BERLIN: Starting from March 4, ITB Berlin is in strong demand, and with 10,000 organizations and companies from over 180 countries attending it is booked up again this year.” Our fully booked halls are proof that even in the age of flight shame, over-tourism, climate change, and the coronavirus, ITB Berlin is still the focal point for the travel industry and radiates an international aura. For the global travel industry participating in large numbers and face-to-face meetings are important. For us, responsible decision-making and success in business are directly linked, which is why the slogan of the ITB Berlin Convention is ’Smart Tourism for Future ‘”, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin.
He added, “At present, the effects of the coronavirus are very limited. To date, two Chinese exhibitors have canceled. A large number of Chinese stands are run by staff from Germany and Europe and are thus not affected by cancellations. Overall, the percentage of exhibitors from the People’s Republic of China is low. The safety of our visitors and exhibitors has the utmost priority. We are in permanent contact with the public health authorities and will take all recommended measures as and when they become necessary.”
ITB Berlin is already independently taking active measures. Thus, there are additional medical specialists and first responders, as well as English-speaking staff on the grounds and the sanitary facilities, are being cleaned and disinfected at more frequent intervals.
