NEWS 3 EDITORIAL Richard
NEWS 3 EDITORIAL Richard Barnes Editor-in-Chief, ITB Berlin News CONTENTS DAY 1 EDITION Wednesday 8 th March 2017 A Year of Sustainable Tourism… a Force for Good News.............................................. page 4 Trade Talk.....................................page 21 ITB Berlin Convention................. page 24 Exclusive Interviews....................page 27 SPECIAL FEATURES Transport......................................page 29 Travel Technologies.....................page 37 REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT Africa & Middle East....................page 39 SPOTLIGHT ON GERMAN REGION: Baden-Württemberg...page 52 WHERE TO GO IN BERLIN..... page 54 ITB BERLIN NEWS is a CLEVERDIS Publication. 65 av. Jules Cantini - Tour Méditerranée, 13006 Marseille, France • Tel: + 33 442 77 46 00 • Fax: + 33 442 77 46 01 • SARL capitalised at e155,750 • VAT FR 95413604471 • RCS Marseille 413 604 471 • info@cleverdis.com • www.cleverdis.com. During ITB Berlin: Press Center – Hall 6.3 – Room 403 • Tel: +49 (0)30 3038 81 209 • info@itb-berlin-news.com • www.itb-berlin-news.com • Publisher: Gérard Lefebvre • Managing Director: Jean-François Pieri • Publishing Director: Jean-Guy Bienfait • Project Manager: Bettina Badon • Editor-in-Chief: Richard Barnes • Editorial team: Stuart Braun, Luc Citrinot, Neil Cole • Marketing Manager: Monia Tazamoucht • Art Director: Hélène Beunat • Design & Page Setting: Guillaume Kaercher, Guillaume Vinrich • With the participation of: Bettina Badon, Nathalie Meissner >To contact them : first name.last name@itb-berlin-news.com • Cover: © Cleverdis Registration of Copyright March 2017 Information presented in this publication is purely indicative in order to illustrate subjects contained therein. No guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of data or content at time of printing and thus the latter should not be used for professional or commercial ends. While all efforts have been made as to accuracy and pertinence of content and data contained in this publication, CLEVERDIS may in no case be held responsible for the consequences, whatever their nature may be, that may result from the interpretation of this data or content, or any eventual errors therein. Any reproduction of the content of this publication, even partial, by any means whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior autorisation of the publisher. Any copy, whether by photography, photography film, magnetic tape, disc or other means constitutes a forgery, liable to punishment under French law according to the legislation of 11 th March 1957 covering copyright. All brands cited in this publication are registered trade marks and/or belong to companies which are their respective proprietors. The publishers and editorial staff decline all responsibility as to opinions formulated in this publication by those interviewed or cited therein. Their opinions are entirely their own, and are included with the understanding that they contain, to our knowledge, no malicious intent. The inclusion of all texts, photographs and other documents supplied by those included in this publication imply the acceptance by their authors of their free publication therein. Documents and photographs will not be returned. It should be understood that this publication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include assumptions relating to the timing of the recorded date. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the expectations outlined in these statements. Cleverdis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements during the period of publication. Photo Credits and Copyright: All Rights Reserved. This year has been designated by the United Nations as the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, due to the growing importance of tourism as an economic vector, and a key element of development. These 12 months are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world, recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the SDGs. “This is a unique opportunity to build a more responsible and committed tourism sector that can capitalize its immense potential in terms of economic prosperity, social inclusion, peace and understanding, cultural and environmental preservation” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. Accounting for 7% of worldwide exports, one in eleven jobs and 10% of the world’s GDP, the tourism sector if well managed can foster inclusive economic growth, social inclusiveness and the protection of cultural and natural assets. This year ITB Berlin is devoting more time and space than ever to CSR. This trade show will be a pivotal element in the implementation of ideas and policies that will move the agenda in the right direction, and we strongly recommend attending and following as many of the activities as possible while you’re at the show. But the question begs, “What happens at the end of the year? What then? What next?” It’s like a “commencement” celebration as students come to the end of one part of their lives and moving on to the “real thing”. After this year aimed at raising standards, there’s no going back. The future is in your hands! © PATA ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 8 th March 2017
