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Maximising returning customers with digital marketing
May 23, 2023
A best practice example by the agency morefire and tour operator Viamonda
An interview with Michael Tenzer, managing director of the tour operator Viamonda, and Robin Heintze, managing director of the Cologne-based digital agency morefire: together they have established a remarkable digital marketing strategy for maximising returning customers.
Adventure factor is determining travel choices
May 15, 2023
ITB Berlin Convention session examines the fascinating transformation of tour and activity marketing
Tours, activities, attractions and experiences are often the focus of what a trip is all about and in these times of a resurgent industry are factors that should not be underestimated. Accordingly, the leading trends influencing travel experiences were presented at a session of the ITB Berlin Convention.
Global transformation and the consequences for our industry
May 11, 2023
Digitalisation, demographic change and the energy transition were the main topics at an ITB Berlin Convention session with Clemens Fuest
Global transformation processes are presenting every industry with huge challenges. At the ITB Berlin Convention Prof. Dr. Clemens Fuest, president of the Munich-based ifo Institute for Economic Research, examined the main findings and potential impact on the tourism industry.
ITB Medical Tourism Award 2023 goes to India
May 9, 2023
At a festive ceremony at Advance Health Care India 2023 (AHCI) in New Delhi, the award was presented to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India
Established as a segment at ITB Berlin in 2017, the medical tourism market is booming. The high-volume medical tourism industry is expanding rapidly and represents a new, sustainable tourism market.
ITB Berlin 2023 goes into extra time to let users keep accessing fascinating content
April 17, 2023
ITB Berlin is reactivating the option to purchase a fully digital ticket and offers access to selected online content from this year‘s convention programme
Users can still access fascinating programme content even though this year’s ITB Berlin has come to an end. ITB Berlin is offering online users the option to purchase a fully digital ticket and stream exclusive content on demand from this year‘s ITB Berlin Convention as well as other presentation formats from the show. A ticket provides easy access to the virtual platform ITBxplore and numerous fascinating sessions featuring discussion rounds and lectures on the topics of most concern to the industry.
Destinations’ forward-looking approaches take centre stage:
April 11, 2023
At ITB Berlin the Green Destinations Story Awards Berlin honour initiatives around the world that set an example
With the so-called Green Destinations Story Awards its initiators honour inspiring examples of sustainable tourism development set by destinations around the world.
ITB Diversity Gala celebrates diversity and inclusion
March 16 2023
Gala evening gathered tourism professionals from the LGBTQ+ world
On the evening of the last day of the trade show, the ITB Diversity Gala celebrated a successful premiere at the Ritz Carlton Berlin: More than 100 guests from the LGBTQ+ tourism community, including ITB visitors, exhibitors, travel professionals and officials from all over the world, followed the invitation to the gala, which was hosted in support of the IGLTA Foundation.
CBS students award the best exhibitors
March 14 2023
"Best Exhibitor Award" for the most convincing trade fair presence
The Best Exhibitor Award (BEA) celebrated a comeback after a break of several years: On the Thursday of the trade fair, a team of 15 students from the CBS International Business School awarded the best exhibitors at ITB Berlin for the nineteenth time. On the first and second day of ITB Berlin, they examined and evaluated the more than 800 stands of all main exhibitors at the World's Leading Travel Trade Show.
Climate protection is a human right
March 9 2023
Studiosus interview with Fridays for Future and human rights activists
Climate protection and human rights are closely linked. In the Studiosus interview at ITB Berlin 2023 experts outlined their various perspectives and positions. Studiosus managing director Peter-Mario Kubsch: “The industry has begun to shift, but it is all going too slowly.“ Michael Windfuhr of the German Institute for Human Rights added: “Bold steps are needed that must be taken now. In ten years time it will be too late.” Luís von Randow, Fridays for Future spokesman: “In the end, only travelling less will help.“
Taking responsibility for the supply chain
March 9 2023
From a special interest subject to the centre of attention
Efforts to introduce corporate due diligence have been taking place since the 1990s, but often they only received little attention. Germany’s Supply Chain Act, which came into force in 2023, has changed all that. Due diligence has become a key topic of corporate management. That was the summary given by Dirk Meyer of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation, speaking on Thursday at the ITB Berlin Convention. It was an assessment shared and welcomed by industry representatives including Laura Steden of DER Touristik and Manfred Häupl of Hauser Exkursionen.
