ME to lure German market at ITB

The most lucrative networking arena, 52nd ITB Berlin is set to take place from March 7-11. The Middle East secures its position by occupying 3200 square meter in the exhibition area. Altogether, the show’s management expects around 10,000 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors will attend the 26 halls on the exhibitions ground.

SHEHARA RIZLY

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA
SCTDA’s efforts in showcasing Sharjah’s tourism experience at various exhibitions around the world have helped the emirate strengthen its share of market exposure. Sharjah has participated in ITB Berlin for 20 years now and the emirate continues to attract large numbers of German tourists. With more than 180 countries and 109,000 trade visitors, ITB Berlin is the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals in the field. In addition to enhancing our tourism portfolio, we will target the European markets and promote Sharjah as a year-round destination.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group
As a growing company with global ambitions, it’s vital Emaar Hospitality Group has a presence at international gatherings such as ITB Berlin. We have participated at this mart for many years and regard it as a go-to hospitality exhibition. We will showcase our progress in the regional and global expansion of our brands in addition to the current superior guest experiences that we offer both leisure and business travellers. Catering to travellers from everywhere, Europe and specifically Germany is a key country for the group.

Ishrat Ali Khan, Group Managing Director, Al Wasl Yachts, Al Wasl Dhow, Asia Pacific Tourism & Oasis Palm Safari, Arabian Travel Award winner
Our focus is on enhancing customer service to ensure guest delight. The German market is particularly important during the festive season. The year 2017 has been very encouraging for us as our dhow cruise outperformed in the market. We also got the growth trends in our desert safari, yachts charters and other tours as compared to previous years. Al Wasl provides parallel experiences to all reputable guests by providing the promised infrastructure, delicious food, customer service and experiences.

Khaled Jouni, CEO, Meeting Point International
Germany is the main source market for Meeting Point Emirates. ITB Berlin is important to meet our top clients, new clients and partners as well as launch new projects. Last November, we had launched our first all-seasons daily flights operated by Condor to the UAE in a joint venture with FTI Group. So far, the programme has proven very successful where the German market along Germany was the single largest contributor in the region with 41,671 passengers to DWC according to a recently published data. It’s gratifying to know that our initiative contributed to boost Dubai tourism.

Samir Mehta, General Manager, Arabian Adventures
ITB provides us a global platform to showcase our destination and wide range of products and services along with an opportunity to meet our trade partners. Arabian Adventures has exhibited at ITB from our start of business over 25 years ago and will continue to do so. UAE, as a unique destination is constantly evolving with new products and experiences. The German-speaking markets including Austria and Switzerland are a key focus for Dubai, UAE and Arabian Adventures. Our management team will showcase our products and services at this key event.

Sigrid de Mazieres, Director–Gulf Countries, German National Tourist Office
Our focus will be on the culinary experience and the different flavours visitors can taste when visiting Germany. Our GNTO Dubai-based office will be attending ITB to connect with German partners like hotels, regional tourism boards or any other travel related service providers to woo them to take part in our GCC-wide marketing activities like roadshows, press events and cross-media marketing campaigns. Our focus is to mainly promote Germany as a tourism destination, besides working closely with the respective stakeholders in the MICE segment.