industry has to date made it safely through 2011. In particular, stable prices and easy online booking procedures have ensured that Europe continues to attract international travellers and also remains the world’s leading source market.“

The Swiss are keen travellers – popular destinations

The Swiss were noted as particularly keen travellers. The number of trips they took grew by nine per cent. They were followed by Sweden (seven per cent) and Belgium (six per cent) respectively. Germans were more restrained. In 2011 the number of trips they took rose by only one per cent.

According to the European Travel Monitor, compared with 2010 short-haul trips grew by four per cent and made up 90 per cent of trips overall. An extra three per cent decided to travel long distance. The number of short trips with one to three overnights rose by ten per cent, while figures for longer stays stagnated.

As far as shorter journeys were concerned, respondents among the 13 European nations polled preferred trips to northern, central and southwestern European regions. Due to the political revolutions in countries such as Tunisia and Egypt many tourists avoided North Africa, which suffered losses of 15 per cent. Travel to the Asia-Pacific region stagnated too, due to a drop in trips to Japan following the Fukushima disaster. The winners were North and South America, which together registered a six per cent increase in tourism.

Among European travellers major cities were popular again this year. City breaks were among the most popular form of travel, rising by ten per cent, followed by round trips (eight per cent) and beach holidays (six per cent). By contrast, trips to rural regions and ski holidays fell by seven and five per cent respectively. European travellers clearly like to save money getting to their destination: low-cost flights rose by ten per cent, while traditional air travel suffered a four per cent drop.

Bookings by smartphones have made no significant impact to date. Only three per cent of European travellers said they used mobile devices to make their travel reservations. 97 per cent of internet users booked their trips via a PC or laptop. As far as booking accommodation is concerned, online reservations (63 per cent) have now already overtaken bookings by telephone or in person (37 per cent).

Details of European travel trends will be presented by the ITB World Travel Trends Report, which will be published in early December at www.itb-berlin.com. The report is based on the assessments of 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor®, recognised as the largest continuous survey of global travel trends in some 60 source countries. The findings reflect trends which emerged during the first eight months of 2011. At the ITB Berlin Convention Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the findings for the entire year, as well as the latest forecasts for 2012.

Carpe Diem – Carpe ITB-Cinema

Tourism film competition from 7^th to 11^th March 2012 at the ITB-Cinema in Berlin

Das goldene Stadttor means an innovative show of best ideas of tourism. This is where new ideas are be shown to attract tourists. Here will be shown the state of the art in film design to stay in memory forever. Innovatively ideas full of information and emotions to create curios recipients who instantly wants to know more about the places.

New films of the entire tourism industry will be shown by the international film competition Das goldene Stadttor - The Golden City Gate at the ITB-cinema during the ITB-Berlin from 7 till 11 of march 2012 again. In the jury there are judges from politics, economy, sciences, art and touristics as well as the hotel and event management evaluating the actual contributions. Also representatives from the international tourism industry, advertising agencies and event agencies can apply for the jury.

DM-SAT will report about the awards show, as already did BBC, CNN, Deutsche Welle TV. Please have a seat at the ITB-Cinema TV studio corner announcing your statements at www.itb-tv.de .Take advantage of many of good values of brandnew contacts throughout the ITB-Cinema. Of course we can give your our stage of the ITB-Cinema to introduce your presentation. Also press conferences in the ITB Cinema with 60 to 100 seats are possible. 

ITB Berlin Convention 2012: The compass of the international travel industry

Podium discussions on the shortfall in workers and managers – ITB Mobility Day the new ”theme day” – ITB Health Tourism Battle, with visitBerlin as an innovative format for companies and destinations

Berlin, 17 November 2011 – Ground-breaking topics will be on the agenda of tourism’s leading think tank. Next year, from 7 to 9 March, the ITB Berlin Convention will once again be taking a look at the most important trends in the international travel industry. At numerous podium discussions and lectures with leading experts and practitioners from the tourism industry and related sectors visitors to ITB Berlin will receive useful information and valuable suggestions on future action. For visitors to ITB Berlin a regular ticket for admission to the trade fair will also be valid for the convention.

Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics: “Over the past eight years the ITB Berlin Convention has earned itself a reputation as an important compass of the global tourism industry. Every year the convention combines innovative topics and exclusive surveys with outstanding speakers of international standing. It not only gives visitors a distinct advantage in terms of knowledge, but also represents an ideal networking platform.”