Climate emergency: how do destinations become more resistant?
March 9 2023
Cooperation is needed to safeguard the future of climate protection measures
Crises caused by climate change are becoming more frequent, with a direct and severe impact on destinations. Are there ways that could help to make destination areas more resistant? What conceivable strategies are there to create a greater sense of responsibility towards the climate? These questions were examined by a panel of experts at ITB Berlin 2023.
Business success through well thought out environmental and social policy
March 9 2023
ESG criteria are becoming increasingly important in the hotel trade too
In the hospitality sector too a company’s overall success and resilience are increasingly linked to its performance in the areas of the environment, social affairs and business management (Environmental Social Governance / ESG).
More feeling at the destination
March 9 2023
Tourism must move from a purely economic to a social orientation
Responsible tourism must place a greater emphasis on the social components and move away from a purely economic orientation. This was one of the lessons from the latest crises, according to Professor Dr. Harald Pechlaner, professor of tourism at the Catholic University Eichstätt and head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, in his lecture at the ITB Convention on Thursday at the trade fair.
New approaches to the marketing of accommodation
March 9 2023
Important trends in booking behaviour
Search engines, booking platforms or directly on the hotel web site, there are multiple ways of using the internet to book accommodation. Many hotels would like it to be easier to use these channels.
Rainforest conservation, green teams and night trains
March 9 2023
Best practices in Malaysia, the Azores and Austria
Talking about climate protection is one thing, but actually realising one’s goals is even more important. On Thursday at the ITB Berlin Convention, together with tourism industry practitioners and experts, Xenia zu Hohenlohe and Graeme Jackson discussed how destinations and transport companies could contribute and what best practices already exist.
Climate change threatens many destinations
March 9 2023
In order to save civilisation attention is turning to durable wooden structures
Achieving net zero by 2050 will not be enough to save human civilisation. In order to keep Earth habitable it was necessary to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This could be achieved if as many buildings as possible, including hotels, event venues and airports, were in future built with wood.
Wellness needs TikTok and Insta
March 9 2023
Generation Z with high demands on hotels and catering
The post-pandemic wellness hotel trade is reliant on social media. This was the main finding from a survey of guests and hoteliers, presented at ITB Berlin 2023 by Michael Altewischer, chief executive of Wellness-Hotels und Resorts GmbH, and Roland Fricke, founding partner and marketing representative of the portal beauty24.de.
Now the employers have to apply
March 9 2023
Shift of power on the labour market very evident in tourism
The power structure on the labour market in the hotel and travel sector has changed fundamentally since the pandemic. With the first signs of market recovery in February 2021 there has been a sharp rise in the number of job vacancies, while jobseekers’ numbers remain at a low level.
Change through emotions
March 8 2023
Feelings as an important driving force for innovation
With the progress being made in digitalisation and automation many companies see themselves confronted by elementary changes. Frequently it is not facts but feelings that prevent these processes from being adopted. In her keynote speech on the Green Stage at ITB Berlin the life coach and trainer Daniela Roeske explained why emotional transformation and resilience are so importance, and how they can succeed.
Travel Excellence from Costa Rica makes the running
March 8 2023
Debut for the Equality in Tourism Award at ITB Berlin 2023
The Equality in Tourism Award, presented for the first time on International Women’s Day at ITB Berlin 2023, aims to draw global attention to gender equality in tourism. Three candidates made the final – the award went to the tour operator Travel Excellence from Costa Rica, followed by Adventure Women from the USA and Etur from Ecuador.
Secure bookings thanks to Blockchain
March 8 2023
New Web3 applications for the travel industry
Anke Hsu, Head of Business Development at Chain4Travel, presented Camino Networks at ITB Berlin. This is a blockchain technology that enables travel companies to exploit the benefits of Web3. This product offers a secure travel booking infrastructure: processes can be more automated, while transactions are more secure and cheaper.
