Organisers of the ITB Berlin tradeshow have been forced to cancel the annual event as the world continues to battle a coronavirus outbreak.
As many as 150,000 international visitors had been expected at Messe Berlin, which was due to start on Wednesday, March 4th.
ITB Berlin is considered the preeminent tradeshow for the European hospitality market, and its loss will be keenly felt across the industry.
Wolf-Dieter Wolf, chairman of the supervisory board of Messe Berlin, explained: “In their now 54-year history ITB Berlin and Messe Berlin have never before experienced a comparable situation.
“We would like to thank all exhibitors and partners around the world who have supported ITB Berlin in the past days and weeks, and look forward to continuing our trusting cooperation with our partners in the market.”