„People are looking for that undiscovered hidden gem“
Wendy Olson Killion, CEO of Rome2Rio, talks about US tourism in difficult times, the benefits of AI for the industry and how traveller behaviour is shifting beyond the most well-known destinations. She also reflects on the growing interest in lesser-known places and shares personal insights, including lessons learned from cherry picking at home.
Dr. Frauke Fischer, Agentur Auf!, Business Biodiversity Expert
„The success of tourism relies on healthy Ecosystems“
Dr. Frauke Fischer, Business Biodiversity Expert at Agentur auf!, talks about her live in an African rain forest, the importance of biodiversiy for Tourism, and how AI will teach us to understand animals.
Key performance indicators (KPI) are playing an increasingly important role in the tourism industry. Key performance indicators can help sustain success, identify weaknesses, and minimize risks. This applies not only to business processes but also to issues such as sustainability, overtourism, and social integration. Martin Jahrfeld talks with Jannik Müller (Head of Market Research, Tourist Association of North Rhine-Westphalia) and Kai Partale (Senior Managing Partner, benchmark services) about strategies and opportunities in the use of KPIs.
Joschka Fischer, former German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor, reflects on the geopolitical shifts shaping a new world order, the ambivalence of globalization and how travelling formed his character.
Aziz Abu Sarah, Co-Founder of MEJDI Tours and Palestinian peace activist, talks about growing up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, why tourism can become a powerful tool for dialogue and how meaningful travel experiences can connect people across divides.
Inside the ITB Berlin Convention: In this Travel Hero Podcast Morning Briefing, Lea Jordan unpacks the convention theme “Leading Tourism into Balance,” explores how AI is reshaping travel, and highlights insights from leaders like Bruce Poon Tip and Nathan Blecharczyk. Listen in for the key takeaways from Day 2.
Today the doors open for the 60th edition of ITB Berlin. Deborah Rothe and David Ruetz look ahead to the trends, highlights and special anniversary moments, and spotlight host country Angola. Tune in for your essential Morning Briefing and get ready for an inspiring first day!
Seit Jahrzehnten gestaltet die Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus die internationale Positionierung des Reiselandes Deutschland. In dieser Folge des ITB Berlin Travel Hero Podcasts spricht Petra Hedorfer, CEO der DZT, über 60 Jahre ITB als Seismograph der Branche und über die strategischen Weichenstellungen für die Zukunft des deutschen Incoming Tourismus.
Wie behauptet sich Deutschland in der „Champions League“ der Reiseziele? Welche Rolle spielen KI, Daten und Nachhaltigkeit für die internationale Sichtbarkeit? Und warum bleiben persönliche Begegnungen gerade in einer digitalisierten Welt der entscheidende Erfolgsfaktor? Ein Gespräch mit einer der profiliertesten Branchenstimme im Incoming-Tourismus
Diese Podcast-Folge wurde vor dem aktuellen Nahostkonflikt aufgezeichnet. Daher wird im Interview kein Bezug auf die jüngsten Entwicklungen genommen.
In this episode, Angola—ITB’s 2026 host country—shares why it is one of Africa’s most authentic and undiscovered destinations. The conversation highlights Angola’s cultural vibrancy, natural diversity, and sustainable tourism vision, inviting the industry to tap into exceptional first mover opportunities.
In the latest episode of the ITB Travel Hero Podcast, Lea Jordan speaks with Kathrin Anselm, General Manager Central & Eastern Europe at Airbnb.
As Airbnb joins ITB Berlin 2026 as official Co-Host — in the year of ITB’s 60th anniversary — Kathrin shares her perspective on how travel is evolving, what balanced tourism means in practice, and how Airbnb plans to engage with the industry in Berlin.
The conversation also offers a preview of her upcoming Executive Fireside at the ITB Marketing & Distribution Track, hosted by Lea Jordan