Strong women as examples and role models
March 8 2023
Celebrating Her Awards for outstanding achievements by tourism professionals
It is indeed a good tradition: for the last six years ITB Berlin and the International Institute for Peace in Tourism (IIPT) have annually presented three Celebrating Her Awards, highlighting the role model of successful women in the tourism industry and honouring their long-standing commitment. This year the three awards were presented in several categories: Tourism Resilience, Tourism Leadership and Tourism Advocacy. The winners were Carol Hay from London, Rupinder Brar from India and Iaia Pedemonte from Italy, who as a freelance journalist a number of years ago set up the Gender Responsible Tourism Association (GRT).
Efficient management of reservations and payment
March 8 2023
How small and medium-sized tourism businesses can benefit from digitalisation
Good news for tour operators and booking platforms: dealing with different currencies and cross-border payments has now become much easier thanks to digitalisation. Speaking at ITB Berlin, Ted Clements, CEO of WeTravel, offered some ideas to small and medium-sized travel businesses and showed how everyday operations can be managed more efficiently. Reservations and payments in particular can be made easier with tools such as WeTravel.
From the North Cape to Portugal by pedal power
March 8 2023
European cycling route network takes shape
How about an 11,500 km long bicycle tour along Europe’s Atlantic coast. The route from the North Cape to Portugal is part of the EuroVelo cycling route network which, driven by European institutions, has been in the making for over 20 years.
Wheelchair trekking in Patagonia and educational stays in an Inca village
March 8 2023
ITB Berlin presents and supports two outstanding social tourism enterprises
On Wednesday at ITB Berlin two social enterprises represented by women, and the ideas behind their establishment, were presented by Rika Jean-Francois, CSR representative of ITB Berlin, and Prof. Dr. Claudia Brözel from the College for Sustainable Development, Eberswalde.
Travelling for health reasons
March 8 2023
How wellness offers reach new target groups
Among younger travellers too the pandemic has created a new awareness of health offers. During discussions at ITB Berlin, examples from Romania, India and Croatia show how new target groups can be attracted and even mud baths can be promoted as sexy.
Georgia – full of adventure
March 8 2023
Heliskiing and helibiking, ski tours and more: adrenalin guaranteed
For fans of adventure tours and mountains Georgia is the place to be. A modern infrastructure to international standards meets a spectacular natural environment: high snow-covered mountains, ravines with fast-flowing mountain rivers, lush green forests, alpine eco-systems, palm-lined beaches and cliffs and caves. At ITB Berlin 2023 tourism experts from Georgia offered an insight into the adventure tours in their country which besides hiking, heliskiing and riding has a lot to offer.
Vacation paradise, partly due to disbanding its armed forces
March 8 2023
Tourism minister of Costa Rica presents travel entirely in a socio-ecological context
“We have much more than just sun and beaches,” was the proud statement by William Rodríguez, minister of tourism for Costa Rica, announcing that his country, unlike many Caribbean states, has again attained its pre-coronavirus visitor numbers. In 2022 they totalled 2.35 million, and according to the next five year plan, this figure will rise to 3.8 million by 2027, while in no way endangering the country’s status an internationally recognised example of sustainable tourism. Germany, with 80,000 (2022) is the most important source of tourists in Europe for Costa Rica, ahead of the United Kingdom and France.
Opportunities for East Africa
March 8 2023
How local tour providers can gain a foothold on the German travel market
What business opportunities and prospects for joint ventures exist for tour operators in East Africa? This question was investigated by representatives of business and tourism organisations at the City Cube on Wednesday during the fair. In the presence of African joint venture partners, including a delegation accompanying the Ethiopian tourism minister, they described possible ways in which these countries can profit from the expansion of long haul tourism.
A return to normality, but delayed
March 8 2023
Business travel in some areas is still far below pre-pandemic levels
For business travel, the return to pre-pandemic normality has been moved back two years to 2026. Inflation, China’s economic problems and the effects on global supply chains were among the reasons listed by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) on Wednesday at ITB Berlin 2023. Basic parameters concerning business travel had also changed, said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the GBTA.
