The world is growing, at least at ITB this year, with a higher than expected number of first time attendance from emeging destinations.

For the first time ever the travel community welcomed the Republic of Kosovo, which became independent just last year, has its stand situated in Hall 3 ( Stand No. 306). This eastern European country was formerly part of Yugoslavia.

Returning after a number of years is the African state of Gabon, with some marvelous presentations of its 13 national game reserves and parks. This west African nation is represented by its tourist authority in Hall 4, (Stand No. 209).

Another returning exhbitor is Tadshikistan at the silk road, who like Gabon had been absent from ITB for a number of years. Their stand is run by Tajik, an association founded 15 years ago in order to develop tourism facilities in the central Asian republic.

The "silk road" pavilion is also home to Turkmenistan.