The growing shortfall in specialists, plus competition for highly qualified young employees also presents the tourism industry with enormous challenges. For this reason the “war for talent” will be a new key topic at the ITB Future Day. Personnel and tourism experts will discuss how companies are gearing up to compete for specialists and how the travel industry can learn from the experiences of other industries. Among other topics on the agenda will be ensuring high-quality services in a service-driven sector such as the tourism industry. Following Thursday’s Hospitality Day, on Friday, 9 March 2012 in Hall 5.1, a concise overview of college training and advanced training courses awaits future hotel industry specialists and managers.

Next year the ITB Berlin Convention will have a broad range to offer at the ITB Mobility Day. This year, as host of the ITB Eco-Mobility Day and a discussion on sustainable transport, the ITB Berlin Convention once again lived up to its reputation as a leading innovator. In 2012 the ITB Mobility Day will for the first time cover all forms of transport, and present examples of the latest best practices and new findings on climate-friendly transport.

Next year, in addition to ecological and economic issues, the ITB CSR Day will also examine aspects of social sustainability. For the first time the programme will include the topic of accessibility. A further session will discuss the fast-growing number of sustainability certificates and how trustworthy they are for both the industry and consumers. At the ITB CSR Day the tour operator Studiosus will be talking about human rights in the tourism industry..

The ITB Berlin Convention has put together a new format dealing with the topic of health tourism. In collaboration with visitBerlin nine companies and destinations will introduce their concepts during four-minute slots at the ”ITB Health Tourism Battle“. By pressing a button the audience can decide on which concept is best, and will reward its creators with a city tour of Berlin.

Site EMEA Forum 2012 Capitalizes on Events Industry Meeting in Berlin

The Site International Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the Site EMEA Forum 2012 will take place in Berlin, Germany, from 18- 20 June 2012. In a demonstration of commitment to industry collaboration, the Site EMEA Forum committee leaders have endorsed a co-location with the first ever Capital City Congress.

Organized by the German Convention Bureau (GCB) and European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) and supported by Site Germany, MPI Germany, ICCA Germany, the German Travel Management Association (VDR) and the Association of German Event Organisers (VDVO), the Capital City Congress is the first time that all German MICE industry associations will meet under one roof (ICC Berlin) to discuss the future direction of the events industry together with leading political decision-makers.

Site EMEA Forum participants will benefit from a program within a program format. The Site EMEA Forum program will hold seminars and content specific to the motivational events and incentive travel professional but delegates will also have a unique opportunity to network with ‘Hauptstadtkongress’ delegates during session breaks and two evening events in iconic Berlin locations.

Site 2012 President Alejandro Verzoub, President, AV Business & Communication stated, “Events such as the Site EMEA Forum are important to the Site community because they are designed and driven by a committee focused on the needs and perspectives of business professionals based in the region. We are fortunate that the 2012 event will deliver even greater value for delegates through co-location with the ‘Capital City Congress’. I personally look forward to experiencing this energy and education first-hand next June.”

This event will represent the second installment of the Site EMEA Forum following successful seminars offered in 2011 in Florence, Italy. The 2012 edition promises to offer knowledge on current business trends and meaningful dialogue focused on the future of incentive and motivational travel specific to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Event Chair, Annamaria Ruffini, President and CEO, Events In & Out S.R.L. commented, “On behalf of the Site EMEA Forum 2012 Host and Education Committees, I invite Site members and industry colleagues to capture ‘Summer Feeling’ in Berlin and to join us in the pulsating capital city of Germany. It is our goal to provide a memorable experience which will leave you totally energized to face the challenges of today and to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Site recognizes the talents and leadership of members who are working with Ms. Ruffini to make this event a memorable one: education chair Maria Arnolda “Meik” Egberts, CMP CMM, Sonatori Group Srl; Site Germany President and Host Committee Chair Dr Patrick Patridge, Tourism Marketing & PR; and Site Germany Board Member Heike Mahmoud, VisitBerlin.

Site is delighted to have VisitBerlin and Deutsche Lufthansa AG as the event’s lead partners, with Deutsche Lufthansa AG serving as official airline for this event. Other supporting partners include the City of Munich and the German Convention Bureau. This event will also be produced with support from Sites’ global strategic partners IMEX and IMEX America, IBTM Global Events (AIBTM, AIME, CIBTM, EIBTM and GIBTM), Incentive Travel Exchange events and Eved.