Getting to America has never been easier
March 8 2023
USA targets 20 per cent more tourists from Germany in 2023
With 70 nonstop flights per week from Germany it “has never been easier” to get to the USA. These were the words used by Dr. Amy Gutmann, ambassador of the United States of America, to appeal to travellers on Wednesday at ITB Berlin. Compared with the previous year, this year their numbers are expected to increase by 20 per cent. In 2022 there were 1.5 million German visitors to the USA. The target for 2024: to attain the pre-coronavirus level of some two million. With 29 exhibitors from Fairbanks to Key West the USA display at ITB Berlin 2023 presents the country as an innovative tourism nation, using a slogan slightly adapted from that of the Terminator: “We are back!“
Security check appointments, sunflowers, self-service
March 8 2023
BER Airport is offering passengers services for managing their time efficiently at the airport
BER Airport is putting every effort into avoiding the chaotic airport scenes of 2022. At ITB Berlin 2023, BER managing director Thomas Hoff Andersson presented three services that travellers can use to make life easier. Firstly, there is BER Runway, a new service that lets passengers book a security check time slot. Secondly, people with hidden disabilities can use a free sunflower-badged lanyard to discreetly indicate they require a little more time or assistance. And thirdly, BER Airport is focusing increasingly on self-service points.
How can companies target customers better with their advertising?
March 8 2023
Google Tools provide planning basics and access to customer groups
How can a company find out more about its customer groups and reach travellers online, what expectations do these groups have – and how can a company target customers better with its advertising? Answering these questions on Wednesday in a keynote speech opening the Marketing and Distribution track at the ITB Berlin Convention, Michael Trauttmansdorff, director of Product Management, Travel Ads at Google, offered some valuable insights.
Four countries – four tourism concepts
March 8 2023
Tourism ministers outline their transformation strategies
How are Bahrain, Egypt, Croatia and Georgia confronting tomorrow’s challenges and how are these countries’ tourism policies paving the way for the future? That was the topic Monika Jones discussed with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairifa, Egyptian Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa, and Georgian Vice Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishivli on Tuesday at the ITB Berlin Convention. Also taking part was Croatian Tourism and Sports Minister Nikolina Brnjac. The representatives of the four countries presented four effectively different concepts.
Blockchain, Metaversum, ChatGPT
March 8 2023
How is technological innovation changing the travel sector?
A packed house at the ITB Berlin Convention: on Tuesday afternoon three experts presented their assessments of the potential offered by new technologies. Caroline Bremner from Euromonitor International reported on the potential for growth of the metaverse, while Leila Summer, CEO of PlayToChange, explained how ChatGPT can suggest a travel route in just seconds. Professor Dr. Alexander Knauer from the Blockchain Competence Center at the college Hochschule Mittweida, explained that, although blockchain technologies are currently in the hype-phase, it will be two to four years before they are in practical use in the travel sector, making it advisable to become acquainted with them now.
The many sides of Malaysia
March 8 2023
Presentation of a new campaign and brochures
At ITB Berlin representatives of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism symbolically handed over three new brochures to Malaysia’s ambassador to Germany. They present a wide range of attractions for visitors with all kinds of interests: For those in search of city tours Kuala Lumpur is worthwhile, for nature lovers there are lots of sports and adventure activities in fascinating natural surroundings, while sun worshippers can find white sands and thriving marine wildlife at the beaches of this country in southeast Asia.
More than palms and pyramids
March 8 2023
Egypt presents its new tourism concept
Egypt wants to attract more tourism by expanding flight routes, bed capacity and offering travellers an even better experience. At ITB Berlin Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa outlined his concept for the sector for 25 to 30 per cent growth over the next few years. He would like to focus more on those taking individual tours as well as families. A new campaign targeting mainly 12 European countries aims to portray the country’s wide-ranging attractions.
Success in squaring the circle
March 8 2023
Significant rise in per capita spending by visitors in Georgia
Georgia is well on course to squaring the circle in terms of tourism success: last year, at 5.5 million, tourist numbers dipped to over a third below pre-pandemic figures, however industry sales rose from 3.3 to 3.5 billion US dollars. “We want to maintain our status as an insider tip while keeping up with international competitors“, said Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of this year’s host country of ITB Berlin 2023, on Tuesday in front of the press. She has her sights set on Europe and in particular Germany where tourism’s future is concerned.
