MINISTER FOR TOURISM ATTENDS ITB TOURISM FAIR IN BERLIN

MINISTER FOR TOURISM ATTENDS ITB TOURISM FAIR IN BERLIN

The Malta Tourism Authority has again participated with a large stand at the world's leading tourism exhibition, ITB in Berlin (13 – 15 March 2000). The stand design incorporated the MTA's new logo and colours and it was well received by the trade and the local suppliers who visited the fair.

The Minister for Tourism led a delegation that included senior executives from the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta. Various meetings were held with tour operators from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other suppliers from Central Europe and Eastern Europe. Dr Refalo also hosted and addressed a well-attended press meeting for travel journalists from these countries. Other meetings were also held with MTA's representatives in Eastern Europe and as well with the authority's advertising agents. Dr Refalo also met with other Ministers for Tourism from neighbouring Mediterranean countries. ITB was this year also attended by the Minister for Gozo who discussed various initiatives that will continue to improve tourism to the sister island.

Current indications for tourism from Germany for the current year are highly encouraging and if prevailing plans are achieved Malta might again register another record year for German tourism in 2000. Expectations for tourism are also positive from other central and eastern European markets including Austria, Poland, Czech Republic and Holland.