Tourexpi
GNTB unveils programme for Accessible Tourism Day 2026
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has released the programme for the 14th Accessible Tourism Day, scheduled for 4 March 2026 during ITB Berlin. The event will bring together national and international experts from academia, industry, politics and professional associations to examine current developments, research findings and strategies in accessible and inclusive tourism.
Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, emphasises the strategic relevance of the topic: “Inclusion is a core element of our strategy to position Germany as a customer- and service-oriented quality destination in an increasingly competitive international market. An attractive portfolio of accessible products for people requiring inclusive services is essential to achieving this goal.”
She adds that Accessible Tourism Day has become “an established platform for sharing experience and addressing inclusion effectively through dialogue between travellers, policymakers and industry representatives.”
Cross-border cooperation in focus
André Nowak, spokesperson for the Tourism Working Group of the German Disability Council (DBR), highlights the broader perspective: “We want to further strengthen the cross-border development of accessible tourism in the interests of travellers, the tourism industry and all stakeholders involved in the sector.”
According to Nowak, the conference provides “an excellent opportunity” for advancing cooperation and exchange, with the DBR expressly supporting the initiative.
Opening and keynote contributions
The event will be opened by Dr Christoph Ploß MP, Federal Government Coordinator for Tourism. Welcome addresses will be delivered by Jürgen Dusel, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, and André Nowak.
In the keynote address, John Sage, CEO of Accessible Travel Solutions & Sage Traveling (USA), will explore why progress in accessibility is expected to accelerate and how society as a whole can benefit. The GNTB will also present its latest study, “Mobility and Accessibility Requirements of Travellers from Europe.”
Innovation, communication and best practice
The agenda covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the development and marketing of accessible cultural offerings, the role of effective communication, cooperation between international tour operators and destination marketing organisations, and the potential of digital assistance technologies such as AI, VR and wearable devices.
Further sessions will address best-practice examples in destination management and inclusive travel experiences on and around water.
Speakers and panellists include representatives of cultural institutions, associations, tour operators, destinations and research organisations. Participating organisations include the Humboldt Forum Foundation in the Berlin Palace, Wheel the World (Chile/USA) and Bayern Tourist GmbH.
Hybrid format with accessibility services
Accessible Tourism Day will take place at Messe Berlin, CityCube, Hall A5, and will also be streamed online. The conference languages are German and English, with simultaneous interpretation. Sign language and speech-to-text interpreters will be provided.
On-site participation requires an ITB ticket, while online attendance is free of charge.
The full programme and registration details are available at:
Image Credit: © GNTB/Jens Wegener
The most interesting news
Princess Cruises launches Blue Friday sale with discounts of up to 50 percent
The cruise line is offering reduced fares, additional savings and selected free third- and fourth-guest fares for bookings made by December 7
Turkish Airlines launches Chengdu flights, expanding its China network
Three weekly Boeing 787-9 services connect Istanbul with western China's major business and tourism hub, opening new travel opportunities between Türkiye and Sichuan province
Trinity Airways offers discounted flights between Taiwan and South Korea
The airline formerly known as T'way Air launches promotional fares across seven routes as it develops its new Selective Service Carrier strategy
Southeast Asian travelers discover new destinations in Japan, China and South Korea
Traveloka booking data reveals growing interest in Fukuoka, Jeju and lesser-known Chinese cities as travelers explore alternatives to established East Asian tourism hubs
Lufthansa receives 700th Airbus as new A350-1000 flagship prepares for Tokyo debut
The aircraft marks 50 years of cooperation with Airbus and introduces Lufthansa’s latest Allegris cabins and Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on long-haul flights
Thailand expands Balkan tourism links with new Sofia–Phuket flights
A new direct service from Bulgaria and a Romanian travel trade initiative aim to increase visitor arrivals and promote multi-destination holidays along Thailand’s Andaman coast
Bangkok Illuminates the Chao Phraya with Month-Long Light Festival
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 transforms 19 riverside locations with projections, drone displays and cultural performances from 13 November to 13 December
Marella Cruises strengthens UK travel trade support with two appointments
TUI’s cruise brand introduces its first dedicated Key Account Manager and appoints a new Trade Training Manager to expand sales support and product training for travel agents
Waldorf Astoria plans to nearly triple branded residences portfolio by 2030
Hilton targets 34 residential properties worldwide, with new developments in Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia reflecting growing demand for luxury homes with hotel services
Spain seeks leading role in EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Madrid backs European plans for better destination management and digitalisation while calling for stronger measures on housing, employment and tourism funding
Marella Discovery 2 introduces four new venues as ship goes adults-only
TUI’s UK cruise line is adding private karaoke, an immersive speakeasy, a 1920s escape room and a creative retreat ahead of the 2027 season
Hyatt opens The Mindaro hotel near Portland International Airport
The 90-room lifestyle property forms part of a hospitality complex combining airport accommodation, restaurants and conference facilities
Emirates opens Dubai hospitality training centre to UAE businesses
The airline is making its $8 million training facility available to external organisations, offering courses in customer service, fine dining, gastronomy and leadership
Delta expands summer 2027 flights to US and Caribbean leisure destinations
New seasonal weekend routes and additional frequencies will improve access to national parks, coastal resorts and holiday destinations across North America
WTTC welcomes EU tourism strategy but calls for faster action on travel barriers
The global tourism body supports the European Commission’s new framework for sustainable growth while urging progress on border procedures, investment, digitalisation and workforce development
Dusit opens two hotels in Yangon, combining colonial heritage with modern hospitality
Thailand’s Dusit International takes over the historic Strand Hotel and introduces its ASAI lifestyle brand in Myanmar’s largest city
Jakarta to host major hospitality investment conference in January 2027
The 10th Hospitality Indonesia Conference will bring together more than 500 industry executives to discuss hotel investment, sustainable development, revenue management and travel technology
Spain’s tourism workforce exceeds 3.25 million as employment rises 5.4%
Tourism added more than 166,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2026, while permanent contracts and international employment continued to grow
IHG resorts in Indonesia launch hospitality leadership programme for local graduates
Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach introduce a fully funded two-year training initiative combining practical experience with international certification
Agoda survey finds growing demand for all-in-one travel booking across Asia
The 2027 Asia Travel Pulse shows that 61% of surveyed travellers are open to booking entire trips on one platform, while payment preferences and language support differ significantly between markets
Agoda highlights five lesser-known winter destinations across Asia
From Japan’s snow-covered forests to frozen lakes in China and mountain landscapes in Kashmir, alternative winter escapes offer experiences beyond established ski resorts
