[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]The number of international exhibitors at this year’s ITB Berlin will be higher than ever before. More than two-thirds of the exhibitors in the 26 fully booked halls are from abroad. The number of international trade visitors (2013: 40 per cent) at this year’s show is set to rise significantly too. 110,000 trade visitors are expected to attend. From 5 to 9 March 2014 ITB Berlin offers visitors an overview of travel products and services from around the world and of niche markets. At the 48th edition of the world’s largest travel trade show 10,147 companies (2013: 10,086 exhibitors) from 189 countries are represented. On the weekend of the show members of the public can again purchase travel products directly from exhibitors. This year’s partner country Mexico presents its wide range of products and services in Hall 1.1 and hosts the opening ceremony in the International Congress Center (ICC Berlin). Next year, the ceremony will take place in the CityCube Berlin.

Dr. Christian Göke, CEO, Messe Berlin GmbH: “ITB Berlin mirrors the entire value-added chain of the international tourism industry and boasts the world's largest attendance of international exhibitors. ITB Berlin is also a leading knowledge platform. Exhibitors and trade visitors can find out about the latest trends and information on exploiting new markets.“ Travel Technology and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Travel (LGBT) are also among the growth segments at ITB Berlin.