ITB Berlin Convention 2026 to Explore Pathways for Tourism in Balance
ITB Berlin is marking its 60th year, and under the guiding theme “Leading Tourism into Balance”, the global tourism convention will examine the key questions shaping the sector’s future. From 3 to 5 March 2026, around 400 international speakers will address how sustainable business models can operate while respecting natural ecosystems, across four stages and 17 theme tracks.
Next year’s ITB Berlin Convention 2026 will focus on strategies and insights for an industry undergoing transition. More than 400 speakers will discuss emerging trends, present new research, and debate approaches for navigating structural and environmental shifts. Industry leaders such as Nathan Blecharczyk (co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Airbnb), Mitra Sorrells (Senior Vice President, Phocuswright), and Bruce Poon Tip (founder, G Adventures) will offer perspectives on market developments and evolving travel behaviour. Business biodiversity expert Frauke Fischer will outline why biodiversity is essential to the sector’s long-term stability, while Thor Pedersen (globetrotter and author) will share insights from his journey completed without air travel.
Addressing AI, Overtourism and Climate Change
With its theme “Leading Tourism into Balance” and programming structured across 17 tracks, the convention will address topics that require coordinated responses. Discussions will explore how destinations manage overtourism, the potential of data and AI for smarter decision-making, and the climate adaptation measures needed for tourism-dependent regions. The aim is to highlight concepts involving multiple stakeholders and to create pathways for balanced growth.
Practical Insights Through Analyses and Deep Dives
The ITB Transition Lab will return with an expanded programme following positive feedback from previous editions. It will examine corporate strategies, focus on the use of indices and key performance indicators (KPIs), and discuss their practical relevance. The new ITB Deep Dives will provide detailed analysis of emerging topics, encourage alternative thinking, and generate practical takeaways for participants. Tickets are available via the ITB Berlin ticket shop.
Expanded Focus for Hospitality and New Partners
For the hotel and hospitality sector, the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 will expand its programme. The Hospitality Track will begin on ITB Tuesday on the Green Stage and continue later on the eTravel Stage with the Hospitality Tech Track. Speakers such as Thomas Hertkorn (Head of Online Marketing, a&o Hostels) and Renée Nicole Wagner (Corporate Director, Orascom Hotels Management AG) will share updates on market developments and hospitality innovations.
Airbnb joins as the Official Premium Partner of ITB Berlin, contributing additional sessions and viewpoints, while Peru, the Adventure Travel Partner, will present its tourism landscape and opportunities.
Continued Focus on LGBTQ Traveller Insights
Diversity and inclusion remain key themes for ITB Berlin, and the Diversity & Inclusion Track will again address these topics in 2026. For the second year, ITB Berlin, in partnership with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism, is surveying risks faced by LGBTQ travellers. The study explores personal views and experiences of LGBTQ travellers across destinations, contributing to a broader understanding of safety and inclusivity in global travel.
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