The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tourism

  • Caribbean for Akwaaba fair

    The Caribbean Tourism Organization will exhibit at Akwaaba Travel Market and host the Caribbean Panel discussion at Eko Hotel, Lagos. The Akwaaba travel fair kicks off tomorrow and will end on Tuesday, September 24.

    The topic of African Heritage of the Caribbean Connecting the Dots takes centre stage at the fair where the Caribbean Tourism Organization has been invited to lead a high level panel discussion.

    During the session, the keynote address will be delivered by Dr Kerry Hall, Director of Tourism Product Development in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados. Dr Hall will share historical facts on the English-born settlers living in Barbados who required more land to expand the island’s thriving sugar industry.

    They sailed to North America, bringing along enslaved black Barbadians and white Barbadian indentured servants. Not only did the plantation-based system of enslaved people define the economy of the American South, but Charleston in South Carolina still reflects the African and Barbadian Heritage and proudly maintain Gullah traditions.

    Dr Hall declared the connection between Africa, Barbados and Charleston is a story that needs to be showcased to the world. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to share the fascinating yet little known linkages which bind Barbados and Charleston. We recently launched the documentary ‘Beyond Barbados: The Barbados Carolinas Connection’ and will also showcase the documentary during Akwaaba Travel Market.

    Other esteemed panel members include His Excellency Wendell De Landro, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and His Excellency Esmond Reid, High Commissioner of Jamaica to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    High Commissioner De Landro will discuss how the Africa Caribbean Heritage has influenced diaspora and international tourism in Trinidad and Tobago and the impact that this has had on establishing Trinidad Carnival as one of the most renowned carnivals in the world.

    High Commissioner Reid will talk on how Jamaica’s music and heritage have been strongly influenced by Africa and the Rastafarian movement. These influences have enriched Jamaica’s position as a leading destination for travellers seeking an authentic cultural experience.

    Fabien Anthony, co-founder and Chairman of the Pan-African Council, will address the Caribbean roots of Pan-Africanism, including opportunities to foster connections and strategic partnerships between Africa and its diaspora in the Caribbean and North America that will lead to impactful opportunities for youth and communities.

    Anthony will also promote Diaspora tourism as a lever for education, cultural exchange, community leadership and economic opportunities. Sharon Palacio, Chairperson from In2Belize Travel and Tours and leading Garifuna Specialist from Belize will discuss the African Heritage of the Garifuna people, enslaved West Africans who washed ashore on the Caribbean Island of St Vincent around 1635 while likely on their way to the mines and plantations in the Americas.

    Palacio will also highlight how their legacy is preserved today through culture and heritage.The panel organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will be moderated by Carol Hay, CTO’s Director of Marketing UK & Europe.

    Hay said: “We welcome the opportunity to participate in Akwaaba Travel Market with such a dynamic panel of speakers. The theme for the travel market, ‘The Year of the Return’, commemorates 400 years since the first Africans were enslaved, taken from their homeland and brought to the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas.

    “We have a vibrant story to tell, a rich heritage to share and really see this as an opportunity to connect the dots on all levels, including the opportunity to promote tourism and trade between Africa and the Caribbean.”

  • NCAC to promote Nigerian fabric culture

    Manufacturers of local fabrics and those in the fashion business will get a boost as the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is set to reposition the sector.

    The NCAC, which has already taken the lead in the promotion of indigenous fabrics, is set to expand the scope by adopting new strategies to empower local fabric producers and fashion designers in the country.

    This development was made known by the Director-General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, when he received a delegation from Bridge Concepts led by its leader,  Bimbo Daramola.

    Speaking during the visit, Daramola noted that the group was in NCAC to collaborate with the council on his idea, The Fabrics of Nigeria, which will see the elevation of indigenous fabrics to global prominence.

    He said: “We intend to bring all the fabrics of Nigeria like adire, ankara and so on to the global limelight just as we also came to commend the DG who has always demonstrated a Midas touch everywhere he has been, starting from the National Orientation Agency to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and now NCAC with excellence all the way.”

