Together with the Danube Competence Center eight Danube countries are presenting tourism products and highlighting the latest developments along Europe's second-longest river.

"Discover the Danube at ITB Berlin." Eight countries from the Danube – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova – will be inviting visitors to the largest travel trade show to explore the beauty, history, cultural and many other attractions of the Danube region. Numerous events and activities will give visitors an opportunity to get to know the destinations along the Danube and to obtain an overview of the business and tourism potential this region offers in eight different countries.

Located on the stand of MyDanube Travel in Hall 2.2, the Danube Competence Center (DCC) will be presenting its web platform, www.danube.travel, as well as various initiatives promoting the Danube as a travel destination with a wide range of attractions. The focus is on culture-oriented trips, along the Danube Wine Route and the Roman Emperors' Route, for example.

Guided tours of the Danube at ITB Berlin

Measuring 2,888 kilometres the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. Under the heading of 'A joint cultural heritage along the Danube', a two-hour tour will give visitors an impression of the spectacular scenery and the geographical, cultural and historical diversity of the regions along the Danube. On the eight stands hosted by the Danube countries experts will be providing advice on specific tourism products and services. They will also have information about business opportunities and developments in tourism on the river that unifies eastern and western Europe. To register please email itb@danubecc.org no later than 3 March.

Cross-border cooperation provides opportunities

On Friday, 7 March, at the ITB Destination Days in Hall 7.1a, a forum will be taking place with high-profile guests. Participants will discuss 'Marketing a joint cultural heritage' and how cultural routes along the Danube can provide a model for cross-border tourism and stimulate socio-economic progress. Among other topics, the participants will be discussing how important tourism is for maintaining and supporting regional culture as well as joint marketing strategies and activities. Furthermore, the forum will highlight how culture-oriented trips can help to secure the support of tourism players for cross-border cooperation and to open up new opportunities for tourism companies and international operators at the relevant travel destinations.

Passport to the Danube: attractive prizes on offer

With the Passport to the Danube visitors to ITB Berlin can find out about the Danube and win valuable prizes. All they have to do is obtain stamps from the stands of the various Danube countries confirming their visit. Once they have at least six stamps they can take part in a prize draw and win a 7-day cruise on the Danube or weekend trips with hotel accommodation for two.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention

ITB Berlin 2014 will be taking place from Wednesday, 5 to Sunday, 9 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. Parallel with the trade show, the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest travel industry event of its kind in the world, will be held from Wednesday, 5 to Friday, 7 March 2014. Additional information is available at www.itb-kongress.com. ITB Berlin is the global travel industry's leading trade show. In 2013 a total of 10,086 exhibitors from 188 countries displayed their products and services to 170,000 visitors, who included 110,000 trade visitors.