UNWTO events at this year’s ITB Travel Trade Show include a high-level session on tourism trends in the Mediterranean, the Silk Road Ministers’ meeting, a session on consumer protection and a meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection, among others (Berlin, Germany, 7-11 March, 2012).   

Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting (7 March, 11.00 – 12.30, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room) 

Ministers of the Silk Road will meet to discuss how they can work together to capitalize on the revival of the Silk Road. This year’s meeting will include a special session on the importance of route development in strengthening the Silk Road product offer and attracting investment. The Ministers’ Meeting will be followed by the VIP Walk ‘Flavours of the Silk Road’ where UNWTO Secretary-General and ITB management will visit 10 countries showcasing the Silk Road’s most celebrated cuisine. 

Tour Operators will convene at the Tour Operators’ Forum on the Silk Road – Creating a stronger business environment for growth (8 March, 11.00 – 13.00, Palais West), to discuss how to overcome the challenges and create opportunities for doing business on the Silk Road. 

For more information, please click here or contact silkroad@UNWTO.org 

High-Level Session on Tourism Trends and Outlook in the Mediterranean (7 March, 14.00 – 15.00, Hall 7.1b, Auditorium London) 

Destinations around the Mediterranean, the world’s most visited region, face a number of challenges; economic, political and environmental. This session, moderated by UNWTO media partner CNN, with Ministers of Tourism from the region and private sector representatives, will address questions such as: What trends are affecting the region? What challenges and opportunities face these destinations in the long-term and how can they adapt to changing market conditions? In view of the UNWTO forecast Tourism Towards 2030, what is the outlook for the region over the next two decades? 

For more information, please click here or contact comm@unwto.org   

First Meeting of the Global National Tourism Organizations (NTO) Think Tank – Creating value through collaboration (7 March, 16.00 – 18.00, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room) 

A joint initiative of UNWTO and the European Travel Commission (ETC), the Global NTO Think Tank will provide an opportunity for NTOs from around the world to collaborate on common issues and strategic priorities. 

By invitation only. For more information, please contact eterzibasoglu@unwto.org 

UNWTO Press Conference – International tourism results and World Tourism Day 2012 (8 March, 12.00 – 14.00, ICC, Hall 4/5) 

The UNWTO Secretary-General will present the tourism trends and figures for 2011 and outlook for 2012. 

UNWTO will also launch the World Tourism Day 2012 official celebrations with the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego Cortés, under the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill, will also be present to highlight the joint efforts of WTTC and UNWTO in advancing a common agenda on visa facilitation as a driver of economic growth and job creation.  

For more information, please contact comm@UNWTO.org