40 AROUND THE WORLD
40 AROUND THE WORLD EUROPE Recreated Irish Beehive Hut and New Virtual Reality Experience Part of the Adventure for Attendees at ITB Berlin Visitors to ITB Berlin had the chance to experience the magic of Skellig Michael first hand as they stepped back in time inside a lifesize recreated “Ancient Monks” beehive hut. While Ireland has been represented in the mainstream tourism arena of ITB Berlin for many years, youth and adventure tourism has been identified as a key area for potential growth and over the last two years, Fáilte Ireland’s Youth, Adventure and Responsible Tourism stand has generated significant new business for Irish adventure and youth travel providers. Their stand was complete with a spectacular virtual reality journey along the Kerry coastline to the magnificent Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the trips offered by Irish Tour Operators are to Dublin and the attractive countryside surrounding it, as well as to the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way which stretches all along the west coast of the emerald isle. Visitors to the travel trade show can find out more about the quality of the many adventure trips and sporting challenges on offer. The Wild Atlantic Way is the World’s longest defined coastal touring route along the Atlantic. It offers endless holiday experiences for youth and adventure travellers from immersive Irish culture, to great local foods, music and craft, as well island heritage, flora and fauna and great storytelling brought to life by the warmth of the Irish people, considered one of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. The DMO hosted ten youth and adventure companies from across Ireland at their new stand. Paul Mockler, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Commercial Development explained, “We will be highlighting some new and exciting visitor experiences available in our signature regions; Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin in a bid to support itinerary development and growth in these regions in conjunction with our partners in Tourism Ireland.” The Müngsten Bridge – World Heritage? A superlative for 120 years, the famed German railway bridge is slated for potential World Heritage status Like a rainbow made of steel, the Müngsten bridge traces an arc over the valley between Solingen- Schaberg and Remscheid- Güldenwerth. Diagonal, vertical and horizontal steel parts form a structure both gigantic and delicate. The Müngsten bridge is often called a structure that has written technological history and which became internationally important as an icon of the industrial era. In any case the Müngsten bridge is one of the very few large bridges in Germany which have mostly remained in their original state. This is one of the reasons why today’s owner, the DB Netz AG, has decided on further investments of 50 million Euro in order to preserve this unique structure. The Müngsten bridge, which was named an historical landmark in 1985, is gaining universal importance in combination with four more bridges which have been built at almost the same time in Italy, France and Portugal. In close cooperation with the municipalities of the “sister” bridges Solingen, Remscheid and Wuppertal are working on a joint application for the sought-after UNESCO title. Already in 2012, the Müngsten bridge was classified as a “Landmark of national importance”. Now all five of them start out together under the umbrella of a “serial trans-national application” – together with the bridges Ponte Maria Pia and Ponte Dom Luis I. in Portugal, the Garabit Viaduct in France and the Ponte San Michele in Italy. During a convention in November 2017 attended by the representatives of the communities of Porto (Portugal), Ruyes en Margaride (France) and Paderno d’Adda and Calusco d’Adda (Italy) Solingen’s mayor Tim Kurzbach, vigorously said: “It took valour to finish this structure back then, and it takes a pioneering spirit from all of us today to reach our common goal. However, this first meeting and our talks have been very encouraging. We all look upon ourselves as bridge builders” TODAY’S OWNER, THE DB NETZ AG, HAS DECIDED ON FURTHER INVESTMENTS OF 50 MILLION EURO IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THIS UNIQUE STRUCTURE ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 21 st March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
STAND OUT STANDS AROUND THE WORLD 41 Incredible India Incredible India welcomed visitors with a stand where culture echoed, tradition spoke, beauty enthralled and diversity delighted. Bounded by the majestic The timeless mystery and beauty of India has been waiting for you for 5000 years, always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with different facets of its fascination every time you visit India. © Messe Berlin GmbH Wonderful Indonesia Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is responsible for national tourism development, and again had an exceptional stand at ITB Berlin. The Ministry focuses on promoting a country image of a country that is safe and worth visiting. The also facilitates tourism industries to promote tourism destinations and products to international market. Diverse Culture and Nature are Indonesia’s key selling points. © Messe Berlin GmbH ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 21 st March 2018