Priority for climate protection in tourism
March 8 2023
UNWTO presents a global study of the tools for measuring greenhouse gas emissions
Sustainability concepts often focus on ecological sustainability, with one of the important aspects being the need to reduce greenhouse gases. “But for every concept there is one thing in particular that we need: data obtained from readings“, explained Dirk Glaesser, UNWTO sustainability expert, speaking at ITB Berlin 2023. Greenhouse gas emissions from passenger traffic account for a large proportion of the global CO2 footprint. The UNWTO has therefore been investigating the current measurement methods and instruments that are being applied in tourism.
Even more to come from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
March 8 2023
Second best year since reunification is no reason to relax
According to the Travel Analysis 2023, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the second most popular federal state for German travellers, bettered only by Bavaria. However, this is no reason to rest on one’s laurels, explained tourism minister Reinhard Meyer at ITB Berlin 2023. Even though 2022 was the second best year since reunification there is still much room for improvement. For example, there will be an increased focus on welcoming foreign visitors to this north German destination. Furthermore transport must be made more sustainable.
Actively shaping change in tourism
March 8 2023
Industry representatives discuss the latest challenges
The tourism industry is back and on course worldwide to reach pre-pandemic levels. On Tuesday at the ITB Berlin Convention, Harald Pechlaner, university professor of Tourism from Eichstätt, discussed the challenges currently facing the industry and how to deal with digitalisation, the skills shortage and a much talked-about trend, sustainability. Taking part in the event were Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Alessandra Priante, regional director, Europe, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Sören Hartmann, president of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW) and Dr. Eduardo Santander, executive director and CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC).
The United Nations Establishes Global Tourism Resilience Day
March 7 2023
The United Nations has voted to create a Global Tourism Resilience Day, which will be marked each year on February 17.
The day will be used to promote a sustainable and resilient travel industry, with a focus on the potential for the sector to drive economic growth, social development and financial inclusion, in addition to environmental benefits.The UN voted on Monday, February 6 to adopt resolution 70.1 drafted by the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council in collaboration with the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre. It was backed by countries including the Bahamas, Belize, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Zambia.
New challenges for LGBTQ+ tourism
March 7 2023
Multiple crises are encouraging populism and require more resilience
New crises and the uncertainty they create are encouraging populism, and “then we minorities are the first to be attacked.“ That was the sad fact that stood out in Tuesday’s keynote speech by Peter Jordan on ’LGBTQ+ Tourism and Resilience’. Jordan, founder of the consultancy Gen C Traveller, was confident the community could master this challenge: “It has been through a lot these last few years.“
New destinations and more flights
March 7 2023
Qatar Airways presents its ambitious corporate objectives at ITB Berlin
Qatar Airways ambitious plans were presented at the airline’s press conference at ITB Berlin by His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive. Qatar Airways will be offering more destinations, both in Europe and in Asia, the Americas and Africa, as well as re-introducing a number of destinations and expanding existing routes. With new hotels and leisure facilities Al Baker also wants to make Qatar’s attractive for more people, especially families. Further expansion is also planned for Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Grasping crises as an opportunity
March 7 2023
Prof. Clemens Fuest appeals for greater flexibility and resilience
Worldwide there are big changes afoot – the climate crisis, sustainability, digitalisation, the demographic change and migration are transformations which have long since begun. To these can be added the historic turbulence of the pandemic, war and earthquakes. The tourism industry should see these particular challenges as an opportunity, said Prof. Clemens Fuest of the ifo Institute, speaking at ITB Berlin 2023: “We must all become more flexible and resilient – and it has to be reflected in products as well “
Alltours reports a boom in bookings
March 7 2023
Increase in winter by 20, and in summer by as much as 30 per cent
There is plenty of optimism for the travel year 2023 at alltours. During the current winter season the group is expecting a 20 per cent rise in visitor numbers, while a conservative estimate for the coming summer season, beginning 1 March, is for “over 30 per cent more than last year”, according to sales and marketing director Dr. Georg Welbers, speaking at the alltours press conference on Tuesday at ITB Berlin 2023. He added that the figures are “also significantly above those for 2018/19”. The alltours group can claim to be one of Germany’s four largest tour operators.