    He extolled Otunba Runsewe for his initiative in using local fabrics for playing golf, saying the idea was novel and has gained international traction just as he seized the moment to commend Runsewe for taking the fight to characters like Bobrisky who are negating the cultural identity of Nigeria.

    The former parliamentarian, who established the public relations outfit 22 years ago, recalled that they designed the logo used at the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja with Runsewe responsible for its huge success, especially in publicity.

    “The Fabrics of Nigeria project seeks to get all stakeholders on board, including global players, because the industry is a low hanging fruit. Without fabrics and garments, there is no fashion, even President Buhari is a product of the fabric industry. Nigeria will again stamp its presence in international platforms,” said  Daramola.

    He concluded by soliciting for the government’s buy-in and NCAC support going forward.

    On his part, Runsewe said he had always nursed the idea of popularising Nigerian fabrics as evident in the adire bags, shoes, backpacks and pouches which the council currently produces in partnership with local manufacturers.

    The DG expressed commitment to the idea proposed by Bridge Concepts recalling his introduction of “Nigerian dress culture” in 2010, using purely made in Nigeria fabrics to encourage the industry and create jobs for Nigerians.

    He pledged his support to create a workable template that will project the Nigerian dress culture across board, saying, “we will start with a joint press briefing where all media personalities in attendance will wear local fabrics on the day.

  • Ooni of Ife receives first Africa Travel Award

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja11, has been presented with the first Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Award by the organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market.

    The Ooni, who is the special guest of honour for the African Diaspora Tourism Conference holding at the 15th Akwaaba Travel Market, is the custodian of 15 famous festivals. Among these is  the Olojo festival held  in October every year.

    The Africa Travel 100 Award, now in her 18th year, has recognized, over the years leaders, industry practitioners and the government officials who have promoted tourism and improved travel using unique platforms and new information.

    African Tourism Diaspora Conference 2019 is to mark the 400 years of slavery. Slavery is a very sensitive topic that has created an uncomfortable relationship between Africa and its diaspora. The conference is an opportunity to celebrate the merging of Africans, Americans, Caribbeans and the rest of the world during this memorable gathering expected in Lagos.

    Africa with 54 countries and a population of 1.2 billion has an unbelievable tourist attraction. The Caribbean and African diaspora have a unique culture, rich heritage and beautiful destinations for tourists, hence the need to connect and combine these wonderful cultures and population, creating a huge global market.

    The African Diaspora Tourism Conference presents a platform to discuss, initiate, dialogue and celebrate a new relationship. However, the recognition of Africa as a beacon of hope for African people living on the continent and in the Diaspora to explore, relate and live using the African Diaspora Tourism Conference as the African Platform for the foundation of this long-lasting relationship. Posterity will remember that the improvement was earned not by coincidence, but by conscious efforts to validate the struggles, strengths and linkages between African descendants on a Pan-African scale.

    The African diaspora and Africa have the same unique culture, rich heritage and beautiful destinations for tourism and trade, therefore, there is a need to connect and combine these wonderful cultures and population as a market for mutual benefit.

    The African Travel 100 Global Personalities Award will take place during the 15th AKWAABA African Travel Market at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, September 23. Akwaaba African Travel Market is from  September 22 to 24.

    AKWAABA, also known as Africa Travel Market (AFTM), serves to bring travellers, airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, state tourism boards, foreign trade and other tourism sectors together for networking, promotional and business purposes.

    Now in its 15th year, the AKWAABA events have been successful and have attracted exhibitors from over 25 countries and numerous attendees from around the globe. Some confirmed countries include Ghana, Benin, Togo, The Gambia, Caribbean tourism organizations, AU CIDO, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.

  • BTM partners CWT

    Business Travel Management Ltd (BTM) has announced partnership with CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel), the business-to-business-for-employees (B2B4E) travel management platform.

    Operating under the CWT brand in Nigeria, the company aims to elevate the standard of travel management in the region and, by partnering with a global B2B4E travel management platform, BTM will bring further focus and cohesion to positively impact the continent, enhancing value and service delivery levels.

