ITB starts processing refunds
David Ruetz, Head, ITB Berlin, shares that the cancellation of the prestigious event was unfortunate, but refunds will be processed. Also, a new networking platform— itb.com has been launched to offer digital services 365 days a year for the travel indust
ITB Berlin, the prestigious annual travel trade event held in Germany, was cancelled for the year 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. There were a lot of questions emerging after the show was cancelled, especially regarding the refunds and rental fee. Addressing the matter, David
Ruetz, Head, ITB Berlin, says, “For all main exhibitors of ITB Berlin 2020, the advance payment of the stand rental fee, exhibitor tickets and AUMA fee will be refunded. All trade visitor passes for ITB Berlin ordered and paid via the ITB Berlin ticket shop will be refunded. The same applies to the public visitor tickets of ITB Berlin 2020.” The booths at the exhibition were already under construction when the cancellation was announced, which has resulted in losses. Ruetz shares, “The booth designers usually start working one week prior to the show. By the time the cancellation was announced, 40 percent of the stands had already been constructed. We are expecting considerable damage overall, not only for us as a trade fair company, but also for Berlin and the entire travel industry. Due to the timing of the cancellation, we ask for your understanding that all detailed questions regarding ITB Berlin and its subsidiaries must be checked first.” Many people from the industry feel that the decision to call off the show was taken too last minute. However, Ruetz feels, “Messe Berlin has been pointing out for weeks that the decision to hold or cancel major events can only be made according to the recommendation or instruction of the relevant authorities. Only these authorities have the necessary information and expertise to draw the right conclusions. The responsible public health authority of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdor f of Berlin had greatly increased the requirements for holding the event in the early evening (18:27 pm CET, February 28, 2020).” He feels that the tourism industry needs ITB more than ever. “ITB is offering digital services 365 days a year by launching itb.com. We are establishing a completely new networking platform for the world’s travel industry. It spans a bridge between real-life meetings and digital networking, and features innovative tools for business, networking and exclusive content. Hence, at the forward-looking events of the ITB Virtual Convention, leading speakers from ITB will be discussing how the world’s travel industry can harness intelligent strategies to make sure it remains future-proof,” shared Ruetz. He added, “We also wanted to give our partners the opportunity to communicate about all the events they have been planning for the week (4-8 March) away from the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Exhibitors were asked to send us the information about their planned event. Everyone who had news to share with the industry at ITB Berlin 2020 was asked to share the messages on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag: #whatwewantedtosayatITB.”
ITB is offering digital services
365 days a year by launching itb.com. We are establishing a new networking platform for the world’s travel industry