On Wednesday, 9 March 2011, high-ranking visitors from destinations along the Silk Road will attend ITB Berlin. Leading decision-makers will gather at the UNWTO Silk Road Ministers’ Summit to shape UNWTO’s global vision of tourism along the Silk Road. Last year UNWTO approved the Silk Road Action Plan, a joint agreement that aims to use the Silk Road brand to promote development of sustainable tourism in more than 25 countries. Speakers will present the action plan over the course of three sessions, debate marketing and social media strategies, and will discuss what measures can be taken to make travelling easier in order to boost tourism.
Raimund Hosch, CEO of Messe Berlin, is enthusiastic about the partnership with UNWTO: “I look forward to welcoming delegates from destinations along the Silk Road at the first UNWTO Silk Road Ministers’ Summit. This event gives us a unique opportunity to exchange our ideas on how tourism along the Silk Road can thrive in a modern environment.“
Taleb Rifai, General Secretary of UNWTO: “The Silk Road is a fascinating tourism brand. Together we will show why investing in Silk Road tourism will help strengthen local economic structures and alleviate poverty. In addition we would like to contribute to conserving natural resources and to preserving the cultural heritage for future generations.“
On Thursday, 10 March 2011, from 10 to 11.30 a.m., at Großer Stern between Halls 10 and 11, the Silk Road B2B Tour Operators’ Networking Event will provide information on how tour operators can promote sales of tours along this historical route. Representatives of the tourism industry at the event will be able to discuss issues concerning the most popular travel routes, as well as the easiest way to organize visas for multiple trips.