Good to know
- Next ITB Berlin: March 16 – 18, 2027
- Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries
- +170 countries represented
- Approx. 100,000 participants
A Look at the History of ITB Berlin
The ITB journey began in 1966, when nine exhibitors from Egypt, Brazil, Germany, Guinea and Iraq presented their products at the first trade fair in Berlin. A lot has changed since then: ITB has continuously evolved, recognizing trends early on. As early as 1992, it addressed awareness of environmental and human rights issues in the travel industry – at a time when these topics still received far too little attention in many other areas.
But that’s not all: in 2000, ITB established a dedicated section for travel software – years before smartphones conquered our everyday lives. In 2010, the trade fair sent a strong signal for diversity and inclusion by introducing the LGBTQ+ travel segment, which is still reflected today in the openness and versatility of the event.
The trade fair not only recognized digitalization early on, but also made the most of it: after the pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, ITB took place digitally in 2021 and 2022. Since 2023, however, the trade fair has been shining again as a physical event, and in 2025 the journey continued – with even more innovations and exciting outlooks on the future of travel.
The No. 1 Travel Trade Show
With two thirds of exhibitors coming from abroad and a high-caliber trade audience, ITB offers a stage for the entire world of travel. The motto “The world of travel lives here” could not be more fitting: this is where the who’s who of the industry meets to network, discuss trends and close deals.
Whether adventure tourism, luxury travel, medical tourism or travel software – ITB covers every area of the travel world and offers a professional spot for niche markets and innovative developments. No wonder, then, that almost half of the participants are decision-makers. The clear division into geographical regions and various market segments makes it easier for visitors to pursue their specific interests. Our prediction: With the Maldives as the official host country 2027, a special cultural touch is sure to be added once again.
ITB Berlin Convention: The Think Tank of the Travel Industry
With two thirds of exhibitors coming from abroad and a high-caliber trade audience, ITB offers a stage for the entire world of travel. The motto “The world of travel lives here” could not be more fitting: this is where the who’s who of the industry meets to network, discuss trends and close deals.
Whether adventure tourism, luxury travel, medical tourism or travel software – ITB covers every area of the travel world and offers a professional spot for niche markets and innovative developments. No wonder, then, that almost half of the participants are decision-makers. The clear division into geographical regions and various market segments makes it easier for visitors to pursue their specific interests. Our prediction: With the Maldives as the official host country 2027, a special cultural touch is sure to be added once again.
ITB Berlin Convention: The Think Tank of the Travel Industry
One of the highlight elements of ITB Berlin is the ITB Berlin Convention, which has played a key role in shaping the future of travel since 2004. This is where industry leaders and experts meet to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global travel industry: from the future of sustainability and technological innovations to cultural trends. So if you are looking for in-depth expertise or simply want to experience the latest developments in the industry up close, the ITB Berlin Convention is a must.
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The Segments of ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin is divided into various market segments, each covering specific focus areas. Here is an overview of the most important segments:
Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism
Adventure travel is booming – whether it involves hiking in remote areas, climbing tours or sustainable expeditions. ITB Berlin offers a dedicated area for tour operators and providers of adventure travel that place great value on sustainable tourism. This is the meeting place for a growing community that wants to travel responsibly and with consideration for nature and local communities. New trends such as “soft adventure” and “glamping” are also highlighted here.
Business Travel
The business travel segment at ITB Berlin is an indispensable platform for companies planning business trips and corporate events. At the Business Travel Forum, visitors learn more about current developments and receive practical tips on how to make their corporate travel more efficient. Particularly valuable is the connection to the ITB Berlin Convention, which time and again presents innovative ideas and solutions for the challenges of the global business travel market.
Career Center
The ITB Career Center is a very special highlight for career starters and industry professionals. Employers from all over the world present themselves here with exciting offers and numerous opportunities for further training. Students and career starters have the chance to network with potential employers, while companies can make valuable contacts with future talents. The diverse stage program also offers exclusive insights into career opportunities within the tourism industry.
Culture Tourism
For many travelers, cultural tourism is a decisive criterion when choosing their destination. ITB Berlin recognized this early on and pays special attention to this segment. In the “Culture Lounge”, cultural institutions and travel providers meet to present cultural tourism offerings and create new collaborations. Here, visitors can learn all about the cultural diversity of destinations – from music festivals to historical tours.