    Business Travel Management Ltd’s (BTM) predecessor travel management company started in 1979. In 1998, it joined a global travel group which evolved in 2006 to specialize in corporate travel and pushed the envelope for managed travel in the region. Business Travel Management Limited (BTM) has earned a reputation as a “one stop shop” for everything travel related.   BTM has been an ISO certified company since 2008.

    Benefits derived from representing the CWT brand in Nigeria include BTM’s ability to now deliver a global standard of service, travel technology and efficiencies locally. The company continues to be the pace setter for travel technology in the region. BTM will now have the ability to provide enhanced customer advice and services without compromising on ethics. It will continue to operate in a developing market and improving industry standards with the support of a globally dominant partner with sustainable business methodology.

    Speaking on the new partnership, CWT Vice President, Francisco Nunez, said: “Nigeria has a rich cultural and economic heritage, especially in natural resources, and corporate travel is a key facilitator of industry here. With BTM, we would like to build on our long-standing reputation for successful travel delivery in the country, and want our brand to be as synonymous with corporate travel as Zuma Rock is with Nigeria.”

    “Business Travel Management Limited is proud to partner CWT. There have been some very exciting changes within the global company that we are looking forward to being a part of. Our company has operated in the managed travel space for almost 40 years as a TMC (Travel Management Company).

    “This is what we do best, efficient service delivery, innovative ideas and cutting-edge travel technology,” said Lola Adefope, Managing Director of CWT in Nigeria (owned and operated by Business Travel Management Limited).

    Mr. Femi Adefowope, founder and chairman of  BTM, said the global evolution of travel business has made such partnership imperative. He said: ‘The evolution of the travel industry is inevitable. With technology underpinning everyday life it is obvious that corporate travellers are going to want the same efficiencies in their Travel Programme that they get in their every day life. Partnering with CWT in Nigeria allows our company to bring new travel technology and ideas to the table. This partnership allows Business Travel Management Limited to remain at the forefront of Travel Technology in the region’.

    Amongst the long-term goals of the partnership between BTM and CWT is for Business Travel Management Ltd to encourage Corporate Brands in Nigeria to improve the efficiency of their travel programme and experience truly professional, open and honest tra

  • Pomp as Ogun community celebrates Ode Oba festival

    There was pomp and ceremony recently at the market square in Itori in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, when the community celebrated the 4th edition of her annual Ode Oba festival.

    At the ceremony, the indigenes of the town, who filed out in colourful uniforms  of their various associations and groups, paid homage to the town’s monarch, Oba AbdulFatai Akamo.

    The event witnessed performances by the Kegites’ Club, traditional poets (Akewi) and hunters’ chants, among others.

    Speaking on the theme of the event: ”Achievements in terms of developmental projects since 2018 till date”, the Otun of Itori, Chief Sikiru Bakare, eulogised Oba Akamo for his uncommon leadership qualities which had helped to accelerate the development of the community since he became monarch.

    Bakare noted that Oba Akamo had used his influence to secure employment for numerous youths in the town leading to improvement in the socio-economic status of beneficiaries.

    ”Numerous sons and daughters of Itori and her environs who were job seekers in 2018 have been gainfully employed through the connection of Olu of Itori, Oba AbdulFatai Akamo.

    ”Kudos must be given to Olu of Itori(Oba Akamo) through whose influence Dangote Group built a block of five classrooms at  Government Primary School at Gas Line along Elere Adubi Road. Kabiyesi (Oba Akamo) being moved to ensure qualitative education for pupils in the school also built a block of three classrooms and food vendors shelter there,” Bakare said.

    Bakare commended Oba Akamo for building two magistrate’s courts, a high court and Chief Judge’s Quarters in the town, adding that’ ‘ Oba Akamo took the bull by its horn and on December 6, 2018, the first ever Itori Magistrate’s Court was commissioned.

    “As we speak, construction work on the high court building and Chief Judge’s Quarters is ongoing. It is hoped that by the next Ode Oba festival, the completion of the second magistrate’s court and Chief Judge’s Quarters would be ready.’’

