Tag: itb berlin

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Travel

Brave New Technologies at the ITB Berlin

Brave New Technologies at the ITB Berlin The long-running success of ITB is the potentiality and excitement of travelling. However, for travel companies client retention and expansion is now more competitive than ever. Much of this is in innovation and trend setting. In recent years technology has become rapidly foregrounded in the travel experience.

At the opening press conference of this year’s ITB Berlin such technological matters were evaluated. In particular, Mitra Sorrels, SVP Content of Phocuswright, had poignant opinions. Sorrels is currently preoccupied with current industry data, development and trends. This includes the role of generative AI and social media in global and European markets.

The global travel industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. This is driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and shifting consumer behaviors. From AI-driven personalization to responsible tourism and infrastructure investments, key trends are shaping tourism’s future.

Trends in 2025

Travel trends are evolving to meet the growing demand for personalized, efficient, and sustainable experiences. The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has led to an increased demand for long-term stays. Luxury and experiential travel is redefining exclusivity with immersive cultural and adventure-based experiences. Sustainability is becoming a priority, with travelers opting for green travel initiatives. This includes eco-friendly accommodation; carbon offset programs, and regenerative tourism.

Meanwhile, AI is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing efficiency and personalization. AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and predictive analytics enable seamless trip planning. The now ubiquitous facial recognition and biometric security improve airport efficiency. Responsible travel is also gaining momentum as businesses implement eco-conscious practices. This includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and AI-driven optimization of flight routes to reduce emissions.

Tourism has become highly digitalized. Mobile apps, blockchain-based travel solutions, and contactless technologies have improved efficiency. Generative AI is transforming content creation, enabling travel companies to enhance marketing strategies. AI-driven virtual tours and real-time recommendations are further enhancing the travel experience.

The future of global travel will be shaped by AI, sustainability, and digital innovation. Businesses that embrace these changes will drive the industry forward, offering seamless, eco-conscious, and highly personalized travel experiences.

~ By Steven Yates 

Categories
Travel

New Horizons at the ITB

ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) has since 1966 been a leading global travel trade fair. It takes place annually in March in Berlin West and is organized by Messe Berlin GmbH. For nearly sixty years, up to 180 countries have presented their offers at ITB. These have also included focused cities and regions, tour operators, booking portals and hotels.

Albania Prime Minister Edi Rama at ITB Berlin

Every year ITB chooses a new partner country or region. The respective partner country hosts a program of events including the grand opening ceremony. Last year it was Oman and this year it was the turn of Albania. At the opening press conference, Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, was also present. With dry humor, he fielded questions from the audience as well as online. As ITB host, Albania wants to promote its Alps, Adriatic beaches and historical sites.

The three-day event from 4th-6th March was the usual showcase of global travel. What makes each year different is the current trends in destinations and technology. This is featured most in the presentations and discussions. In 2024 Germany experienced a record year with a near 6% turnover growth. Currently, the popular destinations for Germans are in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia, cruises particularly popular.

On a global level, there are emerging vertical markets that are becoming choice destinations. In particular, Saudi Arabia is looking to make a return on its high-profile international tourism spending. Meanwhile, Turkey is continuing to perform and out-perform its tourism targets. Thailand and particularly India are predicted to grow domestically and internationally. India’s outbound trips are expected to increase fivefold by 2040, and inbound tourism is also booming.

Three other countries to look out for in global travel are Tunisia, Egypt and Bulgaria. Along with its attractive prices, Bulgaria has also introduced new flights to attract more tourists. Varna in the north and southern Burgas are two destinations that will increase such flights. 

Otherwise, sustainable tourism was also very much on the agenda. In the Balearic Islands, for example, they are trying to combine local interests with tourism. This will also include protecting natural resources and cultural heritage.

ITB Berlin was held from March 4th to March 6th in Berlin.

By Steven Yates

Categories
Travel

2025 at the ITB

ITB 2025

Some images from the ITB Berlin. The annual travel event hit the German city for three days.

ITB 2025
ITB 2025
ITB 2025
ITB 2025
ITB 2025
ITB 2025
ITB 2025
Watch on TikTok
Categories
Fashion

The Understated Bamberg

Bamberg Germany

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Bamberg, located in the Franconia region of Bavaria seems is a city that feels straight from an old location. Hilly scenes, Middle Age Architecture, Wooden fronts, narrow streets, it is no wonder the 80.000 inhabitant municipality is one of the prettiest in Germany. Good for a pub crawl, however, the famous Smoked Beer still needs to grow on me.

