The Balearics will be making a big play in Berlin. | RUIZ COLLADO

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The ITB Berlin Tourism Fair opens this week with German tour operators hoping that bookings will pick up in the wake of the fair.Unlike the UK market, which has experienced an early rush on summer holidays, primarily thanks to the strength of the pound, the  market has been sluggish in Germany and tour operators and travel agents in Germany hope for better business after this  week’s ITB after a generally low-key start to the peak holiday booking season.
Economic conditions in Germany remain good for consumers with low inflation, rising salaries and rising employment, and according to various market surveys and forecasts issued in recent weeks the German holiday market is set for continued solid low growth this year.
The Balearics, however, hope to be able to capture the attention of its largest market, once again, although Egypt and Greece are attracting a great deal of interest from the German market this year. By all accounts, competition is going to be tough.
Nevertheless, over the next four days, the Balearic stand is going to be used as a showpiece for all things great and new about the region.
The emphasis is going to be on sports, cultural and gastronomic tourism, for example, with Palma, Calvia, Manacor, Felanitx and Cala Millor all having their own individual stands at the fair under the umbrella of the Spanish Tourist Board, Turespaña.
Today, students from the Balearic Hostelry School will be preparing  a special Balearic food tasting session and later, the 54th edition of the Pollensa Music Festival will also be presented.
Palma, in particular,  will be promoting its new idea to convert the city into a sporting capital by unveiling the host of international sporting events it has organised for this year.