     

  • The Providence: Another hotel unveiled by Mantis

    The Providence, another hotel by Mantis Hotel Group, has opened in Lagos. The hotel is situated in GRA, Ikeja,  the capital city of the state. Set with a suburban backdrop, away from the energy and excitement of Lagos, the hotel has a modern design, elegant lines. Luxury and class are to be complemented by exemplary service

    Speaking at the launch of the hotel held recently, the Head of Operations,Middle East and Africa, Mantis Group, Emile Muller, said Mantis Group has been in Nigeria since 2005 and it has been making positive impact and contributing to the economy of the state.

    “Initially, when we came, Nigeria was experiencing economic downturn and a lot of hotels were under construction, but currently more people are visiting  Nigeria and for the past 9 months, we have noticed stability” he said.

    Speaking about what would give Providence an edge over other hotels, Muller said it would stand out due to the services it renders and a bit of touch it has put into the hotel.

    “Ours is a lifestyle and very unique when compared to other hotels in Nigeria. Currently, we are on seven continents. Our quality service and standard operating system are in place, hence the reason we were recently honoured as the best hotel in Nigeria”, he said.

    Narrating how it all began, the Chairman, The Providence by Mantis, Hyacinth Oseji, who is also into real estate, said he always found it difficult getting a quality hotel with all the required facilities to lodge whenever he is at Ikeja environs and even Lagos.

    ” This was what brought about the birth of The Providence by Mantis. We were able to get expert in getting the desired concept. It is a world-class project and the project was executed within two years”, said Oseji.

    On his part, the Sales/Marketing Manager, The Providence by Mantis, Emeka ThankGod, said: “The hotel is well furnished to taste. That is why the calibre of clients we expect for patronage are the upper class people, so it’s not just for everybody. We just started a few weeks ago and I must tell you that the patronage has been wonderful.”

    The 79 hotel rooms comprising of 37 Standard Rooms, 29 Deluxe Rooms, five Junior Suites, three Executive Suites, two Diplomatic Suites and three Penthouse Suites. The hotel services include : 24- hour concierge, 24 hour complementary WiFi, parking lot, transfer on request, among others.

    The Providence by Mantis, according to some of the guests at the launch, was a masterpiece. In the words of the Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, she got to know about the hotel in US “and after having done my research about the place and discovered that it has the best facilities. I’ve been recommending it to people of high repute”, she said.

  • African airlines need greater market share, says Ethiopian Airlines’ COO

    Mesfin Tasew, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ethiopian Airlines (ET), has said a situation in which African airlines control only 20 per cent of the continent’s aviation market is not healthy for the growth of the industry.

    Tesaw, who is also in charge of ET’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) section, said this while speaking with travel journalists during a recent official visit to Nigeria.

    He said the current situation whereby non-African airlines control about 80 per cent of the aviation market does not augur well for the continent.

    His words: “You might have heard from different sources that today around 80 per cent of African traffic are carried by non-African carriers. It means African shares are only 20 per cent. That 20 per cent is carried by Royal Air Marroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air and South African Airlines mainly. The others are very small airlines.

    “There is a big market for African airlines. We have to take our reasonable shares from this market. But we can only take these shares when we Africans partner. We are brothers as African citizens. That is what we are encouraging. Unfortunately, many start-up African airlines didn’t succeed. Some will start up and close. The problem is internal capacity, capacity in leadership, capacity in deployment of resources.

    “We don’t have the right vision individually, so we have to cooperate on commercial front, maintenance, technical fronts, in developing human resources. One of the critical problems of African airlines is that we don’t have enough trained aviation professionals, so we have to cooperate, but unfortunately, we didn’t succeed for different reasons.

    “One is lack of leadership, commitment from African governments and lack of discipline from those leading those African airlines. Airline business requires  discipline, discipline in leadership and commitment. We have to calculate that if you don’t control your cost, you won’t succeed. If you cannot develop a long time strategy, you cannot succeed. So the government has to play an active role, the driver role in facilitating the development of the sector”.

    Tesaw also spoke on the recent closure of the Enugu Airport and how Ethiopian Airlines, the only international airline that lands at the airport, would cope: “Since the Enugu Airport is closed, to serve people in that region, we have planned to shift our operations to the Port-Harcourt Airport until when Enugu is ready. We will go back there.”

