From 7 to 11 March 2007 the focus at the world’s largest travel trade show taking place in Berlin will be on its partner country India.

“As a principal destination for business travellers and tourists India has now established a firm place in world tourism, in particular it is also becoming more and more important as a source for Europe’s incoming market”, said Dr. Christian Göke, COO of Messe Berlin.

“Due to the country’s political stability, its strong economy, and an increasingly favourable business and investment climate, the growth prospects are substantial. ITB Berlin is the ideal platform for convincing future holidaymakers that this destination has unique tourism to offer.” “As the partner country of ITB 2007 India will be organising the opening ceremonies with an attractive supporting programme of cultural events on the eve of the fair, which numerous figures from politics and business will attend”, says A. K. Misra, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism India.

A long-standing exhibitor at ITB Berlin

Since the very beginning India has always been well represented at ITB Berlin. In 2006 this nation first occupied its own display hall covering 2,000 square metres. Since 2005 an India Forum featuring top-ranking panel members has been held as part of the ITB Convention Market Trends & Innovations. With annual GDP rates at seven to eight per cent this is a country offering an enormous growth potential. The population of its growing middle classes has already reached 300 millions, each year per capita income increases by four to five per cent, and travel expenditure per person is more than doubling.
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