Sampling the World
Faraaz Abdool reports from the international tourism marketplace ITB Berlin held in Germany in March. All photos courtesy Faraaz Abdool The world’s largest tourism trade fair - commonly known as the ITB has been held annually in Berlin Germany since 1966. The Internationale Tourismus-Börse which means “international tourism market,” seems to include all aspects of natural history and culture, from all over the world. Every year tourism players from across the world journey to Berlin to display, promote, and make new connections to improve their tourism industries, to enhance attractions and pull visitors. It is an opportunity to network, learn and gain new insight into what might be marketable. While government agencies such as tourist boards, ministries, and foreign offices occupy significant floor space, there are several exhibitors - cruise lines, airlines, hotels, tour operators - that offer services to multiple countries. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre draws at