In photos: Tunisia at the ITB Asia 2017 show

The 2017 ITB ASIA Exhibition held from 25 to 27 October 2017 in Singapore kept its promises, at least for the Tunisian participation which discovered that not only the destination is expected but the demand is far reaching. The event in photos. By Amel DJAIT

The ITB ASIA trade show was full this year. Official figures estimate, although it is difficult to independently verify performance, that the show attracted 940 exhibitors from 113 countries, an increase of 11% over 2016. ITB Asia experienced a 1: 1 ratio for exhibitors and buyers. This year, more than 22,000 business meetings have been recorded and it is not the appointments on the stand Tunisia that will deny the performance.

Indeed, the destination Tunisia has been full: “ITB ASIA has exceeded all our expectations. We did not have a minute for us. The demand is there, urgent and precise. It must capitalize on the brand Tunisia and we organize to better capture market share. We are on the rise and we must pool all efforts and work “summarizes Leila Tekkaya, Director Communication and Public Relation to the National Office of Tunisian Tourism (ONTT).

At this point, it should be recalled that this participation is the first in Asia.

The ITB ASIA 2017 is being held by a “task force” which brings together experts from German international cooperation, professionals and representatives of Tunisian tourism. It is in fact the GIZ which through its presence in Tunisia began since 2016 a program of triangular cooperation “Development of sustainable tourism” between Germany, Costa Rica and Tunisia. This program is part of the project “Fund for the promotion of youth employment in Tunisia” and the project “Regional Fund in Latin America and the Caribbean”. GIZ is mandated by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development “BMZ”.

The program was spread over 3 days: a buyers’ lunch which brought together more than 70 travel agents, tour operators, incentive houses …. A press conference which caught the attention of the local press and a “destination show case” that filled up.

Already promotional programs are in place and several eductours are being validated.

Leila Tekaya, Director of Communication and Public Relations at ONTT during the “Destination Show Case”.

La destination Tunisie est portée par une équipe soudée qui a porté les couleurs de la Tunisie en étant attentifs à tous les détails: habits, bijoux, sourires, diversité, engagements…

Devant une assistance acquise et conquise

La « task force » qui a regroupé des experts de la coopération internationale Allemande, des professionnels et des représentants du tourisme Tunisien ont eu une semaine chargée : plus de 80 rendez-vous professionnels, une conférence de presse pour les journalistes de la région, une réunion avec plus de 70 agents de voyages, tours opérateurs, représentants d’incentive houses,…Une présentation publique, « Tunisia Destination show case», qui a été animée le dernier jour du salon devant une assistance conquise et qui a alterné une présentation de la destination et un focus sur Star wars.

Durant ce Salon, le stand Tunisien a été placé dans le Top 10 des “Must Visit Booths” du Salon, et ce dans le cadre du « Visit to Win ».

L’affluence des opérateurs de Chine, d’Inde, de Thaïlande, de Hongkong, de Malaisie, d’Indonésie était importante

Mehdi Allani présente la destination Tunisie au nom de la Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie ( FTH)

Leila Tekaya ( ONTT) porte un bijou Morjana et Amina Lazhar Sta (FTH) habillée à l’occasion en Gaia, Princesse Elyssa pour présenter au mieux la destination, son histoire, son artisanat….