2024 ITB BERLIN NEWS - DAY 2 Edition

I NEWS I
Photos: © Messe Berlin GmbH
ITB Berlin 2024 opens with a spectacular
ceremony hosted by Oman
ITB Berlin's opening ceremony,
organised by this year's Official
Host Country Oman, kicked off
the event on Monday, 4 March.
The ceremony featured inaugural
remarks from prominent political and
tourism industry figures, including
Dieter Janecek, the German federal
government's Coordinator for
Maritime Economy and Tourism, Julia
Simpson, President & CEO of the
World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili,
Secretary General of the World
Tourism Organization (newly branded
UN Tourism), who praised the powers
of travel and saluted ITB Berlin's
success across its almost 60 years of
history.
architectural wonders, Omani singers
and folk groups accompanied
by the Royal Oman Symphony
Orchestra performed traditional
Omani melodies as well as works
from around the world.
In his official presentation, the
Minister of Heritage and Tourism, H.E.
Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi,
cited diversity and authenticity as
two of Oman's principal assets, but
also underlined the importance of
the Sultunate's efforts to reinforce its
tourism ecosystem while remaining
mindful of sustainability. After the
ceremony, guests were treated to
a gala reception featuring culinary
specialities from Oman.
The Governing Mayor of Berlin,
Kai Wegner, as ITB Berlin tradition
dictates, opened the event on the
following day, beginning his inaugural
tour on the Oman stand
Beyond the official speeches, the
inaugural event also celebrated the
rich culture and heritage of Oman.
Against a backdrop of spectacular
immersive visuals showcasing the
Sultanate's natural beauty and
ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 6 TH MARCH 2024 11