The Berlin event details may be found at siteglobal.com and www.site-germany.de. Full registration, flights, accommodation, program and conference details will be published early in the new year. Follow on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SiteEMEAForum and Twitter: @SiteEMEA2012 and #SiteEMEA2012.
Site is also delighted to confirm that the Site EMEA Forum 2013 will be held in the wonderful and exciting city of Antwerp.

VOK DAMS Organizes VIP Event to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Jewish Museum Berlin with German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel

A very special VIP event was held in Berlin to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Jewish Museum. Designed by star architect Daniel Libeskind, the Jewish Museum has developed into one of the world’s largest centres for Jewish history and culture since its dedication 10 years ago.

On 24 October 2011, nearly 1,000 VIPs from politics, business and media were invited to the anniversary dinner at the former flower market, which is currently being converted into the Academy of the Jewish Museum, and had the exclusive opportunity to take a look around the new premises.

The evening began with a performance of the Berlin Staatskapelle orchestra under the direction of Daniel Barenboim at the Berlin Philharmonic.

Following the concert, the anniversary dinner at the Academy was opened by the host, Prof W. Michael Blumenthal, Director Jewish Museum Berlin. The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony for the “Prize for Understanding and Tolerance”, which was presented to the German Chancellor, Dr Angela Merkel.

Supported by a multimedia show of lights, projections and music, the evening was artistically and visually also a very special experience for the invitees.

As a full-service agency, the Berlin office of the international event specialists of VOK DAMS provided solutions for the entire range of live communication – from implementation to logistics and guest management.

First non-stop connection from Los Angeles to Berlin

visitBerlin and the Berlin hotel trade welcome the commitment of airberlin 

New success for visitBerlin

„BestCities Global Alliance“ welcomes the German capital as a partner

Berlin, October 13, 2011 As of now, Berlin is a member of the renowned service network “BestCities Global Alliance”. The news was announced today at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Berlin impresses with its ultramodern hotels and locations, excellent transport links and professional marketing as a convention destination.

“We have spent a year working towards becoming a part of this powerful network,” says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “Our membership will help us attract further international conventions to Berlin.”

Ten major convention destinations are part of “BestCities”, among them Dubai, Singapore, Vancouver, Melbourne and Houston. The cities’ convention bureaus regularly share information and plan joint marketing campaigns in distant markets. They also focus on the development of new markets.

Indonesia – the official partner country of ITB Berlin 2013

Indonesia and world’s leading travel trade show sign partnership agreement

Berlin, 13 October 2011 – In 2013 Indonesia will be the official partner country of ITB Berlin. Dr. Sapta Nirwandar, Director General of Tourism Marketing of the Ministry for Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and Dr. Martin Buck, Vice President of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics, signed a preliminary agreement on behalf of the world’s leading travel trade show and the future partner country of ITB Berlin.

“In recent years Indonesia has experienced huge economic growth. As one of the heavyweights in Southeast Asia Indonesia also offers great potential for Germany, its foremost trading partner in the European Union“, said Dr. Sapta Nirwandar. “Our participation in ITB Berlin 2013 will give a long-term boost to our popularity on the German and international market, and with our wide range of tourism products we will be sending out a positive signal to both trade visitors and the general public.
Indonesia is the biggest archipelago country in the world. It is rich with long history, cultures and heritage. Indonesia will warmly welcome all its guests and serve them with all the luxury tourism they ever wish for. In this country, guests will easily find any kind of luxurious services during their journey, from prestigious hotel, golf, spa, yacht to wedding and honeymoon packages. Journey and holiday to Indonesia will definitely be wonderful ones.”

Dr. Martin Buck: “This year Indonesia was represented at ITB Berlin for the 42^nd time. We are delighted that the largest island nation in the world is expanding its presence at the show, and that in its role as official partner country it will be the focus of the international travel industry. Travellers representing the general public as well as MICE executives are fascinated by the diversity that Indonesia has to offer. Its innumerable islands and its centuries-old wealth of cultural and natural attractions are a magnet for travellers around the world. With so many animal and plant species, fascinating geological formations and outstanding opportunities for underwater diving, as a tourism destination Indonesia has stepped out of the shadow of Thailand and Malaysia. ITB Berlin is the ideal platform to present this country to the international media and to visitors, as well as to underline its importance as one of the leading and safest holiday destinations in Southeast Asia.“

At ITB Berlin 2011 Indonesia was represented with a two-tier stand covering 400 square metres and provided trade visitors and the general public with information on nature and its culture, the two mainstays of the Indonesian tourism industry. The campaign promoting “Wonderful Indonesia“ reflects the wide range of tourism products on offer, which in 2010 attracted seven million visitors to the country.

