PDF, 35.0 MB - ITB Berlin

NEWS
7
Environment
owth
of the global market, and
aviation taxes which are
putting more pressure on the
very thin profit margins that
airlines currently generate.”
Hon. Dr Mari Elka Pangestu
Tour operators
and travel
agencies
achieved new
sales records
in 2012
Mr Büchy painted a very
upbeat picture of the
German market: “Despite
adverse conditions such
as economic difficulties,
taxation on air transport and
higher fuel prices, German
travel agencies continued
to register growth last year,
showing the dynamic of our
industry. In financial year
2011/12, tour operators’
sales rose by 5.5 percent to
a new all-time high of Euro
24.4 billion. This was an
even stronger increase than
predicted in the association’s
projections from the end
of November 2012. The
highest sales growth rates
was achieved on mediumhaul
destinations, especially
Mediterranean destinations,
up by 8.5%.”
According to Mr Favilla,
Europe continued to be
the most visited region
in the world. Tourist
numbers were up by 3%;
a very positive result in
the view of the economic
situation in the region,
and particularly following
the strong growth of 2011
(+6%).
Indonesia aims
to be known
beyond Bali
The Indonesian Minister,
Dr Pangestu indicated
that her government was
extremely honoured and
proud to be part of the
world’s largest travel
show, ITB Berlin. “We hope
that visitors to the fair will
be amazed by the wealth
of attractions that we offer.
Our nature and culture are
legacies that are visible
and accessible to anyone
visiting our country. This is
reflected also in our textiles,
in our gastronomy or in our
dances. All are part of our
way of life. We think that
visitors will get a glimpse of
this during ITB Berlin. We
in fact designed our pavilion
in the shape of a Phinisi, a
traditional boat still used
by Bugis sailors in South
Sulawesi”, she highlighted.
“Come to Indonesia, we
welcome you with our
heart. This is why we smile a
lot as all Indonesians will do
everything they can to please
their guests”, she added.
[Article by Luc Citrinot and Gary Smith]
(eds: see also interview
with the minister – p. 20)
ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 6 th March 2013