ITB Berlin will open tomorrow with Indonesia as the official partner country for this year’s show, the first time a South-east Asian country has held the position.
Through the theme of Heart Matters, Indonesia will showcase the hospitality of its people and highlight the country’s culinary and cultural icons. Its pavilions in Hall 26A, 16 and 4.1 will feature the country’s latest products, especially for the 16 tourism destinations and seven special interest segments it is focusing on for development.
Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will officiate the opening ceremony alongside German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Meanwhile, Accor has been appointed official partner for Indonesia at the show. Accor’s booths and its annual gala dinner for top buyers and VIPs will bear elements of Indonesian arts and culture.
Accor Indonesia’s president director, Gerard Guillouet, said the timing was perfect for Indonesia to do large-scale promotions.
“Indonesia has suffered in terms of image in the past, but in the last 15 years or so, a lot of effort has been made by the government to put Indonesia on the international map.
“Today Indonesia enjoys an exceptional reputation overseas and is improving more and more, and now we have the opportunity in Europe to (invite travellers) to come to this wonderful country.”
– Look out for our ITB Berlin Daily from March 6-8, 2013
