Tourism in Balance: ITB Berlin Convention 2026 Sets the Agenda - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

As the travel industry enters a decisive phase of transition, the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 steps forward as a global forum for ideas, research and strategic direction. Over three days, around 400 leading experts will analyse key developments, present scenario-based insights and debate solutions for a sector facing mounting environmental, technological and social pressures. High-profile contributors include Nathan Blecharczyk (co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Airbnb), Mitra Sorrells (Senior Vice President, Phocuswright), Bruce Poon Tip (founder, G Adventures) and biodiversity expert Frauke Fischer. Globetrotter Thor Pedersen will offer a unique perspective on global mobility with his round-the-world journey completed entirely without air travel.

AI, overtourism and climate adaptation

Under its motto “Leading Tourism into Balance”, the convention will span 17 theme tracks on four stages, addressing hotspots of global tourism transformation. The programme examines how destinations can counter overtourism, what new opportunities data and AI-driven systems create, and how urgently the industry must adapt to climate impacts. The focus lies on collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches that balance commercial interests with environmental and social responsibility.

Practical insights from the Transition Labs and Deep Dives

The ITB Transition Labs return with an expanded programme after strong feedback last year. These sessions explore corporate strategies in depth, including the growing importance of indices and performance metrics and how they can be interpreted for operational use. The new ITB Deep Dives complement this offering, testing fresh ideas, challenging existing assumptions and developing forward-looking solutions that participants can apply long after the event. Tickets are available via the ITB Berlin ticket shop.

Broader content and new partners

Hospitality experts will find an expanded programme in 2026. The Hospitality Track opens on Tuesday on the Green Stage and continues on the eTravel Stage with the Hospitality Tech Track. Speakers such as Thomas Hertkorn (Head of Online Marketing, a&o Hostels) and Renée Nicole Wagner (Corporate Director, Orascom Hotels Management AG) will outline emerging trends and innovations.

As Official Premium Partner, Airbnb will contribute additional perspectives to the hospitality programme. Peru, the Adventure Travel Partner of ITB Berlin 2026, will present its diverse tourism potential throughout the convention.

Spotlight on LGBTQ traveller safety

Diversity and inclusion remain integral to next year’s agenda. The Diversity & Inclusion Track will again address the specific needs of LGBTQ travellers. For the second time, ITB Berlin is conducting a market survey with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism to assess risk perceptions and personal experiences of LGBTQ travellers at destinations worldwide. The survey runs from December to April and can be accessed here: Survey.Lamapoll./ITB_LGBTQPlus_survey_2025_2026.

Tickets, accreditation and access

The ticket shop for ITB Berlin 2026 is now open. Early-bird prices and reduced-rate trade visitor tickets are available until 14 January 2026. All ITB Berlin tickets, including press and creator accreditation, grant access to the ITB Berlin Convention.

Press representatives and bloggers/creators can now register online. Following approval, accreditation documents including a QR-coded press badge will be sent by email. Accreditation is non-transferable and available online around the clock for the duration of the event.

Image Credit: © ITB Berlin