Berlin empty on what should have been day one of ITB

Berlin’s bars and hotels are eerily empty on what should have been the opening day of ITB.

Photos have been shared by Mark Rice, partner at Brand Reach, who regularly attends the trade show and who decided to still go to Berlin this week.

He used social media to ask if anyone else was still planning on travelling to Berlin and if so, whether they fancied meeting to network and socialise.

His post said: "I’m still heading to Berlin as have German meetings that are still happening and as I can’t cancel flights and hotel … lets work in Berlin for a few days :)."

He told TravelMole: "No-one’s replied! But I’m still going."

ITB was due to start today and run until Sunday, March 8, but has been cancelled for the first time in its 54-year history.

Messe Berlin, organisers of ITB, cancelled the event last week after the local health authority implemented extra safeguards for the event amid the growing threat of coronavirus.

The decision was criticised by many in the travel industry, but organisers say they had no choice.

Instead, ITB is asking delegates who have still travelled to Berlin to share details of events and gatherings they are organising at https://www.itb-berlin.de/de/Besucher/Events/.

Details, including title, date, venue, time and brief description of event, name of organiser, and mobile and email contact for enquiries, should be emailed to: [email protected]

Events outside Berlin, digital events and messages by individuals or companies requesting meetings will not be publicised.

Events already online include the Technology Forum at Hotel i31, which started on Tuesday and concludes today; Africa Meeting 2020, running today and Thursday March 5 at GLS Campus Berlin and the Association of Event Organisers (VDVO)’s event at International Club Berlin, on Thursday.

Exhibitors are also being encouraged to share information on new products they had intended to announce to the industry at ITB Berlin 2020 on Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter under the hashtag #whatwewantedtosayatITBBerlin20 at any time.

ITB announced today it has cancelled its ITB India trade fair, due to be held from April 15-17 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Its China trade fair, due to take place in May, has already been cancelled.

Organisers said: "To ensure the safety of ITB India’s exhibitors, buyers and visitors, the organisers decided to postpone ITB India 2020, and in a responsible way allow all participants to make necessary arrangements in a timely manner."

Related News Stories: