ITB continues to attract Asia

DESPITE its European location, ITB Berlin remains a priority show for the Asian tourism industry. In fact, more countries fromAsia are present than at any other shows:Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan or Uzbekistan, Bhutan, Laos or Mongolia have been regular visitors for many years.

ITB is also becoming a first international test market for many companies or countries.North Korea had a modest presence this year with regions such as East Java, Krabi and Phuket.

Over 171,000 visitors –both consumers and the trade- were recorded by ITB organisers, emphasising once more the importance of the fair. The absence of Brunei this year was particularly noted by many professionals, who did not understand the “rationale” of its absence just because of Royal Brunei Airlines’ sudden suspension of its route Bandar Sri Begawan-Frankfurt.

“Borneo is an increasingly interesting market for Europeans and we can only regret Brunei decision,” said one trade agent from Sabah.

ITB is also the opportunity for many tourism ministers to introduce themselves in the international front. One of the most awaited press conferences was the first public appearance in front of an international audience of Thailand’s new minister of tourism, Weerasak Kowsurat. He reaffirmed the strong support of his government to tourism development as “it is one of the key drivers of Thailand’s economic growth as it plays an increasingly important role in the country’s national economic and social development.”

Kowsurat announced officially the government’s launching of a “Visit Thailand Year” which will take place between 2008 and 2009. The aim is to attract high quality tourism as well as investors “with a higher sense of awareness of the diversity of global cultures and environment,”explained Weerasak Kowsurat. One of the most ambitious projects is the launching of “Thailand Riviera”. Already mooted by previous Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2005, the project bats to transform the Eastern Coast along the Gulf of Thailand into a high-end luxury seaside product. Most of the development would take place between Chantaburi up to Pattaya and HuaHin. Deluxe private boat transportation from airports to resorts, new world class resorts and spas will be built along the coast. According to Kowsurat, the government will look closely at any development to avoid previous mistakes at other seaside resorts. He promised to strictly resort a recently enacted law on tourism policy - which tries to impeach uncontrolled development.