At the opening press conference on 2 March 2026 at the CityCube Berlin, the focus will be on current trends, markets and strategies. The day’s events include a new exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for the media of selected exhibitors and the UN Ministers’ Summit at ITB Berlin, where high-ranking tourism ministers will discuss the future of international tourism.
ITB Berlin is turning 60 and enters the new trade show year with a special anniversary edition from 3 to 5 March 2026. Events will officially kick-off with the opening press conference, on Monday, 2 March 2026, on the morning before the show, at 10 a.m. in Room A3 at the CityCube Berlin (map of the grounds), offering media representatives a concise overview of key industry trends, strategic developments and the main topics at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.
Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, will present the highlights, topics and trends of the sixtieth anniversary edition. This year’s Host Country Angola will be represented by Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, who will provide insights into the country’s tourism highlights and prospects. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, speaks about the new EU strategy for sustainable tourism and the current priorities of European tourism policy. Mitra Sorrells, Senior Vice President Content at Phocuswright, will present the latest market data and trend analyses, including on global market growth in so-called growth regions (Middle East, Latin America, India) and the growing use of AI in the travel sector. Albin Loidl, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), will give an outlook for the prospects of German outbound tourism and key trends in the German travel industry in 2026.
Following the press conference, media representatives are invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, which will offer a preview of selected stands and key areas of the trade show before it officially opens. In the afternoon at 4 p.m. the UN Ministers’ Summit at ITB Berlin will take place. The opening day will conclude with the newly organised ITB Berlin Opening Gala, featuring the official host country Angola. Full details are already online in the ITB Berlin event overview, the ITB Navigator and the ITB app, along with information on ITB Berlin Convention sessions.
