Despite global crises, the tourism industry displayed confidence at ITB Berlin 2024 which concluded in Berlin on Thursday.
CEO of Messe Berlin, Dr. Mario Tobias said, “ITB Berlin again mirrored industry developments. The mood among exhibitors, visitors and speakers was very positive throughout. They generally agreed that people’s desire to travel is not merely satisfying pent-up demand after the pandemic, but that it will remain basically stable. Neither inflation nor high energy prices appear to be curbing demand.”
Sri Lanka too participated with 68 travel companies and SriLankan Airlines which operate three weekly flights to Frankfurt. Germany is currently the third top source market for Sri Lanka Tourism after Russia and India from March 1 to 9 with 4,110 arrivals and accounting for 10% of market share.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion featured hotels and hotel groups, DMCs and other exhibitors. The new brand logo, tagline and campaign of Sri Lanka Tourism was unveiled at the stand under the auspices of Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando and with the participation of key industry leaders to showcase the uniqueness of Sri Lanka and highlighting its diversity that is unmatched by any other island of its size in Asia.
Despite widespread strikes, this year’s ITB Berlin recorded a slight increase with nearly 100,000 people – a result that exceeded expectations in the face of challenging circumstances.
Over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries illuminated the three business days, occupying all 27 exhibition halls at the Berlin exhibition grounds.