    On ET’s massive investment in the MRO Department, he said: “As at today, ET has the biggest MRO facility in Africa. We repair all Boeing models of aircraft, except 747. We also repair Airbus A350 aircraft, the newest aircraft. We repair the Bombardier Q400 in Addis Ababa. We have six hangars; we have big engine shops; we have several components repair shops. We have been doing this for several decades now.

    “Primarily, it was developed to support the operations of Ethiopian Airlines. We are supporting different African airlines from different parts of Africa, including Asky in Togo. I came from Addis Ababa yesterday, and I saw Arik Air Q400 going to Addis Ababa for  check. We repair many aircraft from Nigeria, including former Air Nigeria, Chachangi and Bellview airlines. We support many of them, even we have our engineers here supporting them.”

    Tesaw said ET is not pleasantly disposed to having an MRO partner in Nigeria to work jointly. His words: “We are looking for a dependable partner to jointly establish MRO facility in Nigeria. We had some discussions earlier with some companies including Aero Contractors, but unfortunately we have not reached agreement with any party, but we are still looking for a partner to work together.

    “We are ready and willing to support African carriers in respect of MRO services because it requires investment to establish MRO facilities which small African airlines cannot afford. It  requires trained human resources. We don’t have  many schools to train Africans as aircraft technicians, engineers and pilots. It takes time and experience.

    “You have to get trained people. Even if you get trained people, you need some experience. Most African airlines are small and they cannot afford to have their own MRO facilities, so they need support. So Ethiopian airlines is here to support them in different ways.

    “One approach is that when they do their airline operations, we give them what we call total maintenance support. It means we can send our people to their locations to maintain their aircraft initially. We can also deploy spare parts in their locations, so that they focus on transporting people and goods.

    “As they grow, we encourage them to start their own small MRO capabilities. For example, they can do what we call line maintenance which means they can have few qualified and certified engineers to do small checks when the aircraft fly, like transit checks, rectifying some defects. Then, as they grow further, they can do major airframe maintenance. They can establish small shops to repair the wheels, battery shops and the like”.

  • Sultan, emirs to grace Argungu festival

    The government of Kebbi State will next week hold the Argungu Polo and Cultural Festival. The event will hold at the ancient city of Argungu in Kebbi State. The festival would involve cultural activities and a polo tournament.

    The event will hold next week from Wednesday, September 4 to Saturday, September 7.  The cultural festival and polo tournament will serve as dress rehearsal for the main Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival expected to return in the first quarter of next year.

    Among the dignitaries expected at the event include: the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Bade from Yobe State, Emir of Gwandu, Emir of Yauri and Emir of Zuru. We are also expecting three first-class emirs from Niger Republic.

    Speaking on the event , the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Tourism, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa (Turakin Kebbi), said everything had been put in place for the wonderful cultural-cum-polo fiesta.

    He said: “The Argungu fishing festival is coming back in the first quarter of next year. What we are having is the polo festival that  will serve as a prelude to the fishing festival. We are going to assemble all our artisans to come and participate and display their skills. The only things that would not take place is the fishing competition and the water sports. All other events will take place, especially the wrestling competition, boxing, horse racing, camel racing, and other activities.

    “This time around, we have even introduced bull fighting, and it is even much more interesting than the ones you see in Spain and South America.

    “In terms of the polo event, we are expecting about 15 teams. They will be coming from as far as Lagos. We are partnering the Nigerian Breweries.

    “We have virtually finished everything. We are just waiting for the arrival of participants and spectators.

    “We are expecting about 15 teams for the polo event. We are expecting participants from other states for the other events. We have participants coming from Niger Republic.”

    Kangiwa spoke on what the state and organisers of the festival are doing to bring back the festival.

    He said: “When the stakeholders of the Argungu Fishing Festival-the emir, the state government, the local government and the local chiefs-sat down, we decided to include polo in the activities of the Argungu Fishing Festival.

    “When the fishing festival will be coming back, the first event will be the kick-off of the national polo competition. We want to see how those coming for this event would see the friendliness of the people and  the Argungu ambience would make them come back next year for the main event, that is the fishing festival.

