DUSHANBE, March 5, Asia-Plus  -- Representatives from some 20 Tajik tourist companies are participating at a tourism exhibition “ITB Berlin 2008” that started in Berlin on March 3 and runs through March 9, Bakhtiyor Hamdamov, the deputy head of the Committee for Youth’s Affairs, Sports and tourism, said.    

According to him, it is for the first time that such a large delegation represents Tajikistan at this authoritative tourism forum.  It has become possible due to financial support of the government, which has provided $14,500 to support participation of the delegation in the exhibition, Hamdamov said.   

“There will be several stands in Tajikistan’s pavilion – eco tourism, adventure tourism (a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote and exotic areas) and mountain tourism in Tajikistan,” the deputy head said. 

ITB Berlin is a prime meeting place, a marketplace, and a driving force behind the entire industry.  The exhibition area and various segments, along with the comprehensive congress program and supporting events represent the entire product spectrum of the tourist industry. At the same time, they form the basis for the development of new ideas, global approaches and targeted marketing.

ITB is the ideal forum for establishing new customer contacts and conducting business and guarantees high-quality customer contacts.  ITB attracts high-ranking professionals with decision-making powers and shows a steady increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors. The composition of ITB Exhibitors represents the entire service spectrum of the worldwide tourist industry.  

With 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries and regions, ITB represents the full spectrum of global tourism at all levels of the value added chain like tour operators, booking systems, travel destinations, airlines, hotels and rental cars.

The proven geographical layout of the ITB will be maintained, complemented by a number of sections on special themes: Travel Technology, ITB Trends & Events with Youth Travel, Eco Tourism and Experience Adventure, Cruiselines, Cultural Tourism, the ITB Book World, "Training and Education in Tourism" and the ITB Congress, which will be presented under a new name: Market Trends & Innovations.