March 2, 2023

ITB Berlin is back in the driving seat

Hello and welcome to this year’s ITB Berlin. The global tourism and travel industry is finally back together and we couldn’t be more excited to meet face to face in Berlin once again.

Yesterday we welcomed leading names in politics and tourism. The festive opening gala of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show was presented by Georgian Prime Minister H.E. Irakli Garibashvili, with a brilliant show of traditional Georgian dances and music.

We are proud to welcome Georgia as this year’s official ITB Berlin host country, which will be presenting a wealth of activities and attractions over the next three days, including today’s conference on “Adventurous Georgia” on the ITB Lighthouse stage in Hall 4.1 at 2:10 p.m.

Under the slogan “Mastering Transformation” this year’s ITB Berlin Convention is divided into different segments – or tracks, featuring around 400 speakers and over 200 sessions, reflecting the most important current topics shaping the global tourism and travel industry.

Leading speakers and experts will take to our Conference stages in Halls 7.1a, 7.1b, 6.1 and 3.1 this morning to share their knowledge on hot topics, including Travel Technology, Marketing & Sales, Future Travel, Hospitality, Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

Most of our tracks will be opening at 10:30am. David Ruetz, SVP Travel + Logistics at Messe Berlin, and Professor Heinz-Dieter Quack, Board of Experts at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, will welcome guests to the Future Track in Hall 7.1a on the Orange Stage.

Also on this morning’s agenda, there will also be an opening and greeting of the Tour Operator, Travel Sales, Carrier & Cruise Track on the Blue Stage, delivered by Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Director of Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH.

On the Green Stage in Hall 3.1, the first session will be on Gender Equality: Tourism as a door opener for female empowerment and the role of gender equality in addressing the climate crisis. The eTravel Stage will also be kicking off at 11:00am with a discussion on Technology Trends impacting Travel – What’s coming, what’s shaping the industry? in Hall 6.1.

For students, young professionals, trainees, qualified tourism professionals or anyone switching careers, we have the ITB Career Center in Hall 4.1 which will help you find out about new job opportunities and provide comprehensive professional advice.

Our HOME OF LUXURY by ITB at the Marshall Haus is welcoming luxury tourism providers and buyers from around the world and will create a unique environment featuring networking events and meetings in an exclusive atmosphere.

Remember the Best Exhibitor Award (BEA) is making its return at the trade show. Over the next three days, a team of students from various branches of the CBS International Business School, will be assessing all of the exhibitors’ stands. 

Also be sure to check out our new virtual B2B platform, ITBxplore, and ITB App. These are virtual companions of the live event which offer exhibitors, trade visitors and media members a wide range of content.

Thank you all for coming to the world’s biggest travel trade show. I look forward to seeing you on the trade show floor. Safe travels.