Viva Berlin, Las Vegas!

German capital presents itself at the 1^st IMEX America

Berlin, October 11, 2011 IMEX America will celebrate its world premiere in Las Vegas, and Berlin must of course be present. Between October 11 and 13, 2011 the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office (BCO) will present the convention destination together with Berlin providers from the hotel and event industry.

The US market has a major significance for the Berlin convention industry. The presentation at the trade show is, therefore, to further increase the awareness of the German capital and secure new events.

At IMEX America the focus will not only be on the latest news on the convention and meeting destination Berlin but also on a new online offering. “BerlinCentives” offers rapid and free-of-charge access to extraordinary Berlin experiences, so-called incentives. Further information is available on www.convention.visitBerlin.com.

“IMEX America – America‘s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events” is the largest trade fair for the US meetings industry in 2011, with around 2,000 hosted buyers. In the Sands Expo Convention Center/Las Vegas exhibitors from 100 countries are expected.

BCO is represented on the Joint German stand no. 418-08.

Further information on the event is available on the website www.imexamerica.com.

Convention City Berlin in top form

Current statistics show significant rise in the number of room nights and participants.

Berlin, 5 September 2011 – More events, participants and room nights – that’s the outcome of the current visitBerlin congress statistics for the first half-year 2011. According to the most recent numbers, room nights alone increased to about 3 million – 15% more than during the comparable prior year period.

From January to June 53,450 meetings and conventions were staged in Berlin (+1%). The number of participants rose by 2% to 4.3 million. As far as the duration of the events is concerned, Berlin is with an average of 2.2 days far ahead of the national average.*

“Berlin has firmly established itself in the international leader group,” says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “Constantly new event spaces and cultural offerings show that the Berlin capital is in top form!”

For medical conventions Berlin is already the world market leader. 11% of all events during the first half-year 2011 are accounted for by this sector. Furthermore, the German capital is in particularly high demand in the field of commerce (11%).

The congress statistics are entered twice a year into the online tool congress-berlin.net. At present 328 Berlin hotels, convention centres and locations participate. The results are evaluated by the independent market research company GHH Consult GmbH and published by the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin.

Tourists love Berlin’s cultural institutions

Almost 60 percent of visitors to Berlin’s cultural attractions are guests in the German capital

Keeping healthy is increasingly important when on holiday

Health vacations are becoming more and more popular with German holidaymakers – Germany the largest market, followed by Russia – Spain the most popular destination for health vacations – Hungary the leading destination for medical tourism

Berlin – German citizens are becoming more and more aware of the importance of staying healthy and energetic. Increasingly, they are taking health vacations to reduce everyday stress or to stay fit for their jobs. Over the past five years holidays at wellness and spa resorts have risen by 30 per cent. By contrast, medical tourism has declined. According to the findings of the World Travel Monitor^®, commissioned by ITB Berlin, over the same period the number of cure, rehabilitation and hospital stays abroad has fallen by 18 per cent.

Germans especially interested in health vacations

At 3.3 million vacations, equivalent to 4. 6 per cent of all trips abroad, Germans are more interested in foreign health and medical tourism than their European neighbours. Currently, health and medical travel accounts for a total of 9.4 million trips or 2.4 per cent of all European travel abroad. Across Europe, over the past five years health vacations have increased by 38 per cent. Medical tourism has also risen by 24 per cent.

Martin Buck, the director of the Competence Centre Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin: “Everywhere in Europe health vacations, which help to prevent society-related illnesses, are becoming more and more popular. This is a big opportunity for organizers, hotels and destinations to expand and improve their services.“

Germans and Russians are much keener to take health vacations than their European neighbours. Whereas the German market for health vacations abroad is approximately six times the size of Russia’s, with German citizens medical tourism accounts for only 22 per cent more. The French market is the third largest for foreign health trips, while Holland’s is the third largest for medical tourism abroad.

Among German citizens the most popular foreign destination for health trips is Spain, followed by Italy and Austria. The countries most visited for medical reasons are Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. In Europe as a whole, the most popular countries for health trips are Spain, Italy and Austria, while Hungary, Germany and the Czech Republic are the leading destinations for medical tourism.

