Tourexpi
ITB Berlin 2026, taking place from 3 to 5 March,
enters its 60th anniversary year at full capacity. With exhibitors from more
than 160 countries, robust ticket sales and a high-profile convention
programme, the event underscores its role as the world’s leading B2B travel
trade show. Angola will appear as the official Host Country.
Major national presentations from Thailand, Egypt,
Türkiye and Italy reflect the exhibition’s global reach. Growth is particularly
pronounced in Asian and Arab markets, as well as in cruise, travel technology,
adventure and health tourism.
Europe: stable presence and strategic shifts
European participation remains strong, with Germany,
Austria, Switzerland and neighbouring destinations maintaining a broad
footprint. Italy once again commands a significant presence, while Spain
features prominently. Morocco joins new hall placements, aligning
geographically with long-term international partnerships.
Across the Europe halls, established exhibitors are
joined by new participants and evolving stand concepts, signalling shifts in
product focus and market positioning.
The Americas: expanding visibility
North and South America present an extensive line-up
of destinations, airlines and tourism boards. The strong showing also previews
the upcoming ITB Americas format scheduled for later in the year. The Caribbean
and Latin America segments demonstrate notable expansion, with Mexico
increasing its visibility.
Brazil, Argentina and Peru highlight the diversity of
South American offerings, while specialised operators and airlines broaden the
range of products on display.
Africa: Host Country Angola in focus
African destinations gain increased visibility,
anchored by Host Country Angola under the theme “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of
Life.” Several countries expand their stand areas, while others return after
recent absences. The continent’s growing significance within global tourism is
reflected in both exhibitor numbers and programme integration.
Middle East and North Africa: continued momentum
Arab destinations maintain a strong presence. The
United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt headline regional
participation. Morocco relocates with an enlarged stand, supported by expanding
international flight connectivity.
Asia and the Pacific: key growth driver
Asia remains one of the exhibition’s fastest-growing
regions. Thailand retains its position as the largest exhibitor, while
Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, India and other destinations expand their
presentations. Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island destinations round out
the regional portfolio.
Cruise and travel technology: dynamic segments
The cruise segment consolidates its position with
major global fleets represented. Travel Technology occupies multiple fully
booked halls, reflecting continued innovation in hotel software, payments and
AI-driven solutions.
New exhibitors and established players alike emphasise
digitalisation, operational efficiency and evolving distribution models.
Future topics at the convention
Under the guiding theme “Leading Tourism into
Balance,” the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 convenes around 400 international
speakers across four stages. Key topics include artificial intelligence,
sustainability, resilience, regenerative tourism, longevity and inclusive
travel.
Anniversary events across the grounds
To mark six decades, ITB Berlin introduces a range of
interactive installations and themed events designed to blend industry
reflection with a forward-looking perspective. Networking formats, guided tours
and new digital services – including the 24/7 chatbot MIA – complement the
anniversary programme.
With its milestone edition, ITB Berlin positions
itself not only as a marketplace, but as a barometer of structural change
within global tourism.
Image
Credit: © Messe Berlin GmbH
The most interesting news
Read the News

Global cruise market forecast to nearly double by 2034
Passenger growth, fleet expansion and rising demand for premium and experiential travel are expected to drive the market to $38.5 billion
Read the News

Hotel Indigo reaches 200 hotels as global expansion accelerates
IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle brand has doubled its footprint since 2019 and has another 134 properties in the development pipeline
Read the News

Emirates launches first daily Dubai-Helsinki service
The new year-round route gives Finland its only direct connection to the UAE and opens new one-stop links to Asia, Africa, the Indian Ocean and Australasia
Read the News

Türkiye’s underwater heritage reveals ancient Mediterranean trade routes
More than 430 shipwrecks have been documented along the Mediterranean coast, while new excavations and museum projects are bringing thousands of years of maritime history to a wider audience
Read the News

WTTC and ICC join forces to strengthen tourism SMEs worldwide
New partnership targets regulatory, financial, digital and mobility barriers affecting small and medium-sized businesses across global Travel & Tourism
Read the News

Eurowings expands Middle East network with new Baghdad flights
New services from Berlin and Düsseldorf will complement connections to Dubai, Jeddah, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil and Amman in the 2026/27 winter schedule
Read the News

Costa Rica launches interactive map of natural and cultural heritage
Free bilingual platform combines tourism, biodiversity, marine science, history and geography in a digital exploration tool
Read the News

TUI Blue puts holistic wellness at the centre of Asian escapes
TUI Blue Berawa in Bali and TUI Blue Angkor Grace in Cambodia combine yoga, recovery, healthy cuisine and local wellbeing traditions with a relaxed resort experience
Read the News

SpongeBob musical to debut at sea on Royal Caribbean’s Hero
Broadway-inspired production will headline the entertainment programme when the new Icon Class ship begins Caribbean cruises from Miami in August 2027
Read the News

Thailand links Middle East travel trade with 80 tourism businesses
Forty representatives from the UAE and Saudi Arabia met Thai suppliers after a six-day product discovery programme in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok
Read the News

Phuket Vegetarian Festival brings Hokkien traditions to the streets
The nine-day celebration from 10 to 18 October combines shrine ceremonies, processions and centuries-old rituals across Phuket City
Read the News

RIU repositions Riu Touareg as family resort after major renovation
The 1,181-room resort on Boa Vista has reopened with redesigned accommodation, expanded dining and a new focus on families
Read the News

Holland America Line to add Arcadia as 12th ship in 2029
The Vista Class vessel will transfer from P&O Cruises, adding capacity for more than 2,000 guests and supporting Holland America’s fleet modernization program
Read the News

Spain welcomes 12.3 million international tourists in August
International visitor spending exceeded €17.8 billion during the month, while arrivals rose 9.2% and destinations outside Spain’s main tourism regions recorded particularly strong expenditure growth
Read the News

Southeast Asian travellers look beyond China’s traditional gateways
Traveloka data shows bookings to China’s emerging city destinations growing more than twice as fast as demand for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen
Read the News

Tempo by Hilton to make German debut at Munich Airport Arena
The 199-room lifestyle hotel is scheduled to open in 2029 as part of the new MUNICH ARENA entertainment campus near Munich Airport
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands Japan network to 50 weekly flights
Lufthansa will return to Nagoya and add daily Frankfurt–Tokyo Narita services as the group significantly increases Japan capacity for Summer 2027
Read the News

Silversea adds 103 voyages for 2028-2029 season
The new collection spans 56 countries and introduces culinary sailings, 29 new ports and a 75-night circumnavigation of South America
Read the News

Hyatt Centric Sapporo opens as new base for exploring Hokkaido
The 216-room property is the Hyatt Centric brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido, combining a central Sapporo location with a strong focus on regional design and cuisine
Read the News

Oktoberfest draws growing interest from Asian travellers
Agoda data shows strong search growth from China, India and Japan, while visitors increasingly combine Munich with other German destinations
Read the News

Indonesia targets Australian travellers with quality tourism strategy
Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo and Borobudur anchor a campaign designed to encourage longer stays, higher-value travel and deeper local experiences