March 7 2023
Host country Georgia with a fascinating programme of stage events
Celebrity figures from the world of politics attended the opening of ITB Berlin 2023, with Governing Mayor of Berlin Franziska Giffey, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck and Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili welcoming the many guests from all over the world to the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show at the City Cube and setting the stage for events to come. Along with industry representatives, among them WTTC President Julia Simpson and UNWTO General-Secretary Zurab Pololikashvili, they see the industry making a comeback after the crisis caused by the pandemic. Accordingly, there are common strategies being worked on to confront challenges such as climate change. Georgian artists gave an impressive taste of what this year’s host country has to offer with a programme of show events.
Saudi Arabia – a luxury destination
March 7 2023
The Gulf state is exhibiting at ITB Berlin for the first time
Saudi Arabia wants to lure more tourists to the country with new hotels, restaurants and attractions at historical sites such as Diriyah and Alula. Increasing hotel capacity and flight routes and easing visa requirements are part of a strategy for the future entitled Vision 2030 which envisions an economic transition towards greater diversity and sustainability. The Gulf state is represented at ITB Berlin for the first time and over the coming days will provide information on new tourism projects on its stand in Hall 3.2.
New Research shows tourism recovery threatened
March 7 2023
• Initiative announced to address the workforce deficit in the travel and tourism industry • Minister Bartlett to discuss global workforce issues in tourism at ITB, Berlin
A newly formed Tourism Employment Expansion Mandate (TEEM) project, which is a cross sector collaborative effort to understand the workforce deficit in the travel industry, has released new global research that indicates the situation is more critical than ever.
TO DO Award honors sustainable tourism
March 7 2023
The award ceremony will take place today, on 7th March 2023 at 2:00 pm on the Congress stage in Hall 3.1 of ITB Berlin
Since 1995, the Institute for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V.) has been awarding the international "TO DO Award" to honor initiatives that promote sustainable and socially responsible tourism.
Every hotel owner can take part
March 6 2023
Towards a better future with the Hotel Sustainability Basics label
Together, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveiled their joint Hotel Sustainability Basics label at ITB Berlin 2023. The aim is that by fulfilling 12 criteria in three categories, every hotel owner can actively set course for a sustainable future, regardless of size, location or corporate structure. On condition the criteria are met within three years, companies will receive a seal of approval showing guests they are taking the sustainability concept seriously.
European long-haul tourism is recovering
March 6 2023
European Travel Commission emphasises the importance of overseas visitors
How can Europe become attractive again for overseas visitors? Speaking at a press conference at ITB Berlin, the president of the European Travel Commission (ETC) explained how, under the label of Visit Europe, the EU is marketing itself to visitors from the USA, Asia and South America as a safe destination that has much to offer. The European Tourism Association (ETOA) and Tourism Economics believe the market will have recovered by 2024, but that obtaining visas will still be a challenge.
The travel industry is back: A new start for ITB Berlin 2023
March 6 2023
Tourism is confronting the latest challenges as a strong community
At the opening press conference on Media Monday at ITB Berlin 2023, together with Levan Davitashvili, vice prime minister of this year’s host country Georgia, Norbert Fiebig, president of DRV, and Charuta Fadnis of Phocuswright, Dirk Hoffmann, managing director of Messe Berlin, was looking forward to the next few days, during which the focus would be on the latest challenges in the tourism industry.
Airbnb: 10 questions for Kathrin Anselm
March 6 2023
Airbnb has become a major player in the travel industry. Kathrin Anselm is Airbnb's General Manager for the DACH countries, among others, and a guest speaker at this year's ITB Berlin Convention.
Ms Anselm, is people's travel behavior back to pre-pandemic levels?
We are seeing high and pent-up demand for travel in terms of numbers – both city breaks and international travel are back and on the rebound. We're seeing high growth rates for booked overnight stays in larger cities: 20 percent more than in Q4 2021.
Euromonitor International: 10 questions for Caroline Bremner
March 6 2023
Euromonitor is the world's leading provider of strategic market research reporting. Caroline Bremner is Senior Industry Manager at Euromonitor International, and a guest speaker at this year's ITB Berlin Convention
What is the state of play for travel and tourism?
Euromonitor International’s latest Travel Forecast Model results for Q1 2022 show that international tourism spending is expected to recover to 85% of its 2019 levels in 2023, amounting to USD1.5 trillion.
CULTURE LOUNGE again presents cultural highlights at ITB Berlin
27 February 2023
Museums, castles, festivals and cultural projects present themselves at the world's largest travel trade show: the CULTURE LOUNGE will once again present a concentrated load of cultural highlights and offers bundled in one hall at ITB Berlin.