Women prefer cure leave to wellness vacations

According to the World Travel Monitor’s^® survey, socio-demographics also play a part. At an average age of 48, Europeans taking health vacations are younger than people travelling for medical reasons, who are 53. German travellers in both categories are older than the European average. People taking health vacations are 52 and those travelling for medical reasons are 61. Women prefer to travel for medical reasons rather than take health vacations. However they outnumber their male counterparts in both categories.

Massages less popular with Germans

Europeans say that when taking health vacations they prefer relaxing (50 per cent), followed by walking / hiking and swimming (43 per cent each). Among Germans, the most popular activities are walking / hiking (48 per cent), relaxing (47 per cent), followed by swimming (44 per cent). Germans are slightly keener on wellness programmes (30 per cent) than their European neighbours (26 per cent). By contrast, massages are less popular with Germans (15 per cent) than with Europeans as a whole (26 per cent).

Russia and China: a small, but growing share of the market

At growth rates of slightly under 100 per cent and 100 per cent plus respectively, at 0.4 million and 0.3 million trips each in 2010, at three per cent each of the holiday market in all categories, Russia and China are developing into attractive markets for health vacations, particularly for their neighbouring countries.

Over-fifties: a future market experiencing change

Right across Europe the 50-plus generation is an expanding target group – their holiday preferences are for beaches, excursions and city tours – German over fifties are losing their interest in beach holidays

Berlin, July 2011 – The over fifties are more mobile and more active than ever before. Between 2005 and 2010 vacation travel by Europeans aged 55 and over expanded by 17 per cent. This age group as a whole accounted for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all trips abroad. This corresponds to 78 million holiday trips. As far as holiday preferences are concerned, the over fifties are increasingly distancing themselves from the clichés associated with traditional travel by senior citizens.

While beach holidays outstrip any other type of vacation in Europe, and are even gaining in popularity, individual countries have their own preferences. At the same time, city tours, cruises and excursions have experienced a significant boost among the over fifty-fives.

According to an analysis commissioned by Messe Berlin and carried out by the World Travel Monitor®, the most important source markets for the over fifties are the United Kingdom with 16.1 million and Germany with 15.3 million vacation trips. While foreign travel by members of the so-called silver age group from Britain has risen by 28 per cent since 2005, the German market has stagnated. In third and fourth place respectively are France with 7.2 million and the Netherlands with 6.9 million trips. These four countries alone account for almost 60 per cent of all travellers in the over-55 age group.

Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Centre Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin: “Socio-demographic change in Europe presents a major challenge as well as offering enormous opportunities. As the number of older vacationers rises, so this target group acquires growing importance for the travel industry as a whole. That is why it is so important for the world’s travel industry to be informed about the requirements, demands and wishes of the over fifties with regard to their travel plans.”

With a 28 per cent share of the market, holidays at beach resorts are by far the most popular choice among Europe’s over fifties, and are the most vigorously expanding sector too, the number of such trips having increased by four million since 2005 (a 22 per cent rise). The city tour sector has also expanded significantly (a 16 per cent share of the market). In this area the volume of over fifty-fives grew by 3 million (a 32 per cent rise), followed by cruises, with an increase of 2.4 million trips by people in this age group, and excursions, with a rise of 2.1 million. There was also slight growth across Europe in sports and health-oriented holidays.

Other countries reveal different holiday preferences. According to the World Travel Monitor® there has been a strong decline in the interest shown by Germany’s so-called silver age group in holidays on the beach (3.8 million trips less, minus 18 per cent). All the same, they remain the most popular type of vacation. The winners are smaller market segments such as health-based vacations (0.7 million trips, plus 61 per cent), cruises (0.9 million trips, plus 64 per cent), sports holidays (1 million trips, plus 53 per cent) and city tours (2 million trips, plus 30 per cent). In the United Kingdom the beach is still the most popular form of vacation, by a short head. Among the French, however, excursions are roughly of the same importance as vacations at beach resorts. Although in the Netherlands the over fifties who travel abroad still tend to prefer holidays in the countryside, the biggest expansion has been recorded in city tours and holidays on the beach.

The World Travel Monitor® / European Travel Monitor® from IPK International is the world’s largest investigation into tourism and the only one that examines the volume of foreign travel, travel behaviour (choice of destination, reasons for travelling, holiday sectors and themes, types of business travel, duration of trip, form of transport, accommodation, season, how people obtain their information and make their bookings, expenditure, main regional markets, target group profiles etc.) in 60 countries of origin in Europe, the Arab countries, the Americas and Asia.

