Travel syndrome makes a comeback

The magnet of tourism is at times an inexplicable phenomenon perhaps related to man’s quest for knowledge or just to see if the neighbour’s grass is really greener! However, the travel bug seems to be contagious as competitors vie with each other while trying to attract a bigger market share at the tourist bazaar.

Germany is a veteran in this field and in fact the world’s biggest tourism fair, the ITB (Internationale Tourismus Boerse )Berlin, is opening its doors for the public tomorrow. An interesting and unforeseen feature in this fair is how certain countries are trying to sell themselves as tourist attractions given the recent wave of uprisings which materialised or are still taking place in certain Arab states. This is not to say that such countries are out of bounds but in some cases one surely has to be the intrepid tourist to venture where angels fear to tread.

Consequently with the current background in mind visitors can proceed through the ITB Berlin fair and for the first time since the toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime, visit the Iraqi stand.

Fadhil Al-Saaehg, chief executive of Najaf-based tourism firm Al-Rafidain, says, “This is the first participation in Iraq’s history. This is an ideal chance for Iraq to start interacting with the rest of the world.”

On the same trajectory inquisitive crusaders may opt to visit the stands of Yemen, Egypt, Rwanda or even Libya, and see what these countries have to offer. There is definitely no harm in looking at the menu... getting there at present is a different story.

All in all there is a whole variety of packages related to travelling at ITB Berlin as tour operators and all types of suppliers promise the world to the eternal traveller . It is indeed an excellent opportunity where business partners of the travel industry meet face to face with their customers and offer their wares. If you are one of those who carry the travel bug than this fair is your oyster offering an excellent and colourful possibility to discover the whole world within hours.

The ITB Berlin fair opened to trade visitors from Wednesday and includes more than 10,000 exhibitors from over180 countries.