Inspiration, Ideas for Future Travel Dominate 2025 ITB Berlin Convention

 Charles Ajunwa 

The challenges and tasks facing tourism industry in transition are the focus of the International Business Trade (ITB) Berlin Convention 2025, which takes place from 4 to 6 March at the Berlin Exhibition Centre.

With the motto ‘The Power of Transition Lives Here’s, the organisers said trade visitors can look forward to an ambitious and comprehensive programme with high-profile presentations and discussions on the future of travel. 

More than 400 international experts and speakers will provide insights into current social and economic developments, analyse industry-relevant trends and present the latest results from business practice, research and science in 200 sessions and 17 theme tracks. The range of topics and issues to be discussed over the three days is extremely broad. 

The consequences of digital transformation and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) will be discussed just as intensively as the challenges of climate change and the search for sustainable strategies. The consequences of a changing world of work, the emergence of new customer needs and the importance of growing niche markets and special offers will also be the subject of numerous forums and events. 

On the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1, speakers will focus on the future of the industry and developments in marketing and sales. The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), is Stage Sponsor of the Orange Stage. The Future Track, the Marketing and Distribution Track and the Responsible Tourism Track will provide plenty of inspiration on topics such as sustainability and climate impact assessment. 

Organisers said attendees should look forward to a highly topical presentation on fundamental issues of climate protection and sustainability “On 4 March in the Future Track with the lecture by transformation expert Maja Gopel on the Orange Stage, Hall 7.1a. The renowned sustainability researcher will take a comprehensive look at current debates and ask how technology and innovation can help us to think outside the box. Microsoft Advertising is Track Sponsor of the Future Track, Google is Track Sponsor of the Marketing & Distribution Track, and Studiosus is Session Sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Track.

“On 4 March, Christoph Debus (CEO of the DERTOUR Group) will provide exciting insights into the transformation process of a leading German tour operator in the session titled ‘Shaping DERTOUR Group’s Future: Insights from Christoph Debus’ in the Tour Operator and Travel Sales Track on the Blue Stage, Hall 7.1b. 

He will outline the company’s future strategic priorities and highlight the industry’s future prospects. Changes in the German tour operator market will also be the subject of another event on the Blue Stage. Moderated by Dr. Markus Heller (Fried & Partner), Roland Gassner (Travel Data + Analytics),Omer Karaca (Schmetterling International),Dr. Ingo Burmester (DERTOUR Group),Songul Goktas-Rosati (Bentour Reisen) and Benjamin Jacobi (Director, TUI Germany) will discuss the development of the business following the bankruptcy of FTI.