High demand from Middle East @ITB

A high demand from the Middle East and Arab region is expected at this year’s editition of ITB Berlin as the two main carriers – Emirates and Qatar Airways – have booked in a lot more space than the previous year. David Ruetz, Head, ITB Berlin, gives further details about the upcoming exhibition.

SHEHARA RIZLY

Q Please explain the new hall concept for the Middle East region?
The new hall concept makes it possible for the fast-growing markets of the Arab states to enlarge their displays. In recent years there has been an increase in demand for more floor space and two-tier stands for certain markets which up to now we have been unable to satisfy. Several display halls already have waiting lists. By reorganising the halls to suit the market we are now able to meet this demand.

Q How many exhibitors have confirmed their participation and do you expect an increase this year from this region?
Once again we expect more than 10,000 exhibitors from around 185 countries and regions to be at the show, including some 32 important major exhibitors from the Middle East. We have registered a very strong growth from Abu Dhabi, Etihad, Ras Al Khaimah and Qatar Airways and for the very first time Saudi Arabia exhibits as a country on a 300-square-metre stand in Hall 4.2.
Exhibitors from the UAE and Qatar will be presenting their many products and services on an enlarged stand in Hall 2.2 which now occupies 3,383 square metres in total.

Q What’s new and different at ITB Berlin 2017?
The new hall concept and that there is now a better concentration of markets, which makes it easier for trade visitors to plan their visit and allows the growing markets to receive more space. At the ITB Berlin Convention leading international experts will show how tourism professionals are successfully taking on controversial issues and current challenges such as geopolitical crises, travel safety risks and the use of artificial intelligence. The theme will be ‘Disruptive Travel: The End of the World as We Know It’.
Travel Technology: The e-Travel World at ITB Berlin is booked up and for the first time it will occupy two halls, with more than 70 exhibitors displaying their innovative products and services. In Halls 6.1 and 7.1c, visitors can find established companies as well as newcomers, which include Aldebaran, Betterspace, Conichi, Dayuse, eNett, Igola, Paymentwall, Traveltripper and Wanup.
ITB Speed networking: Senior buyers who belong to the exclusive ITB Buyers Circle can get to know exhibitors at previously booked brief appointments. Using the new ITB Matchmaking Tool participants can book appointments in advance. Personal invitations will be sent to exhibitors, who can invite co-exhibitors to register for the event too. Buyers and exhibitors can provide information on key themes in their profile and also emphasise particular interests. This makes it easier to find exactly the right conversation partners. Only participants who have pre-booked may attend the networking event and they will receive an appointment list beforehand. During the eight-minute time slots, participants can exchange information, establish new contacts, find out about destinations and products, and expand their business interests.
Medical Tourism: For the first time ITB Berlin 2017 will be fully devoting a platform to medical tourism, which has become an important fast-growing market. Medical service providers, hotels and destinations will be able to exhibit their products and services in the Medical Tourism Pavilion in Hall 3.2.

Q Please share the total business transacted last year and the expected figures for this year?
On the purchasing side, there was also a further increase in the number of decision-makers last year: two thirds of the trade visitors stated that they held direct authority for all purchasing decisions. Business conducted during the trade show rose from 2015’s figure of €6.7 billion to around seven billion last year. I believe the expected figures 2017 will equal the previous year’s level.