ITB Berlin 2016 is celebrating 50 years of success, so they are finalizing the details for the next edition to be held on March 9-13. If you are planning to exhibit or just visiting to discover the latest trends and most innovative destinations don't miss this interview with Martin Buck, the Vice President of CompetenceCenter Travel & Logistics of Messe Berlin GmbH.
In 2016 the world’s largest tourism industry trade show will celebrate its 50th anniversary. What can the exhibitors and visitors look forward to?
On the occasion of the anniversary, we visited many different destinations all over the world in order to offer our personal thank-you, “From Berlin With Love!” In the process, 50 topics or events from 50 destinations all over the world were selected; each is related to one of the following topics: tourism, politics, social issues, nature or history. A total of 50 ITB Ambassadors from Berlin traveled to selected destinations and visited local representatives; both the ambassadors and local representatives have a personal connection to the selected destination.
One particularly exciting meeting involved David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin, who visited Dr. Manfred Busche, the founder of ITB Berlin, in his hometown of Ketzin/Havel. The two men discussed the milestones of the development of the tourism trade show. The fact is: What began in 1966 with nine exhibitors from five countries and only 250 trade visitors has developed into a huge international success. In 2015 over 10,000 exhibitors from 186 countries presented their products and services to ca. 175,000 visitors. All 50 encounters will be showcased in a video, a book and via Social Media. In addition, the anniversary will be duly celebrated at the Opening Ceremony on 8 March and throughout the next ITB Berlin, from 9 – 13 March 2016.
The tourism industry is dealing with new aspects of digitalization and disruptive business models. What will you offer at the trade show?
Travel Technology has turned out to be one of the biggest and most dynamic exhibitor segments. We are currently experiencing an unparalleled change in this tourism industry area. Mobile Payment, Deep Link and humanoid robots, like “ChihiraAico” from Toshiba, are changing the tourism industry. For years eTravel World has successfully conveyed knowledge about the key Travel Technology market. We also acknowledge the importance of these topics at the ITB Berlin Convention with a broad forum: “Travel 4.0”. On ITB MICE-Day, for example, the focus will be on the topic “Man vs. Machine”. The question whether Augmented Reality or Google Glasses drive innovation or destroy personal encounters, and future topics like “when the robot fluffs up the pillows”, are on the agenda.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role for vacationers. How does ITB Berlin address this topic?
We worked together with National Geographic Travel magazine to create the World Legacy Award: It is given to the leading tourism companies, organizations and destinations which advance a re-thinking of the travel industry according to sustainable tourism-based principles and practices. But we do even more: ITB Berlin is committed to a variety of important areas, including human rights, social justice, fighting against the sexual exploitation of women and children in tourism, and protection of the climate, environment and animals.
As the Official Partner Country of ITB Berlin 2016, the Maldives take center stage of the international travel industry. What makes this island country in the Indian Ocean so unique?
With dazzling white beaches, turquoise lagoons and unique diving sites, the Maldives is one of the last paradises on Earth. Furthermore, the island country is one of the best examples for controlled and environmentally-friendly tourism, well beyond the world of mass tourism.
Who must attend the Show?
The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show is a must-attend event for every international expert in the tourism industry.
This is where companies and organizations meet, as well as top decision-makers, experts, buyers and young professionals from every touristic area: Hotels, tourism organizations, tour operators, travel agencies, transport companies, booking portals, systems providers and all the others.
Some why we can't miss ITB Berlin?
ITB Berlin combines all of the important segments in one location – from Leisure to Business Travel and MICE to trend areas like Travel Technology, LGBT and Youth and Adventure Travel all the way to the pioneering topic of CSR.
Furthermore, ITB Berlin Convention offers up-to-date, first-hand expert knowledge about the most important topics and the CareerCenter is a significant springboard for career starters and young professionals.