Very popular for ITB Berlin Digital Now | Newsletter

The global tourism industry is struggling with the consequences of the Corona pandemic. Positive developments, such as the start of vaccinations in several countries, include cautious optimism among tourism service providers around the world regarding the 2021 travel year. About 2,000 exhibitors from about 120 countries at this year’s event are also confident. ITB Berlin NOWWho have registered to date on the online platform of the world’s leading travel fair. “The Corona crisis has undoubtedly rocked the travel industry deeply, but the strong fighting spirit is evident,” explains David Roitz, ITB Berlin president. The situation of the reservation in the various tourism sectors clarifies what are the signs that the crisis is leaving. As the cruise industry and tourist offices slowly regain hope, the situation among airlines remains critical. It is of utmost importance now to show the great importance of the industry and to stay together as a branch. ITB Berlin NOW is now the most important stage in the world for mutual exchange, business and expert knowledge in tourism. “

The newly created digital platform is already open to the exhibitors in order to get acquainted with the numerous functions with sufficient advance notice thus obtaining the best possible result from their presence in the virtual trade fair. Exhibitors present their new products on their own brand cards, store contact and talk details to participants via voice or video chat. “It is important for all participants at ITB Berlin NOW to familiarize themselves with the new platform as soon as possible, to set appointments in advance and to invest the time to learn about the technical capabilities,” said Ruetz. The ITB digital exhibition will open in Berlin in the ‘exploration phase’ from February 16th, and the trial will open on March 8 – one day before the trade fair begins.

Saxony: The Official Cultural Destination ITB Berlin NOW 2021

This year, Saxony presents itself as a cultural and travel destination of the city that also offers unmistakable natural experiences. With its hypothetical presence, the German country is already giving a preview of the coming year when it appears as an official guest country at ITB Berlin 2022. In addition to Saxony, all other German federal states are also represented at ITB Berlin NOW, either with its own brand card or as a co-exhibitor German National Tourist Board (DZT).

Journey through Europe

Several European countries are also using ITB Berlin NOW this year: Italy is represented on the digital platform with the national tourism office ENIT and hundreds of exhibitors participating. Other popular holiday countries and regions like Greece, Balearic Islands, Spain and Hungary roughly show what you’re planning for this year. Bulgaria, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Austria, Macedonia, Switzerland and Slovenia also present the most important innovations in their brand cards. Turkey is also represented as a exhibitor, with the popular resort of Izmir presenting itself with its own brand card. From the Benelux countries, DIE ITB Berlin NOW welcomes “Visit Brussels” and “Visit Flanders” as virtual exhibitors. The Netherlands offers an area every day with live broadcasts and inspiring movies, including delicacies, museum visits and evening bar visits. Scandinavian tourism organizations and VisitBritain can also almost visit ITB Berlin NOW participants. Georgia, the eastern European country at the interface between Asia and Europe, is presenting itself this year as a partner for digital adventure and sustainability. Russia will be on the podium with Moscow and other individual exhibitors.

Virtual trip around the world

ITB Berlin NOW is attracting huge interest from the Asian continent. For example, Armenia, China, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka will be included in the digital version. India is represented by four exhibitors at ITB Berlin NOW. Users of the digital platform can also look forward to news in Australia and New Zealand Brand Cards. The exhibition also welcomes almost every exhibitor from Latin and South America. The Shepherd Peru and Panama are largely represented, and Costa Rica also provides information on the latest offers. Caribbean islands such as Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba have also decided to appear at ITB Berlin NOW. This year, the United States is presenting itself with individual service providers in their brand cards. With nearly 40 exhibitors from Africa, the continent is a solid player on the virtual platform for everything related to business, content, networking and news. Participants will include Botswana, Namibia, Reunion, Seychelles and South Africa. Service providers such as Mukambi Safaris from Zambia and Le Voyageur from Madagascar showcase their innovations in their brand cards. Several countries from North Africa, the Arab region and the Middle East are also planning to use the exhibition. There are exhibitors from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Morocco and Oman, among other countries.

A platform for all sectors of the tourism industry

Trade visitors immerse themselves in the cruise world with branded cards from shipping companies or service providers such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceanwide Expeditions, Albatros Expeditions, and Poseidon Expeditions. The hotel industry is also being strongly represented this year with popular hotel chains such as BWH Hotel Group Central Europe, Dorint, Hilton International and Steigenberger Hotels. Well-known suppliers in this sector and related industries such as Airbnb Germany, Duetto, Huawei, Infor, Meituan, PayPal Germany, protel hotelsoftware, SAS Software, SuitePad, Travelport Germany and TrustYou will almost be in ITB Berlin now. Tour operators such as Fitreisen and SERVICE-REISEN Heynes can also be found on the platform. In terms of mobility, Deutsche Bahn, Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, Munich Airport, Sixt and airlines such as Iceland Air and Global Air show what tourists can expect this year.

ITB’s Buyers Circle is also an indicator of industry resilience. As in previous years, it is expected again about 1000 major new buyers this year is segmented into sectors and destinations so that buyers can reach the right business partners in a more targeted way.

Digital meetings, real results

Come together and talk and discuss or just have fun – at ITB Berlin NOW’s cafés, exhibitors and trade visitors meet in either open or closed groups. The entertainment is definitely not neglected, as in the Culture Café, organized by the cultural destination of Saxony, invites you to pause for a moment in the hustle and bustle of the trade fair with the saxophonist. The cafes of 13 categories dr ITB Berlin NOW are dedicated to various topics, such as Adventure Travel, Career, Hospitality, LGBT, Responsible Medical Tourism, Luxury, Travel Technology and Startups, Tours and Activities, Youth Travel, and provide an opportunity to meet with like-minded people as well as partners. Potential business.

Digitization at ITB Berlin NOW

The digitization boom brought by the Corona pandemic is noticeable in the travel technology industry and is also a topic in ITB Berlin NOW. Many technology companies have taken advantage of the difficult stage to further develop their products. At ITB Berlin NOW you will now find the perfect stage to introduce you to the world. In eTravelWorld, for example, topics are dealt with related to interfaces, artificial intelligence, and new payment methods. At Startup NOW, founders and entrepreneurs ask themselves three questions and thus provide insight into their success story. At Travel Tech & Startup Café, the daily happy hour, hosted by Verband Internet Reisevertrieb eV (VIR), starts every day at 5 pm. Innovations and trends are also discussed at Travel Tech Café or Hospitality Café, managed by techtalk.travel media partner.

Live social responsibility

This year’s ITB Berlin NOW agreement encourages reflection, inquiry and further development under the slogan “Rethink, Renew, Reboot – Tourism for a Better Normal Life”. The experience gained from more than 25 CEOs from around the world, reports from inspiring thought leaders, and in-depth studies by recognized experts in two parallel video streams with a four-day continuous program support the conference’s position as the largest think tank in the world. International travel industry.

(Messi Berlin / New Zealand)