ITB Berlin will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 3–5 March 2026 with industry-wide events, special installations and future-focused programming—reinforcing its position as the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show while spotlighting the next chapter of global tourism.
Six Decades of ITB Berlin: From Trade Fair to Global Platform
Founded in 1966 with nine exhibitors from five countries, ITB Berlin has evolved into a global tourism marketplace hosting more than 5,000 exhibitors and cliitbose to 100,000 attendees in recent editions.
Under the anniversary theme “60 Years of Legacy”, the 2026 edition combines:
- B2B networking
- Knowledge exchange
- Cultural dialogue
- Industry recognition
- Forward-looking innovation showcases
The show remains a central meeting point for decision-makers across destinations, hospitality, aviation and travel technology.
Anniversary Highlights Across the Show Floor
Industry-Wide 60-Second Cheer
On 3 March at 3 p.m., ITB Berlin will host a symbolic “60-Second Cheer for the Travel Industry”, inviting participants to recognise colleagues and partners across the exhibition grounds.
ITB Späti and Berlin Culture
Hall 7.2c introduces the new ITB Späti, inspired by Berlin’s iconic 24-hour corner shops. Programming includes:
- Guided tours
- Presentations
- Daily bingo sessions
- After-hours networking
- A live tape-art installation
“Cheers to 60 Years” After-Work Event
From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on 3 March, attendees can gather at the south entrance for the official anniversary after-work event, featuring:
- An ITB signature drink
- Informal networking
- Music by Berlin DJ Chris Bekker
Back to the Future: Travel Through Time
In Hall 21e, the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future will serve as a visual centrepiece, inviting visitors to reflect on six decades of travel evolution—while engaging with future-oriented concepts.
Launch the Future – The ITB Rocket
Also in Hall 21e, the interactive ITB Rocket installation will collect visitor insights on the question:
“What will travel look like tomorrow?”
Selected responses will be shared across ITB Berlin’s digital platforms throughout the year.
Community Art and Photo Installations
Additional engagement features include:
- Community Painting – One Community, One Canvas (Hall 19 north entrance)
- Vintage VW Bus photo spot in Hall 23
- “Say ITB” Polaroid installation
- “Faces of ITB – 60 Years, One Community” portrait series
A daily ITB Berlin Goodie Bag Hunt will also activate social media engagement via the event’s official Instagram channel.
Publications and Industry Insights
To mark the anniversary, ITB Berlin will launch the ITB Global Travel Collection, a curated publication covering:
- Historical industry milestones
- Emerging travel trends
- Innovation case studies
- Industry leaders and visionaries
Additionally, the Travel & Tourism Report 2026/2027 will be available at a special anniversary rate, offering comprehensive KPIs and market analysis.
Hub27: Destination Europe Exhibition
In cooperation with the Museum of Tourism and the European Travel Commission, Hub27 will host “Destination Europe: A Journey in Posters”, showcasing approximately 30 historic tourism campaigns that illustrate the evolution of European travel marketing.
ITB Berlin Convention 2026
Running alongside the trade show, the ITB Berlin Convention will take place under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance.”
More than 400 speakers from business, academia and politics will address industry priorities across:
- Sustainability
- Market resilience
- Digital transformation
- Policy frameworks
- Global tourism governance
Further programme details are available via the official event platform.
Why It Matters
ITB Berlin’s 60th anniversary underscores several broader industry signals:
- Resilience of in-person trade shows in a digitally connected world
- Growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and balance
- Continued importance of European market leadership in global tourism
- Expansion of year-round engagement through ITB 360° content platforms
As tourism navigates shifting geopolitical, environmental and consumer dynamics, ITB Berlin 2026 positions itself not just as a commemorative event—but as a forward-looking industry forum.
Accreditation and Registration
Press and trade visitors must register online in advance. Approved applicants will receive:
- A digital press badge
- Personal QR code access
- Non-transferable accreditation documentation
At a Glance
- Event: ITB Berlin 2026
- Dates: 3–5 March 2026
- Format: B2B trade show
- Theme: 60 Years of Legacy
- Convention Focus: Leading Tourism into Balance
- Key Features: Industry-wide cheer, DeLorean installation, community art, ITB Späti, anniversary publications