ITB Berlin 2012 will be taking place from Wednesday, 7 to Sunday, 11 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, 7 to Friday, 9 March 2012. More details are available at www.itb-convention.com <http://www.itb-convention.com/> . ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel trade show. In 2011 a total of 11,163 companies from 188 countries displayed their products and services to 170,000 visitors, who included 110,791 trade visitors.

Large numbers of visitors to Berlin in May

With double-digit growth in visitor numbers, tourism in Berlin goes from strength to strength

There is no end to Berlin’s popularity with visitors from both at home and abroad: In May 2011, some 929,000 visitors flocked to Berlin, spending more than 2 million nights in the German capital. According to current figures from the Office for Statistics of Berlin-Brandenburg, this corresponds to a growth of 10.4 percent in the number of guests and an increase of 6.24 percent in the total number of overnight stays in comparison to the same month in the previous year.

“April and May were fantastic, the city was bursting at the seams,” says Burkhard Kieker, managing director of visitBerlin. He also sees grounds for optimism in respect of the summer months: “Berlin in the summer is a much sought-after tourist destination. The city offers its visitors a mixture of complete cultural and recreational packages. This is what distinguishes it from many other European metropolises.”

The overall total of foreign guests increased in May by 12.34 percent to 317,400. They spent 794,400 nights (up 9.24 percent) in Berlin. The highest rates of increase were observed among visitors from Great Britain (up 22.64 percent), Spain (up 18.44 percent) and Switzerland (up 16.54 percent). 611,500 visitors travelled to the capital from across Germany, an increase of 9.44 percent on the same month in the previous year. The total number of overnight stays of this group increased to 1,256,500 (up 4.34 percent).

In May, a total of 119,619 beds in 768 accommodating establishments throughout Berlin were available to tourists and business travellers.

Convention Industry – Berlin’s hidden champion

Doubling in the number of participants and room nights in ten years

Berlin, July 6, 2011 – Success Record for the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin: Since the launch of official convention marketing ten years ago, Berlin has developed into Germany’s leading meeting and convention venue. On the worldwide level Berlin is now ranking amongst the top five.

Whilst about 91,000 meetings and conventions with 4.2 million visitors took place in Berlin ten years ago, the German capital now records 113,000 events (+ 24%) with 9.1 million guests* (+116%). The number of room nights rose by 144 per cent to 5.55 million. On a national comparison basis the German capital is well ahead of Rhine-Main region and Munich which are next in line.

On a worldwide level Berlin comes fourth according to the ranking of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) with 138 events of international associations – after Vienna (154), Barcelona (148) and Paris (147), and ahead of metropolises such as Singapore, London and Sydney. In 2001 Berlin ranked ninth with 61 events.

“The convention industry is Berlin’s hidden champion. After ten years of intensive marketing Berlin is now one of the leading global convention destinations”, says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “We want to further consolidate and expand this position. The opening of the new Berlin Brandenburg airport as well as the building of the new fairground hall of ICC Berlin are essential prerequisites to this next step.”

Matthias Schultze, CEO of GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., adds: “Conventions, meetings and events are an important economic factor with a future-proof perspective. With the setting up of an official representative office, the German capital took the right decision ten years ago – today Berlin is Germany’s top location.”

The Berlin Convention Office (BCO) of visitBerlin has been Berlin’s official representation for the marketing of the German capital as a meeting and convention metropolis. BCO proactively acquires events and supports customers at the planning and organisation on site. Further information is available on convention.visitBerlin.de.

From Australia to Tahiti – CSD visitors increasingly international

Berlin, June 2011 On 25 June 2011 the Christopher Street Day Parade across downtown Berlin, followed by the CSD Final in front of the Brandenburg Gate, was the highlight of this year’s gay-lesbian pride week. On this occasion visitBerlin and Berliner CSD e.V. published a new study which informs about the visitor structure as well as the tourism and economic impact of the colourful gay demonstration.

The current study entitled “CSD Berlin 2010” was conducted on behalf of visitBerlin Partnerhotels e.V., the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office and Berliner CSD e.V. by Publicom GmbH and is a follow-up study to earlier surveys in 2001.

