Analysts See Robust Year for Greece, Turkey Ahead of ITB Berlin Expo

ITB Berlin 2017 – Greece. Photo Source: ITB Berlin

Analysts are seeing positive signs for tourism in Greece and Turkey ahead of the 52nd ITB set to kick off in Berlin on March 7, Germany’s public broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) reports.

According to DW, tour operators and sector professionals are optimistic about the year ahead referring in large part to Turkey’s recovery — a leading destination among German holidaymakers.

“In Germany, bookings for Turkey have increased by 50 percent compared to a year ago,” said TUI group CEO Fritz Joussen.

“Egypt and Turkey have returned dynamically,” said FTI Group MD Ralph Schiller, adding that the upward trend for Greece will continue.

At the same time, experts are noting that German travelers continue to prefer destinations in Germany, accounting for 30 percent of total bookings.

GfK: More Germans to visit Greece in 2018

In addition, according to a recent survey conducted by GfK, Greece should expect another record of arrivals of German tourists in 2018.

The survey, conducted on behalf of the German Travel Association (DRV), underlined that following an impressive 30 percent increase in German arrivals last year, it is estimated that Greece this summer will have a strong double-digit growth from Germany.

ITB Berlin 2018 is set to host over 10,000 exhibitors and organizations from 180 countries, and some 110,000 trade visitors are expected to attend one of the world’s largest travel trade shows.

The five-day event will be open to trade guests only on the first three days of the show (March 7-9). Visitors can attend over the weekend. More information on www.itb-berlin.com.