THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
– Africa’s leading destination partners World’s largest travel trade show –
The International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin 2017 will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 to 12 March on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds ICC. The first three days are exclusively reserved for trade visitors.
The world’s biggest trade fair for travel and tourism is taking place this year for the 51st time.
In 2016, a total of 10,000 companies and organisations from 187 countries exhibited their products and services to around 180,000 visitors, who included 120,000 trade visitors.
ITB Berlin Convention, a conference accompanying the fair which is also the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday to Saturday, 8 to 11 March.
The Convention features leading international speakers who discuss the latest issues impacting the travel industry.
Botswana is the official partner country of ITB Berlin this year and #ilovebotswana is the slogan of the opening ceremony.
On 7 March starting at 6 pm, Botswana will host a colourful and entertaining stage show at the CityCube Berlin.
A selected tour of Botswana’s attractions, including a wealth of wildlife and culture, awaits around 3,000 guests, including many celebrities from the worlds of politics, business, culture and tourism.
Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Dr Brigitte Zypries, and the President of Botswana, HE Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, among other dignitaries, will grace the event.
The ensemble of #ilovebotswana directed by Andrew Kola of the Mophato Dance Theatre comprises 20 male artists and 11 female artists from various performance groups in Botswana. With their dance, music and theatre performances the group will give an impressive interpretation of the wide range of tourist attractions in different parts of Botswana.
“Botswana is Africa’s best-kept secret,” David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, said while announcing the partnership between the ITB Berlin and Botswana last year.
Often referred to as one of the last remaining gems of Africa, the country was quick to realise its potential as a tourism destination soon after its independence in 1966.
Botswana has been exhibiting at ITB Berlin every year since 1984 to make people around the world aware of its special attractions. Next to the diamond industry, the most important sector of its economy, the tourism currently already accounts for five per cent of GDP.
Nelly Sarpong