LGBTQ+ Tourism
LGBTQ+ tourism has been an integral part of ITB Berlin for around 20 years. Supported by positive corporate policies and the growing commitment to equality, ITB Berlin shows that LGBTQ+ tourism is an important economic factor today – and the trend is rising. The atmosphere in this area is characterized by openness, diversity and the conviction that every journey is individual and special.
Luxury Travel
“Home of Luxury” is an exclusive spot for luxury travel. Here, providers and buyers can engage in conversation in an elegant setting. Outside the classic exhibition halls, this area becomes a luxurious oasis where innovative luxury travel is presented and negotiated. Whether private island resorts or luxurious cruises – anyone looking for the extraordinary is in exactly the right place here.
Medical & Health Tourism
Medical tourism is a growing segment that continues to develop strongly. At ITB Berlin, providers from all over the world present their medical services, from cosmetic surgery to specialized health cures and wellness offerings. This market attracts not only private customers but also agencies that arrange health trips for their clients.
MICE Hub
The MICE area (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) is an important part of ITB. Here, everything revolves around the planning and execution of business events.
Travel Technology
Of course: innovations and digital technologies are shaping the future of travel, but how do the processes behind the scenes actually work? ITB covers the entire technological value chain – from start-ups to major technology providers. Here, visitors can learn all about the latest developments in artificial intelligence, booking systems and digital travel experiences.
Youth Travel & Economy Accommodation
The “wanderlust” generation is young, adventurous and environmentally conscious. They are looking for unique travel experiences off the beaten tourist track. In this segment, providers of youth hostels and budget accommodation meet a target group that is willing to travel further and spend more time in one place.
Our Tips for Your Visit to ITB Berlin 2027
A visit to ITB grants exclusive insights into the entire world of travel and is exciting, diverse and full of opportunities! But with hundreds of exhibitors, inspiring talks and endless networking opportunities, it’s easy to lose track. To make sure you don’t get lost in this gigantic travel universe but instead make the most of your visit to the trade fair, we have prepared a few tips for you.
1. As Everyone Knows, Early Planning Is Key
ITB is one of the largest trade fairs in the world. To make sure you don’t miss anything, it is worth drawing up a clear plan in advance. The best way to start is by securing your tickets early – these are usually available from the fall of the previous year. It is also advisable to book accommodation before your trip, as hotels in Berlin can quickly become fully booked during the trade fair period. Use the official ITB website to download the site plan and familiarize yourself with the grounds in advance. This way, you can structure your day and specifically visit the exhibitors or talks that are most important to you.
2. Don’t Miss the ITB Convention
One special highlight you should not miss under any circumstances is the ITB Convention. The reason is obvious: it offers in-depth insights into the current trends and developments in the travel industry. The talks and panel discussions are not only an excellent source of information, but also offer the opportunity to learn from leading industry experts and find inspiration. Particularly interesting are the sessions on topics such as sustainable tourism, new technologies and the influence of global events on the travel industry.
3. Network Like a Pro
ITB is the ideal place to make valuable contacts – whether with potential business partners, colleagues from the industry or international exhibitors. So don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards! A small but effective tip: if you are hoping for interesting conversations, be sure to attend the networking events offered at the trade fair or as part of the ITB Convention. The break zones and informal meeting points are also ideal for exchanging ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
4. Comfortable Clothing and Good Footwear Are a Must
The trade fair is huge, and you will be doing a lot of walking. So plan on comfortable shoes to get through the day pain-free. It is also worth wearing light yet smart business attire – after all, you might meet potential business partners or employers.
5. Use the ITB App and Social Media
The official ITB Berlin app is an invaluable tool for making your visit even more efficient. With the app, you can not only view the hall plan, but also coordinate appointments, network with other visitors and access up-to-date information on talks and events. It is also worth subscribing to ITB Berlin’s social media channels. This way, you stay up to date and won’t miss any important announcements or last-minute changes to the program. You might even discover spontaneous events or exclusive after-fair parties that you would otherwise have missed!
