NEWS 5 Making Messe
NEWS 5 Making Messe Berlin Unstoppable Raimond Hosch – CEO of Messe Berlin – to pass his position over to Dr Christian Göke (current COO) this summer For years, Messe Berlin CEO Raimund Hosch has poured his heart and soul into making the organisation the success it is… This will be his last year in this role. Mr Hosch’s memories of ITB Berlin in particular go back a long way. But how, today, would he best describe how this show has evolved during his time at Messe Berlin? The focus of this show is on a dual concept, to provide a marketplace for both consumers and the trade. We have continued to evolve ITB Berlin and launch new initiatives for industry buyers. That is why the trade fair always attracts well over a hundred thousand visitors to the German capital and is rightfully considered an international meeting place, with three-quarters of over 10,000 exhibitors from foreign countries. After four decades, ITB Berlin still continues to set the standard for the global travel industry. Close to 40% of trade visitors come from abroad to do business and to check on the latest market developments at ITB Berlin. What are your hopes for the show’s future? My hope is that ITB Berlin will continue to be not only a place for successful business but also for experiencing different cultures and intercultural exchange. Furthermore, it is a place of peaceful interaction among all the countries and cultures of the world. ITB Berlin is most certainly the travel industry’s driving force and gives an important impetus to a market that is growing all the time. Messe Berlin will ensure this trade fair remains the place for the industry to meet by continuing to adapt it to the needs of both industry buyers and consumers. [Interview by Richard Barnes] ITB Berlin is most certainly the travel industry’s driving force and gives an important impetus to a market that is growing all the time. Raimund Hosch Messe Berlin CEO Do you have any particularly fond memories of ITB Berlin that you can look back on? I well remember the first partner country of ITB Berlin, which was Cuba. During the opening ceremony more than 150 dancers of the Tropical Ballet from Havana presented a fantastic show that deeply impressed me. What was also quite impressive was their 10 tons of stage equipment. It is always a pleasure to experience the entire spectrum of the travel industry here in Berlin and to get a taste of the many different cultures that represent the destinations. A success story ‘till now – but also for tomorrow In June 2013, after 14 years of service in this role, Raimund Hosch will step down as CEO of Messe Berlin and enter into well- deserved retirement. During this period turnover increased from 85 million euros (1999) to 247 million euros in 2012. Among his most remarkable achievements before departing, Raimund Hosch notably succeeded in overseeing the completion of ExpoCenter Airport Berlin, which has already hosted the ILA, Europe’s leading event for the aerospace industry in September 2012 and the new PANORAMA Berlin fashion show in January 2013. He also oversaw the completion of the south entrance and service areas in 2003 and the start of construction of the CityCube Berlin, a new multipurpose hall. Alongside Mr Hosch, Dr Christian Göke has accompanied the operative management and business activities of Messe Berlin. Dr Göke is without doubt the perfect person for this new role, in a business in which personal commitment matters so much. Good luck, Dr Göke, and a happy retirement, Mr Hosch! 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