00:00:18: Good morning everyone and welcome to our first ITB Morning Briefing this year.

00:00:24: I'm Deborah, Director of ITB Berlin And i am kicking off the very first morning here together with David Our Senior Vice President at Messe Berlin.

00:00:32: So good to have you here David.

00:00:33: Thank

00:00:34: You Debra.

00:00:35: Celebrating sixty years in ITB berlin What are your personally most looking forward for this Jubilee edition?

00:00:42: Well I could start by saying that I've been around for twenty five years But this year is very, very special.

00:00:51: What excites me most over the past decades?

00:00:55: Is seeing people behind the travel industry their energy creativity passion and for me it doesn't just mean business.

00:01:05: its about connection sharing ideas building bridges especially in times of uncertainty or crisis which we have had in the past and which will most likely have.

00:01:18: So with six years behind this, I'm really looking forward to celebrating that legacy while also seeing how the industry is embracing their future.

00:01:28: And we'll have debates on sustainable tourism On cutting edge technology.

00:01:35: We'll hear from bold new ideas That would shape travel maybe for decades or decades To come.

00:01:40: For example ITB Berlin Convention has four hundred speakers across two hundred sessions and seventeen different theme tracks.

00:01:49: we discuss topics like AI, poly crisis in tourism regenerative strategies inclusive travel new payment ecosystems etc.

00:01:59: So it's that combination of global reach focus trends and human connection That makes our ITB And especially IDP Berlin so unique.

00:02:07: In one sentence if you want ITV is a place where people come together, exchange ideas and find inspiration even in challenging times like this.

00:02:18: But Debbie what are you especially excited about this ITV Berlin?

00:02:24: Oh well there's actually so much to be excited about This year.

00:02:28: I mean the entire exhibition ground Is packed with special sixty years activities So you can really feel The anniversary spirit everywhere.

00:02:35: You could say I would say it's a great mixture of nostalgia, community vibes and also both look into or toward the future.

00:02:45: So we have, for example an iconic Huawei Bully photo setup where you can just take some great pictures and celebrate this kind of family gathering that you've also mentioned.

00:02:56: Also one of my favorites personally the Back to The Future DeLorean.

00:03:00: I mean everyone knows back-to-the-future right.

00:03:02: so... We wanted to have that on here at the exhibition grounds.

00:03:05: And last thing maybe some of you already seen it online or linked in ...we're gonna be having a ITB future rocket with an astronaut great female astronaut but not a rare one though, on-site which will hopefully be filled with many visionary ideas from all of you about the future of travel.

00:03:24: So we're going to be excited open that rocket afterwards and see what's in there.

00:03:29: so also follow up these ideas throughout whole year!

00:03:32: There is basically something around every corner at the exhibition grounds.

00:03:37: What I'm also really excited about is our new ITB Global Travel Collection, which will be great booklets about statistics and facts and figures of the global travel industry but also articles and great personalities that we're going to feature in their global travel collection.

00:03:53: So definitely want to check out.

00:03:56: just pick it up at one of the entrances on site!

00:04:00: On top of that, we'll be also having some fun and interactive highlights.

00:04:04: A giant paint by numbers which will be a great picture afterwards And hopefully everyone is joining us in order to celebrate and create the pictures afterwards and a sixty-second applause celebrating our industry.

00:04:18: So wherever you are on the exhibition grounds, we will hear that voice from Ryan, our team member announcing now starting to celebrate and applaud for everyone being part of this community.

00:04:31: please join us come in and applaud together with us.

00:04:36: Last but not least Because tonight, there's a big one.

00:04:39: We're having our official ITB after work party and we are cheering to sixty years of legacy together at South Entrance.

00:04:47: so come on over have a drink with us an ITB signature drink.

00:04:52: it is going to be orange.

00:04:53: that what I can say already And will be having the famous Berlin DJ Chris Becker inside as well.

00:04:59: So its gonna three fantastic days.

00:05:01: It´s great kick off today, and I can't wait for it.

00:05:06: But back to business David which key figures or let's say statistics from ITP Berlin in two thousand twenty six stand out to you the most?

00:05:14: Well well It is hard to go from a signature drink now into facts but good news.

00:05:19: we are fully booked again some six-thousand exhibitors of over one hundred sixty countries participating this year edition And I must say ticket sales are strong.

00:05:30: We couldn't be more excited.

00:05:32: in terms of trends, we're seeing a particularly strong growth from Asia From the Arab region from cruise tourism from travel tech adventure and also from health tourism which is most interesting and certainly developing sector.

