MALAYSIA IN ITB 2009

The International Tourism Bourse (ITB) better known as ITB is the world’s largest tourism convention which is held yearly since 1966. ITB is the combination of trade exhibition, public exhibition and the biggest professional convention worldwide attracts tens of thousands of visitors, exhibitors and media representatives every year and was held in Internationales Congress Centrum Berlin (ICC Berlin or Messe Berlin). This year the ITB was held from 10 – 14 March 2009.

This year was Malaysia’s 35^th participation in ITB. Like previous years, the Malaysia participation in ITB saw the involvement of more than 60 organisations involved in the tourism sector in Malaysia spearheaded by Malaysia Tourism Promotional Board (Tourism Malaysia). This year also saw the involvement of the various state promotion agencies from Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Penang, Langkawi and Selangor. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Firefly were also involved in the ITB as well as tour agents and hotels to support and promote Malaysia.

The main attraction for the Malaysian booth at the ITB this year was the Orang Ulu Long House or “Rumah Panjang”. The booth recreates the friendly atmosphere found at “Rumah Panjang” where each visitor immediately felt welcomed. This unique atmosphere was further enhanced with a traditional tattoo demonstration by a tattoo artist who was specially flown from Sarawak as well as decorations of Malaysian pictures and exotic plants and animal creating a lush tropical atmosphere. Visitors at the Malaysian booth were also entertained by special “Teh Tarik” demonstration.

The “Malaysian Long House” was awarded Second Place for the Best Exhibitor from the Asia, Australia and Oceania Category by the Cologne Business School (CBS). Other awards won by Malaysia during the ITB were third placed for “Best Destination” category as well as the “Best Tourism Board in Germany” awarded by Go Asia Awards. The “Malaysia Truly Asia” print campaign was also awarded first place in “Print Category” by Go Asia Awards capped Malaysia’s successful year in ITB 2009.

Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin

March 2009