GNTB unveils programme for Accessible Tourism Day 2026

Germany

Experts to discuss strategies and innovations in inclusive travel at ITB Berlin

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:

www.germany.travel/tdbt