The Dominican Republic is seeking to make its mark this week with an impressive Official Partner Country program that includes a performance by Dominican merengue superstar Juan Luis Guerra during the 4 March cultural event and gala reception that will mark the opening of the International Tourism Bourse (ITB), the world’s largest travel trade show. The opening ceremony of the ITB Berlin 2008 will take place on the eve of the first day of the fair, on 4 March, at 6pm in Room 1 of the ICC Berlin. Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Raimund Hosch, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH, will address the guests. Afterwards there will be speeches by Francesco Frangialli, General Secretary of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Klaus Laepple, President of the National Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW). This is the third time that Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos will be opening the ITB Berlin. Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez will be speaking on behalf of the DR during the opening.
For the occasion, the DR will present the country’s musical tradition, spanning the ages from the early culture of the Taino Indians, music from the colonial era and African influences, through to modern works from Europe. Merengue, bachata and typical carnival music are set to round off the program. At a reception taking place afterwards all the culinary delights of the Dominican Republic will await the guests attending the opening ceremonies. Renowned chefs de cuisine from the luxury world of Cap Cana will be flying in especially to organize this opulent gala buffet. Master chef Francois Bouvet is the owner of critically acclaimed restaurants and has worked alongside Paul Bocuse. Actress Zoe Saldana, famous for her roles in The Terminal and Pirates of the Caribbean, is also part of the more than 130-person delegation from the DR registered to attend.