Almost 60 exhibitors, including museums from all over Europe, as well as cultural destinations and service providers will present themselves to the trade public at the world's largest travel trade show. This year the cultural platform is in a new location, in Hall 6.2.
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Euromonitor International: Top Three Travel Trends for 2023
24 February 2023
Opinion by Caroline Bremner, Caroline Bremner Senior Industry Manager at Euromonitor International
Travel is at full throttle with growth rates through the roof as the industry powers ahead with its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, yet now faces significant head winds from the cost-of-living crisis. To weather the latest storm, travel brand sand destinations are tapping into values-based tourism products and services that resonate more with consumers that seek out transformational travel experiences.
The ITB Blogger Base has a new home in Hub 27
22 February 2023
It is THE place for all accredited travel bloggers and influencers to meet, network, blog, vlog or simply recharge their batteries.
This year's focus of the ITB Blogger Base is on sponsor Andalucía, a region from the south of Spain, which, for example, is organising a get-together in the base exclusively for the bloggers from 4 pm to 5 pm on 7 March. A real event highlight will be the tasting of Andalusian specialities: sherry wine from Jeréz will be served by a professional "venenciador", accompanied by genuine Iberian ham of the highest quality, prepared by a typical "cortador de jamón".
The whole ITB brand family goes in-person
07 February 2023
After three long years without face-to-face communication, the show industry is going back to live events.
The format we all missed so much is making a comeback – with caution and lessons learned. The ITB brand family spearheads this trend across the world.
Georgia: A country full of hospitality
16 January 2023
The ITB concept of the host country clearly focuses on the traditional supra
This year’s host country of ITB Berlin 2023 is Georgia, a small country with a huge history. Being rich in cultural and natural treasures, the country has a lot to share.
Which season is the best for visiting Georgia?
30 December 2022
Perhaps you planned a trip to Georgia but still thinking about the perfect dates
Don’t worry! You can't go wrong, as Georgia, the Host Country of ITB Berlin 2023, is a destination of unforgettable adventures throughout the year. Georgian streets are full of hidden stories and interesting architecture from various ages; nature is fascinating.
How does it feel to be on top of the world?
29 December 2022
The Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2023, Georgia, is home to the highest permanently inhabited villages in Europe: Ushguli and Bochorna
Ushguli is a spectacular village in Upper Svaneti, nearly 2119 meters above sea level. It is a unique example of mountain scenery with medieval-type villages and tower houses. Thanks to its isolated location, Upper Svaneti has preserved unique, centuries-old traditions.
Georgia: Hidden Gem of The Caucasus
28 December 2022
The so-called Hidden Gem of The Caucasus, Georgia, has been increasingly attracting visitors lately
The official host country of ITB Berlin 2023 offers diverse, breathtaking experiences and is on the bucket list of adventurers worldwide at any time of year. Due to its favorable geographical positioning, the country has direct access to European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries within 4 hours of flight time.
What Do New Year Celebrations in Georgia Look Like?
28 December 2022
The celebrations in the host country of ITB Berlin 2023 begin in early December
Streets are full of busy people walking with shopping bags. Everybody is thinking about Christmas presents, New Year’s resolutions, and of course, the main feast of the year. The main streets of Tbilisi are sparkling with Christmas lights and are full of outdoor handicraft markets, where you can find the most unique and emotionally precious gifts for loved ones or just for yourself.
Four Interesting Facts about Georgia
23 December 2022
Unknown arguments for a visit to ITB Berlin’s Host Country 2023
Would you experience all 4 seasons in a single day?
Each period of the year has its beauty, but Georgia lets you experience it all at once. You can ski in the highest mountains in the morning and sunbathe on the tropical beaches in the afternoon.
Did you know that Georgians had a female king back in the 12th century?
22 December 2022
Georgia, the ITB Berlin Host Country 2023, is showcasing its wide-ranging cultural heritage and historic attractions
From 1184 to 1213, Georgia was ruled by a female king. That’s right, a female king: mepe, the Georgian word for ‘sovereign’, is not gendered, which allowed Tamar to be styled as ‘King of Kings’. Tamar was not only to be Georgia's female ruler, but also one to become one of the most powerful monarchs of the country.