Clear internationalisation

The total of 600,000 CSD visitors in 2010 included 210,000 tourists, 45 percent of whom came from abroad. With 11 percent the Dutch were the largest group among the international CSD visitors, followed closely by the French and British (9 percent each). The rise in CSD tourists from non-Western countries is particularly noteworthy. Whilst 94 percent of the international guests still came from Europe or North America in 2001, they accounted for only 76 percent in 2010. At the same time the number of guests from other regions increased.

Economic power and tourism impact

The current study covered not only the visitor structures but also the tourism and general economic impact of the event on the city of Berlin. The net tourism effect of CSD Berlin amounted to EUR 113 million in 2010 with a total economic power of EUR 278 million. This corresponds to a 90 percent rise versus 2001.

CSD Berlin 2011

As far as the two large large-scale CSD events on 25 June 2011 – the Parade and the Final – are concerned, more than 700,000 visitors from all over the world demonstrated under the sports motto “Fair Play for Diversity” for more tolerance and equal rights. “Berlin has again lived up to its reputation as a cosmopolitan and tolerant party metropolis. CSD attracts every year tourists from Australia to Tahiti to the city on the river Spree.”, says Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin.

“BerlinCentives” – the compass for incentive trips to Germany´s capital

New online tool to book extraordinary Berlin experiences

Berlin, 29 June 2011 – Incentive search made easy: today the new “BerlinCentives” generator has gone online on convention.visitBerlin.de. It allows users to look for extraordinary Berlin experiences, in a targeted manner and free of charge. This unique tool for Berlin was developed by the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin in cooperation with the Society of Incentive Travel & Executives, Site.

“BerlinCentives is a sort of compass for organisers of rewarding and motivational trips”, says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “It takes you safely through the countless opportunities in Berlin to the matching incentive. At the same time the providers based in the German capital receive a new platform on which they can present their unique services. With this new tool we have come a big step closer to our goal of positioning Berlin as an outstanding incentive destination.”

With the launch, already more than 20 offers are available. They are subdivided into categories such as “Team Building” or “Fashion & Design”. After the selection of a category and group size the matching incentives are displayed. For instance with “Berlinagenten” the user can book a culinary tour through the restaurants of the city or commit himself at “VIA Workshops” within the framework of corporate social responsibility.

“BerlinCentives” is available in German and English. Further information is available in the Internet on convention.visitBerlin.de.

INTERPLAN Wins WOFAPS and DGKJ

The German Association of Pediatric Surgeons and INTERPLAN won the bid to organise the 4^th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS) in Germany. Commenting on the accomplishment, Marion Metzner, INTERPLAN Board Member said: “We are very pleased to organise the WOFAPS 2013 Congress in Berlin.”

INTERPLAN will support the German Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) as PCO for its 2013- 2015 congresses.

The 109th DGKJ congress will be held September 12-15, 2013 in Düsseldorf. INTERPLAN is looking forward to the collaboration.

Berlin takes funk to the IMEX

Berlinale band “Rupert’s Kitchen Orchestra” performs on the stand of the German capital

Berlin, May 20, 2011.   Record Congress Year 2010, new large-scale airport BBI and funk music made in Berlin – this is how Berlin will be highlighted at IMEX, the world’s exhibition for meetings and incentives from 24 to 26 May. The Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin presents the capital together with 18 providers in Hall 8/stand number F100.

A look at the congress numbers of the past years underlines the growing success of the German metropolis: 9.1 million professional visitors came to Berlin in 2010 – a plus of 10%. 113,100 events took place, 4% more than in 2009. In the current ICCA statistics the German capital ranks fourth with 138 events of international associations.

In future, the German metropolis can build on these successes because many organisers have decided in favour of Berlin as the venue for their meetings and conventions. From 1 to 5 October 2011 the 24th ESICM LIVES Annual Congress will take place at ICC Berlin. 4,000 participants will attend this medicine congress.

The German Congress for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery with around 9,000 professional visitors will continue to be held in the German capital during the coming years. It will be staged from 23 to 26 October 2012 at ICC Berlin and from 22 to 25 October 2013 for the first time on the southern fairgrounds of Messe Berlin. An overview of all meetings and conventions in Berlin is offered by the section “Congresses & Trade Fairs” on www.convention.visitBerlin.de.

Another positive driver for the future development of Berlin as a meeting and convention venue is the large-scale airport BBI. It will open in June 2012. Its relevance for the metropolis will be presented to the visitors at IMEX. “Rupert’s Kitchen Orchestra” will provide the musical highlights. It thrilled already the guests at this year’s Berlinale. Now the musicians travel to IMEX in Frankfurt and will perform there “Funk made in Berlin“at the stand of the German capital.

