The annual International Travel Fair in Berlin (ITB) kicked off yesterday, and is one of the world’s largest conventions of its kind.

Overall, 110,000 trade visitors are expected to attend. On March 5 – 9, the ITB Berlin offers visitors a representative overview of products and services from around the world and of growth-intensive niche markets. At the 48th edition of the world’s largest travel trade show 10,147 tourism companies from 189 countries will be represented on a display area covering 160,000 square metres.

Kefalonia, the Greek island that was rocked in early February by two strong earthquakes, will offer an extensive presentation to its visitors. The Greek National Tourism Organization informs the world that the Ionian Island remains a safe destination and will be open for business –as usual - this summer.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefaloyianni signed an agreement, on March 5, for the development of tourism for seniors and wellness tourism with German Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Hans Joachim Fuchtel. Approximately 2.5 million German tourists are expected to visit Greece in 2014, according to data from bookings and data from the Berlin fair, showing an increase of over 10% compared to last year for this year's tourist season. Also, bookings from Great Britain have increased by 20% and those from Austria by 40%. According Kefalogianni, efforts are focusing on lengthening the tourism season especially after summer, to the autumn and spring.

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