I NEWS I Opening Press Conference ITBBerlin NOW centres on restarting the industry and fostering ideas for recovering post-crisis Opening Press Conference of ITBBerlin NOW with Monika Jones and Martin Ecknig, CEO, Messe Berlin GmbH Opening Press Conference of ITBBerlin NOW The digital edition of the World’s Leading Trade Show has kicked off at itb-now.com. With an innovative format for challenging times, a total of 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries are participating from 9 to 12 March 2021. “We stand firmly side by side with the global travel community. No other industry on earth is a people’s business in the way that the travel industry is. In the past, and often in difficult times of political, diplomatic and military crisis, ITBBerlin has always offered a marketplace, brought people together and opened up communication channels when others were closed. An industry which blooms on exchanging ideas and broadening personal horizons, and which empowers the intercultural dialogue, has for the most part been forced to remain silent. It must not be totally inactive however. Thankfully, the big challenges we have had to confront since the pandemic began are also a force for good, bringing unbelievable energy and innovation. The industry would not be what it is if over the years it had not met the challenges of every age”, said Martin Ecknig, the new CEO of Messe Berlin. Tourism organisations and associations, travel technology providers, tour operators, the hotel industry and destination management companies (DMCs) are strongly represented this year. Taking as its slogan “The digital meet-up of the travel industry. Anytime. Anywhere.”, the show is providing ideal conditions for trade visitors to network, exchange ideas, stay well-informed and negotiate business with market players and tourism service providers from all over the world. The ITBBerlin NOW platform concentrates business, networking, content and news in one place, and with its Show Floor, streaming video, virtual cafés and intelligent matchmaking tools offers the best opportunities for successful trade show results. At the ITBBerlin NOW Convention, more than 280 leading international speakers, including more than 80 CEOs, are holding lectures and interviews in 180 virtual discussion rounds, offering their assessments and opinions on how the industry can overcome the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and shape a successful recovery. NO OTHER INDUSTRY ON EARTH IS A PEOPLE’S BUSINESS IN THE WAY THAT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS. THINK TANK FOR RESTARTING TOURISM At the ITBBerlin NOW Convention, more than 280 leading international speakers, including more than 80 CEOs, are holding lectures and interviews in 180 virtual discussion rounds, offering their assessments and opinions on how the industry can overcome the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and shape a successful recovery. Under the convention's heading “Rethink, Regenerate, Restart – Tourism for a Better Normal”, leading industry figures, scientists and visionary minds will examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global travel industry and offer qualified and practical advice for a recovery. In addition, over the four days of events at the global travel industry’s leading think tank, the programme includes topics such as sustainable travel, destination marketing and the changing MICE and business travel market. More than 280 top-class speakers representing airlines, the hotel, cruise and package tour industries will share their views on future developments and trends in their respective sectors. REASONS TO HOLIDAY CLOSE TO HOME Last year, many Germans rediscovered holidaying at home. As the first Official Culture Destination at ITBBerlin NOW 2021, the federal state of Saxony is promoting itself as an outstanding destination for cultural and city tourism as well as offering a unique nature experiences. Next year it will be the host country of the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show. This year, at the start of a multi-year partnership, the spotlight is also on Georgia, the first Digital Adventure and Sustainability Partner. In 2022, it will be the trade show’s official cultural destination, before becoming the official host country in 2023 6 ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 10 TH MARCH 2021 www.itb-berlin-news.com
I NEWS I Greece's tourism minister optimistic for 2021 season Greece is eying the 2021 season with confidence. "We are more than optimistic. We are ready to welcome international travellers," Greece's Minister of Tourism, Harry Theoharis said in a press conference at ITBBerlin NOW yesterday. The minister explained why Greece is confident about the summer season. "Our ambition is to be sure that Greece does all it can to guarantee health safety. Greece will not stop people from coming. They will just need to test negative to covid, even if not vaccinated," said the Minister. New national health protocols are being tested in April and will be implemented from May. They should be accompanied by the lifting of travel restrictions as the vaccination continues to roll out. "We see the end of this dark time," promised Harry Theoharis. Asked about which markets should see a quickest rebound, the Minister is clear: "It will depend very much how a vaccination Tunisia: expecting a great year for tourism again in 2022 Harry Theoharis Greece's Minister of Tourism campaign is rolled out. For example we see demand picking from the UK as vaccination gains strength." Greece will lure European travellers with a new ad campaign, "All you want is Greece", due to come out prior to the summer season VISIT BR AND CARD Habib Ammar Tunisia's Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts ABU DHABI, TO BE EXPLORED IN ALL SAFETY Abu Dhabi is ready to welcome tourists again. "Although 2020 was a challenging year, we have a strong long-term projection for 23 million travellers in 2030 compared to 11.35 million in 2019," said Husain Ali AlHashmi, Europe & America Regional Manager, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, at a press conference on Tuesday. From this total, 42% of all travellers were from Europe, followed by Asia with 23% and the Middle- East with 13%. This year, Abu Dhabi is placing its hopes in a quick return of travellers from Russia as well as an emergence of Jewish tourism, thanks to the normalisation of relations with Israel. The Dubai Expo will also be an attractive element for Abu Dhabi, said AlHashmi. The country has already established a "Green List" comprising 13 countries exempted of compulsory quarantine. "The goal is to protect everyone. 50% of the population is already vaccinated, a number reaching 80% for workers in tourism. We also certify hotels of hygiene standards. 95% have already received a certification," said AlHashmi. Abu Dhabi international Airport's procedures for arriving visitors has been totally reimagined with additional safety protection. And after hotels, the Go Safe Certification programme has been expanded to include malls, museums, amusement parks and restaurants Tunisia's Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Habib Ammar, talked about the evolution of the tourism sector in his country during a live press conference at ITBBerlin NOW. According to the minister, Tunisia has been very successful in its fight against the pandemic and the implementation of health safety measures. According to the minister, despite a reopening of the country over the summer months, activity remained below expectation. A new focus is being placed on the strengthening of the domestic tourism sector. It will remain a priority this year with a national strategy being implemented to see more domestic travellers. "Tourism in the Sahara will be one of our strategic goals for 2021". Internationally, the Minister forecasts more travellers looking for sustainable activities. "Seaside tourism made the reputation of our country. It will remain the bulk of it in the future but we need to focus more on sustainable products. This will make Tunisia a year-round destination," said Ammar VISIT BR AND CARD VISIT BR AND CARD ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 10 TH MARCH 2021 7
