Members of the Philippine travel trade and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are gearing up to present the sights, sounds and tastes of the country at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB Berlin), the largest travel fair in the world.

"ITB Berlin has always been an important event for the industry. Our private sector can meet the most number of business contacts from around the globe, as well as direct consumers. The Department will be there to help them present the best of the Philippines and to excite the foreign market to the unique experiences awaiting them," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

The 42nd ITB Berlin takes place from March 5 to 9 at the Center ICC in Berlin, Germany. It is reputed to be the biggest event for the international travel industry. Over 11,000 travel wholesalers, resorts, hotels, airlines, cruises, tourism associations, national tourism offices and other tourism-related enterprises representing 180 countries and territories will be on exhibit for business-to-business transactions and to meet with potential tourists.

The exhibitors will occupy 26 halls installed around the sprawling 160,000 square meter fairground. Over 100,000 business decision makers and more than 70,000 potential tourists are expected to attend the five-day expo.

"What makes this year exciting is that the international travel industry will fix its eye on holiday destinations in Asia. The United Nations World Tourism Organization has identified the region to be one of the more dynamic markets for 2008. This is definitely a great opportunity for the Philippines to build on the momentum gained from last year," Durano stressed.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has reserved 200 square meters of space on which to construct the Philippine pavilion decorated to carry the adventure, diving and tropical beach getaway theme. Tour operators Annset Holidays, Baron Travel, Blue Horizon and Intas Destination Management will conduct tabletop meetings with their counterparts for joint marketing promotions, as well as accommodate inquiries from potential tourists.

Likewise, Pinjalo Resort/Calypso Divers will highlight the country's world-renowned diving attractions to the watersports sector. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines is set to showcase the various access points to the country, as well as their own package tours.