Categories
Travel

ITB Travel

ITB 2024

ITB Berlin Berlin arrived to the capital city today. The massive annual travel fair is the place to learn about new trends in the tourism sector.

ITB 2024
Sustainable Travel Products Emirates
ITB 2024
The Turkiye Hall is always interesting
ITB 2024
ITB
ITB 2024
Oman

The ITB Berlin runs until March 7th

Categories
Travel

Clipper Inspired talks Senegal

Senegal

Click below for this episode of Clipper Inspired on the African Nation Senegal. We met up with the Minister of Tourism, he gave us a quick view on the travel offerings.

Categories
Travel

Never Heard of Marktbreit

Marktbriet

Another place on the Main river, but Marktbreit wins the Picturesque Award. The romantic small town of around 3,700 sits in the middle of wine country with its old city wall and canal. I have never heard of the ancient Roman settlement until a recent quick visit on a warm German day. It was time well spent.

Marketbreit is located 136 km from Frankfurt and 30km from Wurzburg.

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podcast Travel

The Truffles Experience

amirali mirhashemian pic of Truffles

The Truffle experience is France is for everyone who wants to experience cuisine at a gourmet local level.

For this Clipper Inspired podcast we spoke to MooVeert CEO Pier Tognazzini, click below.

Categories
Travel

Welcome Back ITB

ITB Georgia Wine
Georgian Wine

The last time I attended the ITB Berlin happened in 2019. It’s been a few years, the world of travel has changed. Restrictions, lock downs and a war gave travelers reasons to ponder.

March 2023, ITB Berlin welcomed back the tourism industry albeit on smaller scale. This time around, only professionals attended the three day trade fair from March 7th to 9th. After much discussion, public days were cancelled. However, that did not dull the pumped up feeling of being back for the big travel event.

Hello ITB
ITB 2023
ITB Visit India
A Passage to India
ITB Adventure Travel
Adventure Travel

Host country Georgia took front and center stage. The mountainous destination talked up offerings ranging from winter sports to distinctive cuisine. My view of the ancient country is a one with Georgian designers Demma, head of Balenciaga and London based David Koma both occupy prominent roles in the fashion industry as innovators. Hopefully, I’ll pay a visit the Caucasus nation.

Go Big

ITB Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia made its presence felt with the biggest stand in Hall 2. The Middle East Kingdom has set an ambitious target of spending over $800 billion over seven years positioning itself as a travel destination with underwater resorts and promoting historic destinations such as Medina. A spokesperson for the travel office told me “We need to spend to get noticed.” Spending that amount of money, it will be impossible not to notice.

There were elephants in the room, traveling these days means turbulence. Going to an airport, a traveler can be forgiven for having a sense of dread. Labor shortages along with industrial actions have hindered travel schedules. Airline customer service is lacking. Horror stories of long delays, cancelled flights and lost baggage are common. Putting anything underneath the plane is a game of roulette, Good Luck! Recently, I was told about a flyer from Berlin to Lima, their luggage went into the Suitcase Black Hole, to be never seen again.

ITB RIO
Rio
ITB
Domnican Republic

Staying with the times, Sustainable Travel topped several conferences. I am still uncertain how to approach this subject. Mass travel or accessible movement for all will leave an environmental footprint. Let’s face it, when on a holiday, most travelers want to leave the problems of the world behind. But during the Maldives conference, the low laying country expressed concerns about rising ocean levels. Saying “Responsible Travel” is easy, putting the concept into practice, that is still an answered question.

All and all, ITB Berlin like travel is making a recovery. My fingers are crossed.

Tune into the Clipper Inspired Podcast travel episodes.

Categories
podcast Travel

Clipper Inspired Is BACK.

Clipper Inspired Podcast for ITB

We mothballed the travel podcast, but in celebration of the ITB Berlin returning, Clipper Inspired has been revived. From the German capital we’ll be reporting all the news about the travel world. The places to go. When to go? Where to go? How to go?

Gambia Stand at ITB
ITB Berlin KOREA
Korea Stand at ITB