One of the most anticipated tourism exhibitions, ITB Berlin kicked off on March 8 in the German capital at a time when the sector is facing challenges ranging from terrorism threats to travel bans. Not surprisingly, the expo is making one of its strongest showings in 50 years, with around 10,000 exhibitors from 184 countries promoting their respective countries as prime holiday destinations.
Iran has sent its largest delegate ever--comprising representatives of 35 travel companies, two airlines, Tabriz Municipality and the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways—to the global travel trade show, ISNA reported.
During the opening ceremony, Talib Rifai, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, took a swipe at US President Donald Trump's revised travel ban by calling it "ill-conceived", adding that it fails to increase security.
The travel ban bars citizens of six Muslim-majority countries—Iran, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen—from entering the United States. It also temporarily blocks all refugees.
“In a world that seems increasingly short of tolerance and generosity, we should cherish tourism as a precious pillar of peace amongst communities and nations," he said, according to FTN News. The five-day event will end on March 12.
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