“I still keep a suitcase in Berlin”
“ITB Berlin 2019”, an international tourism event
Are you attending the “ITB Berlin 2019″ , or considering it next year? Here are a few good reasons why you should do it , as well as some insights on how to get the most out of it.
“ITB Berlin 2019″ is the the world’s leading travel trade show. On March 6-10 2019 travel professionals dealt with industry experts. And had the opportunity to meet over 10,000 exhibitors represented in 26 halls , 1,000 qualified top buyers, and attendees from 187 countries. It simply cannot be missed!
“ITB Berlin 2019″ was held at the “Messe Berlin”. Ths is an enormous building at Messedamm 22, near Charlottenburg and Savigny Platz in Berlin, where I booked a nice hotel for my stay .
“ITB Berlin 2019” is a must for the professionals of tourism!
The “ITB Berlin 2019″ is the world’s largest tourism trade fair. The companies represented at the fair include hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. It began in 1966 as a small event in the framework of an overseas import trade show that developed into a true global success.
The original five participating countries and regions grew to over 180, the first 250 trade visitors increased to over 114,000 and the exhibition space expanded from 580 m² to today’s 160,000 m².
Lot of time passed since it all began , and in the meanwhile the tourism industry developed into one of the world’s most important economic factors.
My personal experience in Berlin
For European enterprises, travel experts/lovers and bloggers it is a must to be at “ITB Berlin 2019″ , because It is very important to learn more about competitors and to be updated about tourism industry developments.
It mirrors the current trends of the global travel industry, and reminds those working in the sector of great challenges around the world in this field, such as the digital transformation.
I was really honoured to partner with “ITB Berlin 2019″ as an accreditated networker. It was my very first time , and also an exceptional showcase for my activity as owner of ” WeLoveItaly.eu “. This is my professional activity in the educational and tourism filed based in Pisa.
“The British Berliner”, a special travel blog by Victoria Ade Genschow
As I arrived at the “ITB Berlin 2019″ I got scared , because It was so big. I thought I wasn’t able to walk all around for so many hours! Of course I was also concerned about maximizing the time available for that colossal event.
I wanted to see everything, talk to everyone and to experience everything else. Actually, I didn’t get lost , because thanks to Victoria Ade-Genschow and her blog “The British Berliner” with helpful tips for the “ITB Berlin 2019″ , I knew what to expect and what to do before .
I had the joy of meeting Victoria Ade-Genschow personally . She spoke about her job as a talented and famous international lifestyle & travel blogger. So, she shared some secrets for good blogging with me.
Wine and friendship
All that was a strong emotion for me sipping white Brasilian wine together with other nice people! I was enchanted by Victoria Ade-Genschow . We made friendship and she was my reference point for anything concerning travelling, tourism and blogging, and she is still!
Victoria Ade-Genschow was the best part of that incredible adventure. During the “ITB Berlin 2019″ I build new relationships with other professional travel /wine bloggers and experts in the industry of cultural and educational tourism , which was essential to bring in new customers and grow my business.
“ITB 2019”, a virtual journey around the world
What made me excited about “ITB Berlin 2019″ was my virtual journey around the world! In an instant I visited Europe, Asia, Arabia, America, Australia simply going from one stand to another one, and suddenly I got the desire to leave for an exotic destination and to never come back !
Why not discovering Malaysia, and then Abu Dabi, Mexico, or Paris ? Hanging on at “ITB Berlin 2019″ I organized my “world trip” geographically and thematically according to my interests ! In several exhibition halls, the latest travel trends were also presented across countries and regions. These include, for example, medical or responsible tourism, youth & adventure or wellness travel.
Italy at “ITB Berlin 2019”
Italy was represented at the “ITB Berlin 2019″ by the “Enit”, the national agency for promoting the image of the Italian tourist offer. At its pavillon n 12 the Italian launched Italy promoting culture, art, wine and food!
The importance of technology for tourism
I liked the “ITB Berlin 2019″ space reserved to travel technology a lot, because established companies and ambitious start ups boosted their latest innovations. While several forums highlighted important developments from the world of apps, mobile websites, social networks and blogs.
I realized how most travel businesses were moving rapidly to adapt, integrate or evolve digital system that controlled nearly aspects of their business operations, from marketing to customer service to distribution.
Technology helps tourism , but cannot replace the importance of the human contatc!
Last but not least, “ITB Berlin 2019″ confirmed, once again, that any form of real business could not work properly without the virtual one, and vice versa. Even in a digitalised world, It was not possible at “ITB Berlin 2019″ to replace the confidence-building measure that face-to-face meetings and a direct exchange between business partners on issues concerning the travel global industry represented.
12 Tips for visiting the “ITB Berlin”
I set clear goals for my “ITB Berlin 2019″ ! I planned my time and schedule in advance , because “ITB Berlin 2019″ was a massive event.
If you want to make your experience at the ITB Berlin next year a success, then you need to be organized! Here my tips:
- Visit the website of the “ITB Berlin 2019″ to have and download all the useful info to get around the venue;
- Print your badge before to avoid boring queues;
- Register/Complete your “ITB Profile”;
- Sign up and confirm all your appointments . And send a reminder email to people about your meetings;
- Check out how to get at the “ITB Berlin 2019″ , and the map of the “Messe Berlin” to move around easily;
- Plan your visit but be flexible. It is broken up into sections such as Europe, Asia, America, Arabia, Australia,. And you can change your schedule , as you may find that the exhibitor is a little busy at the time you want to go;
- Make sure you plan for some rest during the day, because you can get caught up in visiting every exhibitor;
- Dress Smart! The official attire is business wear, being slightly formal and wearing a suit or at least smart-casual will be the best choice!
- Wear comfortable shoes for working extended hours on your feet;
- Take with you packed lunch and water in your bag ; walking and talking is exhausting and you need to keep your energy levels up;
- Have enough business card media kit to hand , there are so many opportunities to network with agents, tour operators, tourist boards, hotels, airlines, and other influencers just to name a few; aim to have more than you need!
- Don’t forget to bring your phone , a portable charger, a note pad or a small agenda to write down all the ideas, names, brands and whatever else came to your mind during this event.
Bye Bye Berlin. “Es kommt mal gut”!
“ITB Berlin 2019″ was more than what I could ever have imagined! All that I experienced there was really important to maximize my productivity as I attended many stands, presentations, and networking events run by experts and bloggers. There were also areas where the focus was industry job opportunities, as well as shows, parties, concerts and culinary treats rounds.
“ITB Berlin 2019″ was not only for me an exclusive business event where to be, but It also provided an energetic and entertaining atmosphere each day, and for sure I had lots of fun along the way and met amazing people.
At the end of this incredible life experience I went out to my favorite restaurant “Schwarzes Café” with some German friends. It was a way to remember my “Berliner Zeit” and how Berlin added value to my life!
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