The ITB Buyers Circle is an established feature of ITB Berlin, having been launched in 2012. An exclusive meeting place for leading buyers from the global travel industry, every year the 1,000 members who make up this hand-picked circle are chosen based on numerous criteria. Thus, the show’s organisers enable members to focus on essential business aspects at the show, benefitting from tailored services that reduce stress, avoid distractions and save time. We asked the head of ITB, David Ruetz, what we can expect this year.
This year, in addition to receiving free access to our virtual ITB Berlin NOW platform, leading buyers can meet new contacts, decisively boost their business and benefit from quality content and daily news from the tourism industry. What’s more, our interest-based matchmaking tool ensures exhibitors meet buyers who are interested in their products. The algorithm-based Discovery Graph and the Lead Finder make it possible to search all exhibitors and trade visitors and quickly find the ideal business match.
Every member of the circle is selected by an international team at ITB Berlin. The criteria reflect exhibitors’ needs and our requirement for a circle with a balanced and diverse makeup. Our experts are always in contact with the buyers and exhibitors. This ongoing personal communication helps us better understand the needs of all participants and ensure we take the right criteria into account and make the right choice of members.
What trends are you noting among members?
This year we are witnessing rising demand for luxury travel, adventure travel and medical tourism. We are also seeing a demand increase for trips to European countries, such as Germany, Italy, Austria or Spain. We also see a significant increase in buyer demand from Australia and the Americas. Others countries include Japan, China, UAE, South Africa but also Botswana, Tanzania or Albania, Israel, Korea, Rwanda, Romania and even French Polynesia is benefiting from rising customer demand this year – to name but a few.
Photo: David Ruetz – Head of ITB
