Airlines and tour operators worldwide are suffering from the recession as companies spend less money on their business travel and tourists cut their travel budgets too.Travel trade expert Dörte Bortfeldt said the effects are widespread: “People are booking different kinds of trips, for example short getaways. But fancy, expensive holiday are OK because richer clients are less affected by the crisis.”
Topics being debated in Berlin include how travel companies can cut their costs and better cope with the economic crisis.
The industry is also lobbying governments to make sure it is not forgotten as money is allocated for economic stimulus packages.
Global tourism was down one percent in the second half of 2008 after expanding five percent in the first half.
On the world’s biggest travel trade fair is also attend Adjara Tourism Association (ATA) and is presented by the CIM Expert and ATA Consultant Mr. Kurt Heinz Reitz. ATA considers the ITB in Berlin as the best possibilities to get more information about the activities from several international tourism companies and association under economic crisis and tries to establishing contacts with various potential partners – tour companies, associations etc.  This experience will be very helpful for our Association and Member of Association.