00:05:50: The biggest country pavilions this year come from Thailand from Egypt, from Turkey and from Italy.

00:05:58: And all of that is underscoring ITV's role I think as a truly global platform As i said for business innovation For exchange and sustainable growth.

00:06:09: Overall it will certainly continues to set the standard for international travel industry.

00:06:15: We're proud of that.

00:06:16: Now Debra for visitors looking to be inspired and experience a touch of wonderlust.

00:06:23: What can they discover about this year's host country at ITV Berlin?

00:06:27: I mean, this year Angola takes center stage for sure.

00:06:30: It is our host countries.

00:06:31: so we will be very much looking forward to the whole schedule that Angola is ever presenting on-site and all of these activities because in South West Africa it showcases an incredible tourism potential with cultural richness.

00:06:47: So from live performances and kizomba dances to amazing local cuisine, and insightful press events and interactive formats highlighting their responsible and sustainable tourism in the country.

00:07:00: This is going be very interesting for everyone who's interested.

00:07:04: kind of a true hidden gem.

00:07:06: culture, let's say.

00:07:07: Because Angola is one that for sure and for good reason because you'll find lush rainforests vast deserts and pristine beaches all in one country.

00:07:18: Its culture is just as impressive and shaped by the Kingdom of Congo, in Portuguese colonial heritage.

00:07:24: And reflected on vibrant music dance increasing so you can see there's So much to be excited for it.

00:07:31: explore inside?

00:07:33: There are so many people that have not yet discovered this beautiful country.

00:07:36: I would say Luanda For example The capital Is a lively Atlantic gateway blending African portuguese and indigenous influences.

00:07:44: So I think their message says it perfectly.

00:07:48: Visit Angola, the rhythm of life.

00:07:50: and honestly if angola isn't on your bucket list yet you might want to change that And definitely put it on!

00:07:56: i already put it On...i have To definitely visit this country..and im gonna be looking forward to This Rhythm Of Life during ITB Berlin this year.

00:08:04: But speaking off not missing out What else would visitors miss if they didn't attend ITB Berlin this year?

00:08:12: and what new highlights should be the most exciting about?

00:08:16: Well, except Angola of course there's so much.

00:08:19: First we've expanded our ITB guided tours giving our visitors exclusive insights into latest industry trends like AI innovations or resilient destinations hotel tech hidden gems and champions, and future cultural experiences.

00:08:38: Second day I'd like to mention our ETV.

00:08:42: Speeti is a German word spelled S-P-R-Umlau-Ti.

00:08:47: It's the Speeti.

00:08:49: it is completely new and relaxed networking hub inspired by Berlin's special neighborhood culture.

00:08:59: let me explain that little bit.

00:09:00: It's meant to be a meeting point, the start of end our guided tours.

00:09:04: A space for happy hours or company pitches... ...for daily bingo and informal chats.

00:09:11: so it is really a place to connect in casual way.

00:09:15: And lastly the foodies find pleasure in expanded street-food markets which are highlight.

00:09:23: There're many flavors & experiences across halls.

00:09:26: And for those who like to stay active, we have the Go!

00:09:32: Running Tours crafted by ITB with partners at the Brandenburg Gate.

00:09:38: That sounds amazing although I might skip The Running Tour this time but I'm definitely seeing Theresa there from our team so she's going be very sure.

00:09:49: I would like to add that we're also introducing our new networking events, like ITB America's Night at the Spiti for example and the ITB After Work Party.

00:09:59: And the Travel Massive party.

00:10:00: so there is a lot you can enjoy as kind of parties... ...and i think they create even more opportunities to connect exchange ideas.. ..and build the community!

00:10:13: You should definitely not miss these kinds of events.

00:10:16: On the tech side Also have Mia now.

00:10:20: Mia is our twenty-four seven digital assistant on our website on itb.com.

00:10:24: so if you've any questions, information about tickets as well how to get the fairground or anything else You can ask Mia for that.

00:10:33: but also of course Our team are always available.

00:10:37: The ITB navigator Checked out.

00:10:40: You should definitely download our app and use our matchmaking features, see where exhibits are positioned And have a look into the schedules of course also the convention program.

00:10:51: So just make sure that you have everything you need to plan your stay on site.

00:10:57: so I think That's it for now.

00:10:59: We should dive in and experience it, I hope you all have a fantastic first day at ITV Berlin!

00:11:06: And David, see ya later at the party!

00:11:09: Wishing everyone a great First Day to all of you.