MITT 2014 Begins with Larger Number of International Ministers, New Destinations

This year’s Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (MITT) has grown by more than 13% in the number of international exhibitors.

Ministers from Croatia, Malta and San Marino were in attendance at the official opening ceremony. Furthermore, representatives from the tourism boards of Greece, Italy, Peru, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, Guatemala, the USA, Tunisia, Thailand, Nicaragua, Mauritius, Bulgaria and many other countries were present.

This year the exhibition attracted more than 1,800 exhibiting companies with two-thirds of these exhibitors representing international destinations including a number of new destinations looking to target the lucrative outbound tourism market in Russia. Tourism boards from Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Iceland, Laos, Mozambique and Peru are all exhibiting with national stands.

The islands of Rhodes, Azores, the Balearics and the Canaries are present with their own stands for the first time. Furthermore, the tourism boards of Kerala, Karnataka and Nicaragua have returned to the show after a year’s absence, highlighting the growing importance of the Russian tourism market. The European destinations of Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy and Romania have also added to the strength of the event’s overall international presence, with each country increasing their participation.

Maria Badakh, Sales and Event Director ITE Group commented: “This year’s exhibition reflects the growing interest in Russia as a target market for many destinations and the growing demand in Russia for diverse holidays and new destinations. We are very pleased to welcome this year’s partner country Italy who is participating as part of the Russia-Italy Cross-Year of Tourism.”

MITT traditionally marks the beginning of the region’s spring-summer tourism season. It is Russia’s largest and longest running travel and tourism exhibition, and one of the world’s top five industry events.

MITT is now in its 21st edition and connects over 1,800 companies from more than 190 countries and destinations. The event is a platform where travel trade professionals, government ministers and international press can assess the market/competition; network with existing and new clients, as well as conduct and conclude deals for the following tourism season.

The first three days of the exhibition (19-21 March 2014) are for travel professionals only. The last day of the exhibition (22 March 2014) is open to the general public. Next year MITT will take place on the 18-21 March 2015 and will celebrate its 22nd edition.