Trade looks forward to ITB Berlin

The year begins once again with the most lucrative networking arena in Berlin from March 7-11. The Middle East secures its position by occupying nearly 3000 plus square feet in the exhibition area. In its 52nd edition, ITB Berlin is set to host over 160,000 visitors worldwide on one ground.

Shehara Rizly

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA
SCTDA’s efforts in showcasing Sharjah’s tourism experience at ITB and other exhibitions across Europe and around the world over the years have helped the emirate strengthen its share of international tourism market exposure. Sharjah has participated in ITB Berlin for 20 years now and the emirate continues to attract large numbers of German tourists, thanks to our unique offering of sun, sand and authentic culture. With more than 180 countries and 109 000 trade visitors, ITB Berlin is the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals, decision-makers and innovators in the field. In addition to enhancing our international tourism portfolio, we will be targeting the European markets and promoting Sharjah as a year-round destination.

Samir Mehta, General Manager, Arabian Adventures
ITB provides us a global platform to showcase our destination and our wide range of products and services along with an opportunity to meet our current and future 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. We will also educate visitors on our technology offering. The German-speaking markets include Austria and Switzerland and these are a key focus for Dubai, UAE and Arabian Adventures. Our management team will be available for meetings and showcase our products and services at this key networking event.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group
As a growing company with global ambitions and a significant player within the Middle East, 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.

Khaled Jouni, CEO, Meeting Point International
The German market is the main source market for Meeting Point Emirates. The world’s leading travel trade show 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 very gratifying to know that the initiative launched by Meeting Point Emirates contributed to the boost of Dubai tourism.

Sigrid de Mazieres, Director–Gulf countries, German National Tourist Office
In line with the central theme, our focus will be on the culinary experience and the many 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 stake holders in the MICE segment.

Ishrat Ali Khan, Group Managing Director, Al Wasl Yachts, Al Wasl Dhow, Asia Pacific Tourism & Oasis Palm Safari
Our chief focus this year is to enhance our services to the next level of customer service and guest delight. The German market is particularly important during the festivity 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 the parallel experiences to all reputable guests by providing the promised infrastructure, delicious food, customer service and unforgettable experiences.