24,000 escape rain to visit 'Vakanz' fair

(ADW) Last minute trips or summer holidays, by the sea or up a mountain, sporty holidays or relaxing ones, all were on offer this weekend at the 21st edition of the ‘Vakanz’ fair at the Luxexpo in Kirchberg.

And proving that many people have holidays on their mind, 24,000 visitors escaped the dreary Luxembourg weekend weather to peruse about 200 exhibitors.

"Vakanz marks the annual start of the tourist season," stated Jean-Michel Collignon, director of Luxexpo. He came to the halls to "look for the first rays of sun", virtually of course. Many preferred the great outdoors, others wellness, sporting holiday or cultural discovery trips. The aim of Vakanz was the ability to cater for everyone’s wishes and tastes.

A clever method that never fails to attract people to stalls is to use food! Many exhibitors offered traditional dishes and drinks from the country they were promoting. Apart from country stands, travel agencies, tour operators and tourist offices all provided vital information for preparing a voyage.

Japan, guest of honour 2012

Taking up the baton from Portugal, last year’s featured country, Japan was the featured country for Vakanz 2012. For two years now, Luxexpo has been in contact with representatives of the country. And after the nuclear accident in Fukushima, there was no question of "punishing the country a second time, that stretches over 3,000 kilometres and is full of a thousand and one wonders," explained Jean-Michel Collignon.