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WEDNESDAY 9 th MARCH 2016 DAY 1 ITB QUICKFINDER INSIDE TRADE TALK ITB BERLIN CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW SPECIAL DOSSIER: MALDIVES Abdulla Naseer Managing Director, Splendid Asia “Today every traveller seeks immediate response to their inquiries and expects the best of service.” Read page 17 Dr Oliver Heckmann Google VP “Consumers are doing research in the many connected moments on mobile and desktop throughout their day.” Read page 19 Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz Minister for Tourism and Culture, Malaysia “The Homestay program underlines the importance of conservation and environmental management.” Read page 20 Haris Mohamed Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation “Each resort in Maldives is developed and run on a separate island on its own, which guarantees the complete privacy for the guests.” Read page 43 Hall 9 Stand 316 Hall 22 A Stand 104 Hall 17 Stand 109 50 Years: Time to Celebrate! After 5 decades, ITBBerlin remains the pivotal industry event With 4.4% more people making international journeys in 2015 than in the previous year, travel and tourism continues on its unabated ascension of above-average growth. Indeed, 2015 marked the 6 th consecutive year of aboveaverage growth. In many ways, industry professionals are celebrating another good year, despite the shadows of terrorism and disease that have been hanging over some regions. But this year in particular there are more reasons than ever to celebrate, as ITBBerlin blows out its 50 candles, and looks back at how and why the event has helped the global tourism industry to grow over the years. Much of that comes from standing up to adversity, much like the DMO of Nepal, back on its feet - at ITB after that country’s devastating earthquake in 2015. Yes, ITBBerlin’s arms are open wide to the world again … accompanied by the warm smile of the Maldives, this year’s official partner country. Don’t miss our extensive special Maldives feature from page 39. Moosa Zameer Maldives Minister for Tourism REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST Al Majaz, Sharjah Arab countries such as UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia have taken prominent places at ITBBerlin this year, and in Hall 22a Emirates is certain to cause a stir with its new stand. With displays covering two halls, African countries at ITBBerlin underline how important tourism is for the continent. Numerous countries are back at the show following an absence, including Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Burundi and Sierra Leone. Read today’s regional spotlight - from page 63. Vanuatu
