From 11 to 15 March 2009 the focus at the ITB Berlin will be on the European Capital of Culture 2010. This week, the world’s largest travel trade show in Berlin and its partner region, the Ruhr, officially signed an agreement in Dortmund. The following were signatories to the agreement: Dr. Martin Buck for Messe Berlin, Dr. Dieter Nellen and Bernhard Rechmann for Ruhrgebiet Tourismus GmbH. Dr. Fritz Pleitgen, CEO RUHR.2010, and Heinz-Dieter Klink, Director of the Ruhr Regional Association, confirmed the collaboration as strategic partners.

Dr. Martin Buck, Director Competence Center Travel&Logistics, Messe Berlin: “Over the years the topic of cultural tourism has become increasingly important at the ITB Berlin, and among its visitors it is the fair’s second most popular event. We are therefore particularly pleased to be able to present the Ruhr as the official partner region at the ITB Berlin in 2009. As the European Capital of Culture in 2010 the metropolitan region of the Ruhr will be making full use of the opportunities and huge potential that this increasingly important fair section offers. The Ruhr has a convincing and comprehensive tourism concept and with this presentation can lay claim to being a pace-setter at the ITB Berlin”.

The partner region at the ITB Berlin 2009 will organise the opening ceremonies on
10 March in the International Congress Center (ICC) Berlin. During the fair cultural events and culinary delights will represent the region. What is more, during the official opening tour of the ITB Berlin the European Cultural Capital RUHR.2010 will take centre stage with its many products and services and will be presenting itself as a metropolitan region of a very special kind.

Dr. Dieter Nellen, Managing Director, Ruhrgebiet Tourismus GmbH: “The ITB Berlin is the ideal place to present the projects and programmes of the European Capital of Culture, the Ruhr, to an international audience and the tourism industry. Our promotion of the European Capital of Culture in the German capital is aimed at creating interest among the fair’s visitors to discover and experience the metropolitan region of the Ruhr in 2010. Its status as the official partner region at the ITB Berlin guarantees us a level of attention and support that extends far beyond the borders of Europe”.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Scheytt, Managing Director, RUHR.2010: “As the official partner region at the ITB Berlin 2009 the Ruhr will have a unique forum, enabling it to present itself as an attractive travel destination of international standing. The presentation by RUHR.2010 at the ITB Berlin will provide the Capital of Culture with global exposure in front of an audience of tour operators, carriers, journalists and tourists. Thus RUHR.2010 will be able to establish itself as a premium tourism brand which stands for rich cultural diversity and a wide range of tourist offerings in the 53 cities of the Ruhr”.

The cost of the presentation at the world’s largest travel trade show in Berlin is approximately one million euros. The project was founded by Ruhrgebiet Tourismus GmbH and financial support is provided by the following: the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Nordrhein-Westfalen Tourismus e.V., RUHR.2010 GmbH and Regionalverband Ruhr. The afore-mentioned partners have entrusted Ruhrgebiet Tourismus GmbH with the management of the project.Capital of Culture
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