Germany Pavilion debuts at ITB China 2019

Shanghai/ Berlin, 15 October 2018 – With the help of an initiative by Verband Internet Reisevertrieb e.V. (VIR), Germany’s leading association for the digital travel industry, German tourism companies are due to make a joint appearance at ITB China 2019, which will take place from 15 to 17 May 2019 in Shanghai. The organisers are planning to set up a combined stand for German tourism companies aiming to present themselves and their products and services at the three day B2B travel trade show exclusively focused on the Chinese Travel Market. “Our aim is to jointly represent the German tourism industry at this important trade show and to establish the stand as the meeting place for tourism professionals and Chinese companies who are looking to forge business ties with German firms“, said Michael Buller, chairman of the VIR. Interested companies will not only be able to present themselves on the stand during the three days of the show, but will also benefit from a wide-ranging programme of events organised by the VIR. “With more than 2,9 million overnight stays today China is the most important source market for the German incoming tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Until 2030 we see potential for then 5,0 Million overnight stays”, says Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board. “The cooperation with VIR at ITB China is an important part of our marketing activities in this developing region. We have started some very successful projects with Chinese Online Travel Companies, yet, and will still increase our marketing portfolio to tap the big potential in this growing market”. In cooperation with ITB China, the VIR has put together a package for German companies exhibiting at ITB China 2019, which includes their own information counter on the combined stand, an entry in the online catalogue of ITB China, two exhibitor passes and over 20 appointments with buyers from China, as well as furniture and personal support on the stand. “This is invaluable especially for companies which have yet to establish relations in China and have no knowledge of the local market“, the chairman said. “They can rely on getting to know exactly the right contacts in Shanghai.” David Axiotis, General Manager ITB China: “This year, for the first time, VIR travelled to Shanghai with a 20-strong German delegation to attend ITB China 2018 and gain an insight into how Chinese travel companies work. The participants were impressed by the speed, dynamic nature and intensity of China’s digital transformation, in particular in large cities. I am glad to see the trip has left a lasting impression to the delegation. ITB China is happy to offer an important access for companies focusing on China in the future.” Both companies belonging to the VIR and other firms may exhibit in the Germany Pavilion. For more information please contact Lara Hass at lara.hass@v-i-r.de. Exhibitors can register for ITB China 2019 at contact@itb-china.com.