"With more than 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries, ITB Berlin is of great importance for the global tourism industry. We take our responsibility for the security and the health of our guests, exhibitors and employees very seriously. It is with a heavy heart that we have to look at the necessary cancellation of the ITB Berlin 2020," stated Christian Göke, chairman of organizers Messe Berlin.

The fair was due to open March 4th, but concerns grew over the viability of hosting huge numbers of visitors as Germany recorded a jump in the number of infected residents.

There are less than 30 cases in Germany, but ITB Berlin is a huge event attended by thousands of travel trade professionals from all over the world. Officials fear that opening the borders to attendees may spike the cases in the country.

Maritime Business World