Berlin, 16 November 2009. As the world’s leading travel industry platform ITB Berlin 2010 takes a first look at a future which in the long term will be marked by the financial and economic crisis as well as by structural changes and changing travel behaviour. One of the highlights of ITB Berlin, which takes place from 10 to 14 March 2010, is the world’s largest travel industry convention.
ITB Berlin has been holding its travel industry convention since 2004, an event with an unparalleled success story. Over the last six years 50,000 professionals from all tourism source markets and destinations from around the world have visited the ITB Berlin Convention. Each year the ITB Berlin Convention was able to build on its position as the leading think tank of the global tourism industry and in 2009 recorded its highest attendance to date. At 12,000 participants the number of visitors increased by 10 per cent over 2008.
The ITB Berlin Convention is the ideal platform for dialogue with the tourism industry. Decision-makers from all walks of the global tourism industry enjoy networking opportunities among professionals to discuss the latest industry trends as well as pressing issues and market topics among leading experts. High-ranking speakers from tourism and industry have already announced their participation in the ITB Berlin Convention 2010.
As the event hosting the industry’s leading forums the Theme Days highlight the latest trends and background developments. Innovators and futurists will be presenting global mega trends at the ITB Berlin Future Day. The challenges facing the hotel industry will be discussed at the ITB Berlin Hospitality Day. The ITB Aviation Day is recognised as the leading event for the global air transport industry and discusses key issues concerning the latest developments in the airline and airport industries. With its ITB Corporate Social Responsibility Day, which celebrated a successful debut last year, the ITB Berlin is again organising a definitive forum comprising experts in travel matters. Corporate social responsibility is becoming an increasingly important topic in the tourism industry.
Forward-looking destination management concepts from selected regions will be presented at the ITB Berlin Destination Days. The ITB Business Travel Days will also be taking place on all three days of the convention. Workshops focusing on practical issues, podium discussions and keynotes will provide opportunities for exchanging opinion and furthering one’s knowledge on business travel and events. The Travel Technology Convention PhoCusWright@ITB focuses on the latest technology trends and the complex world of travel technology.