    “In polo, most times, both winners and the runners-up  receive trophies. We are having seven trophies to be competed for. They include the Governor’s Cup, Sultan of Sokoto Cup,  Emir of Argungu Cup, Abubakar Umar Dangiwa Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup and Umar Shinkafi Cup.”

  • Ekiti to prioritise arts, culture

    Ekiti State government has promised to continue in its strive to make the interest of art and culture top priorities in the state.

    This is coming just as the state Council of Arts and Culture has set the necessary machinery in motion for a successful festival of arts and culture in December.

    It was against this background that the state Council of Arts and Culture organised the first Ekiti State Arts and Culture Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme: Arts and Culture for Economic Prosperity.

    Speaking during the recent stakeholders’ forum in Ado Ekiti, the state  governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, noted that his administration believes in arts and culture as a viable tool for socio-economic revival of the society.

    The governor, who was represented at the forum by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, said it is on this basis that the administration organized a well-attended cultural expository and exhibition programme immediately it took over the reins of power in the state.

    While congratulating the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture for working in line with the precepts and vision for which the council is established, Fayemi explained that “it is a known fact that one of the major causes of our current economic woes in Nigeria is that those within the productive age who also have the capacity to contribute immensely to improving the economy are either doing far less than necessary or directing their energy wrongly into areas that do not impact meaningfully on the economy.

    “It is consequent upon the understanding of the immense capacity of the arts and culture sector to impact on the socio-economic well-being of the generality of the people. This administration has continued to ensure adequate commitment, both in budgetary considerations and approval of funds, to the creative sector as symbolized by the council.”

    The governor stated that little or no attention was paid by the past administrations to productive engagement of its artisans, adding that the situation had a frustrating effect on the entire creative workforce of Ekiti State.

    In her remarks, the Ekiti State first lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, while congratulating the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture for organizing the forum, said the programme was the type of interface that could bring about the achievement of transformational agenda of the government.

    She pledged her continuous support for arts and culture as the state  prepares for its festival of arts and culture in December.

    Mrs Fayemi stated that after the tragic interlude, during which the arts and culture sector suffered a backward plunge, the Fayemi administration for the second time is breaking the façade of inactivity within the sector through the commendable initiative.

    The First Lady of Ekiti State pointed out that the strategy of open interaction with the stakeholders is another way of making them part of governance by pointing out to government their basic challenges.

    According to her, “the knowledge that would be gained today would go a long way in widening their horizon on how to effectively access available opportunities that would make them prosper by their trades and innate talents.

    Arts and culture has been one of the prime areas to which the Fayemi administration gives attention. This explains why the administration in its first tenure established the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism as well as the Council for Arts and Culture to harness the great potential of Ekiti people in arts and crafts, develop and market them towards attracting economic prosperity to the people.

  • ITB to debut in India next year

    Messe Berlin, organisers of ITB-Berlin, one of the top travel fairs worldwide, has announced its cooperation with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) to organize  the inaugural ITB India for the year 2020.

    The cooperation was formalised in  Berlin, Germany, by Dirk Hoffmann, Chief Financial Officer of Messe Berlin, Dr. Martin Buck, Senior Vice President, Travel and Logistics, Messe Berlin and Bernhard Steinrücke, Director General of IGCC.

    Messe Berlin (Singapore) will be supporting in organising this premier event in India. With its leading trade show, ITB Asia, it participates in the fastest-growing markets and has been a trendsetter in the Asian tourism world for eleven years now.

    “Our intention was to introduce the strong and successful ITB brand to the Indian market. We are pleased to have the vast network and expertise of IGCC at our side which has over 60 years of experience in developing markets in India.

    “ITB India is the product of our strategic partnership. Together we will establish ITB India as the leading travel trade show in India”, said Dirk Hoffmann, Chief Financial Officer, Messe Berlin.

    “We’re proud to be supporting Messe Berlin in organizing its premier event in the Indian market. As ITB is a renowned international brand, we’re delighted to be a key partner and together, make ITB India the leading travel trade event for the India market”, said Bernhard Steinrücke, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

    The inaugural ITB India will hold between 15 and 17 April 2020 is an annual three-day trade show and convention curated to build the bridge to the Indian travel market.