The Hon. Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Malaysia
heads the Malaysian delegation to the 40 th Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) from
11 to 15 March 2005.

This year's exhibition, held at the Berlin Exhibition Ground, ICC of Berlin,
Federal Republic of Germany, marks Tourism Malaysia's 32 nd year of participation in
the annual event.

The ITB Berlin is the premier tourism fair for the global tourism industry. Its
leading position as an international meeting place for the members of media and
travel trade agents from around the world is renowned.

Last year, ITB 2004 attracted a total of 141,139 visitors compared to 129,943
in 2003 and, among them, 75,019 were trade visitors. A total of 10,023 exhibitors
from 178 countries representing every aspect of the tourism industry participated as
well.

As the head of the Malaysian delegation to ITB, the Hon. Deputy Minister of
Tourism will officiate the "Malaysia Truly Asia" evening function at Berlin InterContinental
Hotel on 14 March 2005. On this occasion, recognition awards for
German outbound travel and tour operators who have given outstanding support to
the Malaysian tourism industry last year will be presented.

A total of 97 Malaysian participants from 62 organizations are accompanying
the Deputy Minister to ITB. They include four officials from the Ministry of Tourism
and Tourism Malaysia, four state tourism bodies, Malaysia Airlines, 30 hoteliers, 27
tour operators and two representatives from the Malaysia Homestay Association.


Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 7 March 2005