White Snow in ITB's Host Country
20 December 2022
Georgia to host 2023 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championship
It was officially announced that ITB Berlin’s Host Country 2023, Georgia, will be hosting the 2023 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championship in Bakuriani. The country’s snow-capped mountains, spanning 1,200 kilometres, are one of its greatest assets, along with its ancient culture, delicious food and winemaking tradition and hospitality.
In support of gender equality
14 December 2022
Equality in Tourism honours gender equality work at ITB Berlin 2023 for the first time
A new award that sends a clear signal: in partnership with Equality in Tourism International, ITB Berlin is for the first time presenting an award for gender equality work. Its aim is to drive improvements and encourage tourism actors to take action and incorporate gender equality measures in their operations. The award will be presented at ITB Berlin 2023.
5 Reasons to Spend Your Winter Holidays in Georgia!
12 December 2022
What are the reasons for a winter trip to the official host country of ITB Berlin?
Never-ending Holidays
Did you know that Georgians celebrate a second New Year? Just when much of the world has packed away the last of the decorations and returned to everyday life, Georgians have another holiday feast. On January 14th, locals celebrate “Old New Year” complete with fireworks, sparkling lights, generous feasts cheerful music, and dancing. So if you can never get enough of holiday celebrations, extend the festivities in Georgia, where smiling faces, concerts, food & crafts markets, and sumptuous dishes will warm your heart.
New concept for the world's leading tourism trade show
November 18, 2022
ITB Berlin becomes a B2B-only event, and Berlin Travel Festival is featured at BOOT & FUN for the first time
ITB Berlin goes into 2023 with a new concept - an event aimed exclusively at trade visitors. Berlin Travel Festival will welcome the consumer public, premiering at Messe Berlin at the end of November as a part of BOOT & FUN. Meanwhile, ITB Berlin will be held from Tuesday to Thursday for the first time (March 7-9, 2023) - and thus one day earlier than usual.
Start of the latest ITB Berlin Podcast series on the skills shortage and lack of young people in the tourism industry
November 10, 2022
In the first episode presented by elevatr co-founder Laura Schmidt, two twenty year-olds talk about their “new work” demands in their role as potential employees
It is an issue that from now on will probably always be of concern to the industry: the skills shortage and lack of young people is affecting every area of the tourism sector. The pandemic was not the cause, but it certainly had a big impact. Beyond that, demographic change is taking its toll. What is more, the industry is not necessarily known for being the nicest place to work. Shift work is only one of many aspects that are increasingly deterring people from this sector.
Green IT: Software and hardware can make a decisive difference
September 26, 2022
In the latest ITB Podcast episode Rika Jean-Francois talks to Virginia Corraze from Amadeus about the growing importance of “green IT“
When there is talk in the travel industry of reducing carbon footprints, attention turns usually to aviation or the emissions caused by cruises. The tech industry, however, also contributes substantially to global emissions. In the latest podcast episode Rika Jean-Francois, CSR commissioner for ITB Berlin, talks to Virginia Corraze from Amadeus, a leading travel tech company that combines all the relevant actors in one system.
Would you like to taste the most diverse and exotic cuisine?
September 20, 2022
Well, try Georgian.
Situated between East and West, Georgia brings a perfect marriage of both cultures. Offering diverse, breathtaking experiences, the country has been attracting more and more travelers lately.
What data reveals about city breaks
September 6, 2022
At the BESTIVAL, Dr. Markus Heller (Fried & Partner) provided a fascinating insight into the booking situation in Germany’s three largest cities.
What is the current situation regarding hotel bookings in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich? Dr. Markus Heller, a tourism and hotel consultancy expert, offered answers in his lecture at the Berlin BESTIVAL on 25 August. The lecture was curated by ITB Berlin, the Content Partner of the event.
The gap between theory and practice
7/4/2022
About digital wallets and verifiable, decentralized identities
“Digital wallets and verifiable, decentralized identities” is a subject which really should be of interest to anyone working in travel and hospitality, or any industry where buyers and sellers need data from each other for the transaction to take place, or any industry which supports an ecosystem which has allowed intermediaries to earn a cut by connecting those buyers and sellers.
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