NEWS 5 EDITORIAL
NEWS 5 EDITORIAL ITB Berlin - Reaching New Heights This first print edition of ITB Berlin News 2015 is particularly rich - in the image of the opening stages of a particularly impressive exhibition. The ITB Berlin Convention again this year gives concrete and immediately actionable information to meet concerns stemming from new trends, such as the Keynote of Olivier Gremillon of Airbnb on the Sharing Economy. In the travel technology section of ITB Berlin News, you will discover the pervasiveness of the latter in all developments of the industry, including – of course – for reservation systems. The battle of the carriers and the car rental trade is also a major highlight with the testimonials of those pushing the industry in an CONTENTS Richard Barnes Editor-in-Chief, ITB Berlin News upward direction, such as Qatar Airways – pioneering with the new A350 XWB, or Sixt - revolutionising the rental offering. In terms of destinations, Asia is in the spotlight today, taking the lead in the international tourism market. Finally ITB Berlin News is particularly pleased to have organised an exclusive interview with Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, showing the importance granted at the highest level by partner countries of their collaboration with ITB Berlin and ITB Berlin News - Your official Information Source at ITB Berlin. Wishing you an excellent show! News.................................................................... page 5 Trade Talk............................................................. page 8 ITB Berlin Convention....................................... page 10 SPECIAL FEATURES Transport........................................................... page 12 Travel Technologies.......................................... page 22 City Breaks......................................................... page 25 REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT Asia.................................................................... page 31 Where to Go in Berlin....................................... page 45 FREE WI-FI AT ITB BERLIN FreeWifi Network: Password: itb2015 ITB Berlin: The reference More than 10,000 exhibitors from 186 countries… ITB Berlin 2015 is ready to roll As the world’s greatest travel and tourism trade event opens its gates, we asked Dr Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin (event organiser) how the show has been shaping up… As the world’s leading travel trade show the 49th edition of ITB Berlin accurately reflects current economic developments. Once again we have more than 10,000 exhibitors from around 190 countries and regions to be at the show. The focus is on Mongolia, the official partner country of ITB Berlin, which is the organiser of the opening ceremonies in the new CityCube Berlin. ITB Berlin showcases the latest travel trends and products. The best example is Iran’s growing popularity as a travel destination, which will be reflected at the show. For the first time, this country will be occupying an entire hall (7.2a). Turkey has also reserved a larger display area. In addition to the displays in Hall 3.2, for the first time there will also be a Turkish village in Hall 3.1. Following a long absence Honduras and Afghanistan will also be exhibiting again. This year, major hotel brands such as Hilton and Hyatt can be found at ITB Berlin. Lidl-Reisen and Meeting Masters, one of Germany’s most important MICE portals, are newcomers to the show. In short, visitors can find out about all the tourism industry’s products and services at ITB Berlin. What is more, the ITB Berlin Convention supporting the show will be debating the latest topics and trends. With its exclusive surveys that event will provide Dr Christian Göke CEO Messe Berlin GmbH industry experts with indispensable knowledge. In terms of exhibitors what key trends do you see? The main focus is on technology and the internet. That is reflected in Travel Technology at ITB Berlin and it is where the biggest changes are taking place. Innovative developments in the travel industry are no longer to be found in products but rather in processes. The exhibitors in the four Travel Technology halls will be showing where the future lies. They include around 30 new names, among them Baidu and Qunar from China, as well as a combined display from Italy featuring start-ups. Small and innovative providers of webbased solutions will be represented in the new toolsLounge. 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