ITB Berlín 2017: Decepción entre muchos expositores

Messe Berlin había estado circulando comunicados de prensa que indicaban cifras récord de participación, sin embargo, muchos expositores de la ITB se sintieron decepcionados en la ITB 2017 en Berlín este año.

The largest travel industry event in the world had record visitors from Berlin on public visiting days, but business on trade days appeared to be more quiet.  On Thursday many exhibitors and visitors left Berlin early due to an airport strike canceling almost every flight leaving from both airports in Berlin.

Los taxistas dijeron que el negocio de eTN es mucho menor en comparación con años atrás.

eTN talked to 50 exhibitors. 45 told eTurboNews ITB 2017 was less busy and it was not worth their investment considering the very high rate ITB is charging to exhibit.  With ITB Asia, ITB China in place, with WTM having regional trade shows in Africa, South America, and Asia- there may be too many events to compete for the same market.

Los visitantes dijeron que las tarifas de los hoteles se mantienen altas, a pesar de que muchos hoteles no estaban completos durante la ITB de este año.

Many exhibitors told eTN,  quality buyers were missing. As it has been for decades the number one complaint was: Long walks to get from point A to B. It made on time appointments impossible.

Visitors, journalists, and exhibitors were unhappy with the new event venue City Cube. City Cube events had low participation. Long walkways, confusing signing made it less attractive to attend events, press conferences, and seminars.

Some journalist were displeased with ITB public relations management making it a challenge to obtain accreditation. An eTN reporter was interrogated to give details of articles he presented to get media accreditation.

Muchos ven la ITB Berlín como un monopolio, y puede que aún lo sea, pero la competencia es obviamente cada vez más fuerte.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality sums it up for eTN: The biggest beneficiary is Germany which hiked accommodation rates three-fold. I think ITB should not come out as a cash cow, but be the premier  global meeting point, otherwise it starts loosing it’s value. Stakeholders at all costs should not blackmail  ITB visitors through unhelpful strikes which scare traders prematurely out of the destination before deals are concluded. Otherwise our stand reported brisk business, and we in for the long haul

 

 

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