Anytime. Anywhere: ITB Berlin NOW

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE:

ITB BERLIN NOW

Global body World Travel & Tourism Council predicts a strong summer of travel ahead and New research gives hope for sector left struggling for survival by COVID-19

ITB Berlin NOW, the digital edition of the World’s Leading Trade Show has kicked off at itb-now.com. A total number of 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries have decided to take part in the digital edition of ITB Berlin NOW from 9 to 12 March 2021. Tourism organisations and associations, travel technology providers, tour operators, the hotel industry, and destination management companies (DMCs) are strongly represented this year. Taking as its slogan ’The digital Meet-up of the Travel Industry. Anytime. Anywhere.’, the trade show provides ideal conditions for trade visitors to network, exchange ideas, stay well-informed and negotiate business with market players and tourism service providers from all over the world, even in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic and current travel restrictions.

“Undoubtedly, the travel industry has been badly hit by the pandemic. However, as the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show it is our responsibility to offer the industry orientation and new hope, particularly in these difficult times. With ITB Berlin NOW and our virtual platform, we are giving players around the world in a very difficult situation the opportunity to communicate with each other, find out about new developments and do business. I am very confident that after many months of stagnation our virtual marketplace will produce tangible results for the future and remain

relevant as part of a hybrid event in the years to come“, said Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin.

At the ITB Berlin NOW Convention, under the heading ’Rethink, Regenerate, Restart – Tourism for a Better Normal’, leading industry figures, scientists, and visionary minds will examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global travel industry and offer qualified and practical advice for recovery. In addition, over the four days of events at the global travel industry’s leading think tank, the programme will include topics such as sustainable travel, destination marketing, and the changing MICE and business travel market. More than 280 top-class speakers representing airlines, the hotel, cruise, and package tour industries will share their views on future developments and trends in their respective sectors. Euromonitor International will present its Sustainable Travel Index of 99 countries, a world debut and an indispensable guide for destinations and tourism companies.

As the first Official Cultural Destination at ITB Berlin NOW 2021, the federal state of Saxony is promoting itself as an outstanding destination for cultural and city tourism as well as offering a unique nature experience. Next year it will be the host country of the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show. At ITB Berlin NOW, international Travel Technology providers will present innovations and product developments and show how AI, smart interfaces, and dynamic pricing can help boost the economic recovery.

The Medical Tourism segment is devoted to a fast-growing industry and brings representatives of hospitals, clinics, hotels, and tour operators together. Taking place for the first time, the presentation of the ITB Medical Tourism Award, powered by HTI will recognise a provider or destination that has made a special commitment to promoting medical tourism.

‘Best-case scenario’ could see 111 million jobs recovered; At least 84 million global Travel & Tourism jobs predicted to return this year

17