A fully booked ITB 2013 opened in Berlin today, with 10,086 exhibitors from 188 countries covering 160,000 square metres, a record number of two-tier stands – and no less than 120 exhibitors representing the partner country Indonesia.
Dr Christian Göke of Messe Berlin said: “More than a billion travellers worldwide and the increasing popularity of easy-to-find Internet products have totally fragmented demand. People’s travel motivation and travel products have become increasingly diverse. The industry’s information and business needs are growing all the time. At ITB Berlin exhibitors and trade visitors can gain a representative and up-to-the-minute overview of the travel industry’s entire value chain. They will find growth and niche markets, find information on exploring new markets and ideas for innovative sales strategies.”
ITB Berlin 2013 continues until Sunday 10th March.
Cuba Cruise
One company making its European debut during ITB is Cuba Cruise, which is breaking new ground with its circumnavigation of Cuba. Each cruise includes the opportunity to visit world famous beaches, six UNESCO world heritage sites and four National Parks and Preserves, as well as in-depth exploration of Cuba’s dynamic culture.
Prices start at €437 double occupancy for a seven-night cruise. The upcoming season will run from 16th December 2013 to 31st March 2014 with a total of 15 departures.
“It is exciting to offer something truly unique to the travel market, and Cuba Cruise is certainly the only offering of its kind,” said Cuba Cruise President Dugald Wells. “We provide the best of both worlds to our guests – a top-notch all-inclusive cruise experience and the type of in-the-know exploration of Cuba’s remarkable sights, sounds, flavours and history that is usually reserved for locals only.”