Berlin is the world’s number four congress metropolis

New statistics confirm significance of the German capital as event location

Berlin, 13 May 2011 Berlin is one of the four most important association congress locations around the world. This is documented by the results of the current statistics of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA). With 138 events by international associations in 2010, the German capital ranks fourth – after Vienna (154), Barcelona (148) and Paris (147) and ahead of metropolises such as Singapore, London and Sydney.

“Whoever is among the top rankings of ICCA is perceived by congress planners all over the world as a leading congress location. And Berlin has already been represented at the top for years”, says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “With the decision to refurbish the ICC Berlin and to build a new trade fair and congress hall, we send the right signal to the market.”

The result for Berlin is above all based on the optimum conditions provided for congress organisers in the city: Europe’s most modern hotel landscape, a very good value-for-money ratio, numerous extraordinary locations and a large network of additional service providers. With the opening of the new capital airport Berlin Brandenburg in June 2012 the offering of long-haul flight services will, moreover, increase.

The official contact partner in Berlin for meetings, conventions, corporate events and incentives is the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin, headed by Heike Mahmoud. It has direct local representations in the United Kingdom and in the USA, two of the most important meeting and convention markets.

airberlin: Festive Launch of Maiden Flight from Berlin to New York

As of 1st May, airberlin connects the two metropolises, Berlin and New York, with a non-stop flight. Flight AB7248 will be serviced using an Airbus A330-200. The flight with 289 passengers on board started from Berlin-Tegel at 1:00 p.m. and is expected to land at JFK airport in New York at 3:45 p.m. local time. Together with the guests of honour, His Honour Philip D. Murphy, United States Ambassador to Germany and Matthias Platzeck, the Prime Minister of the State of Brandenburg, Joachim Hunold, CEO of airberlin, and Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer of Berlin Airports, inaugurated the new flight with a traditional maiden flight ceremony.

Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer of Berlin Airports said: “The global networking of Berlin continues to advance: Our partner airberlin’s non-stop connection between Tegel and New York is already the 13th long-haul connection starting out in Berlin. This carries forward our success story, which has really gained in momentum during the past year as a result of establishing the airberlin hub at Tegel. airberlin’s imminent admission into the airline alliance oneworld is a huge opportunity for the people in this region to be even better connected to the countries and markets in the world. As of June 2012, the new airport BBI (Berlin Brandenburg International) will offer the airlines an outstanding infrastructure for expansion in terms of quality and quantity.”

His Honour Philip D. Murphy, United Stated Ambassador to Germany commented: “airberlin is Berlin’s air carrier; it has been playing an important role in linking the capital to the rest of the world for some time. We are extremely pleased that airberlin is bringing Berlin and the United States of America closer together. Thanks to their membership in the oneworld alliance, airberlin makes it easier for Germans and Americans to book connecting flights and to discover each other’s respective countries.”

Matthias Platzeck, the state prime minister said: “airberlin focused on the region of the capital city at an early stage and is our ‘Home carrier’ at the new Berlin Brandenburg airport in Schönefeld. The accessibility of the region and the networking with markets on the North American continent will be improved further as a result of the new long-haul connection. Our region is becoming increasingly attractive for intercontinental connections and airberlin is an important driving force for this.”

Joachim Hunold, CEO airberlin: “With the new year-round non-stop connection between Berlin and New York, we want to do our part in bringing the two world metropolises closer together and to further strengthen the friendly relationships between Germany and the United States. Together with American Airlines, we are giving passengers from Germany and the USA the opportunity of profiting from the extensive range of flights offered by the respective partners. Starting this November, we will also be gradually upgrading our long-haul product with new seats in the economy and business class as well as with modern high-tech in-flight entertainment. The continual further development of our goods and services not only makes us the first choice with many passengers in Germany but increasingly also with international travellers. Joining the oneworld airline alliance in the coming year will strengthen this development even further.”

Effective 1 May 2011, airberlin will service the flight route Berlin-New York four times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) with a non-stop flight. The connecting flights originate in various German and European cities. Codeshare connecting flights to eight American Airlines destinations are in existence in New York. After Miami, New York is the second North American destination which airberlin offers non-stop from Berlin-Tegel. The airline’s route network in North America includes a total of six destinations, namely New York, Miami, Fort Myers, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. Non-stop connections with all six North American destinations exist from Düsseldorf.