ITB Aktuell - ITB Meets the Press

Topical subjects for journalists at the ITB Berlin 2007 Wednesday, 7 March 2007, 1 – 1.45 p.m., Hall 9, ICC Online Travel Overview – Presentation of the latest investigation by PhoCusWright into the markets of Germany, Spain, Italy and France

The data and analyses have been obtained from the European Online Travel Overview produced by PhoCusWright, and they examine the European online travel market in its entirety, by specific countries, and according to market segments and sales channels (offline compared with online, and online direct compared with online intermediary). The following countries have been investigated in greater detail: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the UK. Altogether this market survey encompasses the EU-15 countries, Switzerland and Norway.

The presentation examines the report’s estimates of market volumes, market shares and data forecasts, and its analysis of the strategies and future prospects for this market, as they apply to tour operators, online travel agencies and suppliers (arranged according to sectors), online market penetration in specific countries, leading online travel agencies according to market share, growth trends for specific countries according to markets, penetration of the website supplier market according to sectors etc.

Taking part in the discussion: Michael Cannizzaro, Manager Information Services,
Lorraine Sileo, Vice President Information Services, PhoCusWright

Thursday, 8 March 2007, 1 – 1.45 p.m., Hall 9, ICC

Investment Ranking 2007 of the leading hotel companies in Germany

Room rates are stagnating, the hotel market is becoming increasingly saturated, and nevertheless even more international hotel companies are seeking to establish their brand names in Germany. The list of those attempting to secure a foothold in Germany in the medium or long term is a long one. Despite overcapacities and discounting wars that are seriously affecting profits, especially at the upper end of the market, foreign luxury companies and brand names are still striving to gain access to the German market.
Many of these names are synonymous with luxury and will set new standards. The extreme pressure on hotel companies already operating in Germany is mounting. It remains to be seen whether the cards will have to be shuffled again, and this also applies to the investment rankings for the coming year. The TREUGAST Investment Ranking are being published for the eighth time and, in response to the changes taking place on the market, a number of new hotel companies have been included.

Within the framework of the Investment Rankings the TREUGAST Solutions Group is presenting an award that is unique in the international hotel sector: the “Most Wanted Investment Partner TREUGAST Award” for the company which is considered to have achieved the highest value increase in capacity. TREUGAST will be presenting the 2007 award at the ITB aktuell – ITB Meets the Press on 8 March in Berlin, the third time that this presentation has been made there.

Taking part in the discussion: Stephan Gerhard, President and Chairman of the Board of Treugast Solutions Group, Munich/Berlin

Friday, 9 March 2007, 1 – 1.45 p.m., Hall 9, ICC

The Elvia Security Barometer – an informative study for business travel managers

This is a pilot study that has been conducted with travel managers by the VDR in order to determine whether any discrepancy exists between objective security and the actual sense of security felt by those on business trips. The findings are intended to assist decision-makers in companies to be better equipped to identify risk potentials so that, subsequently, they can eliminate such risks with the aid of security systems and products. During the next stage (2008) business travellers will then be questioned in order to find out whether, in the view of decision-makers and the travellers themselves, any further differences exist between objective security and the actual sense of security.

Never before on the German business travel market has there been a study dealing exclusively with this subject. Collaboration with the University of Lüneburg is a guarantee of high levels of competence regarding the scientific methodology and analysis.

Taking part in the discussion: Andreas Krugmann, Key Account Manager, Elvia Reiseversicherungen, Munich

Friday, 9 March 2007, 2 – 2.45 p.m., Hall 9, ICC

Tourism in Germany / Tourism in Europe

Taking part in the discussion: Bettina Knauth, Head of Department, Eurostat F6, European Commission, Luxembourg

The Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat) harmonises, collects and distributes data about the development and structure of tourism in the member countries of the European Union. Basic information about the structure of tourism in the European Union will be provided during this event. In particular the structural differences between Germany and other states of the European Union will be examined. This will be done both from the perspective of "Germany as a destination country" and from the perspective of "Germany as a country of origin".

Friday, 9 March 2007, 3 – 3.45 p.m., Room 43, ICC

Sustainable Tourism Development – A practical guide for decision-makers

Taking part in the discussion: Dr. Auliana Poon, Chief Executive,
Tourism Intelligence International, Bielefeld

Global development – and in particular the worsening state of the environment, the increased threat from natural disasters, the growing requirements of an increasing number of demanding and well-informed customers, who are constantly calling for more responsible products and services, and the important and positive measures being adopted by governments and companies – all indicate that environmentally acceptable tourism is not a luxury item on the agenda but a matter of increasing necessity for the travel and tourism sector.
At the same time more knowledge and experience regarding the introduction and application of environmentally acceptable tourism are now available. But how can tourism be developed in a way that is both environmentally correct and responsible? What can we learn from the good and bad experiences of others?
This presentation is intended to provide some new findings for all those who want to help their companies and destinations to grow, but in an environmentally sound way.