More than a year on from APAC borders reopening, travel is now once again a fact of life. As we finally close the chapter on ‘travel recovery’ and ‘revenge travel’, what lies ahead? How has travel demand been pacing under the cloud of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures? What has changed in the way that travellers dream, plan, and book their trips today? And where are the biggest pockets of opportunity for travel brands in the year ahead?
In this podcast, our host Charlotte Lamp Davies of consultancy A Bright Approach, talks to Hermione Joye, Sector Lead, Travel and Vertical Search APAC, Google about a piece of extensive research conducted by Google and Ipsos. The research dives into search and booking patterns of the APAC traveller, favourite destination both domestically and internationally and how the behaviour of the APAC traveller has changed significantly since the pandemic. Don’t miss this deep dive into a very vibrant and trend-setting region which already influences global trends.
We look forward to hearing from Hermione Joye live at ITB Asia on Wednesday 25th October where she will present the research findings to attendees.

The future of travel is closely linked to digital innovations. Blockchain, the Metaverse and Generative AI were central topics at the ITB Convention 2023. What is the status six months later?
Let’s ask again Alexander Knauer, Professor of E-Business and E-Entrepeneurship at the University of Applied Sciences Mittweida. Our Blockchain expert at the ITB Convention 2023 explains why decentralized identities and non-fungible token are becoming central topics for tourism and how blockchain also stimulates artificial intelligence.

The future of travel is closely linked to digital innovations. Blockchain, the Metaverse and Generative AI were central topics at the ITB Convention 2023. What is the status six months later?
Let’s ask again Caroline Bremner, Senior Industry Manager at Euromonitor, again. Our metaverse expert at the ITB Convention 20223 explains why baby boomers still find it difficult to use virtual technology and how sustainability might push the metaverse.

The future of travel is closely linked to digital innovations. Blockchain, the metaverse and generative AI were central topics at the ITB Convention 2023. What is the status six months later?
Let’s ask again Leila Summa, Managing Director PlayTo Change. Our expert in generative AI at the ITB Convention 20223 explains how Chat GPT & Co are gaining acceptance, what is already possible today and how artificial intelligence will change the travel industry.

In this edition, China is in the spotlight! We are pleased to welcome one of the ITB China Keynote Speakers to our Travel Hero Podcast. Schubert Lou is COO of Trip.com and we will travel into the future with him. Generative AI will transform the travel industry. Find out how booking processes, loyalty programmes, personalised marketing and seamless travel will change. Meet Schubert Lou live at the ITB China Conference.

In our latest ITB Travel Hero Podcast we embarked on something new. We wanted to discuss the GenZ Generation and their expectations of the workplace a created a blind date of two generations. In this engaging podcast we hear from Lea …, who’s just embarking on her career and Ingo …, who is nearing retirement age.
Not only was it fascinating to discuss how much the workplace has changed and to learn more about the next generation’s expectations and wishes for a good work/life balance, it was also encouraging to learn that many wishes of the Gen Z generation are mirrored by generations who went before.
Listen to our moderator Charlotte Lamp Davies of A Bright Approach as she introduced Lea and Ingo for the very first time and see how the “blind date” unfolded. They touched on topics including: Workspace changes, and expectations of the GenZ generation of work and the workplace. What excites them and how older generations adapt and adhere to the pace of change? From talks to reduce the work week to 4 days, hybrid working models, blended travel and expectations from the offset of the GenZ generation. Do join the conversation. Communication is key.

ITB Berlin is the leading international travel trade show for LGBTQ+ Tourism. And ITB Berlin has been debating issues impacting this diverse group of travellers and individuals working very closely with destinations, associations as well as both private and public players to raise awareness for this community. ITB Berlin also supports Human Rights in tourism and embraces any debate which will address critical questions and issues.
In this month’s Travel Hero Podcast our host Charlotte Lamp Davies of management consultancy A Bright Approach speaks to Pavel Subrt, co-founder East meets West, a network of LGBTIQ+ professionals and their allies from (mainly) Central & Eastern Europe. His insight highlights how the travel industry can get more involved in the debate to not only ensure it captures this travel community but that it also supports the ongoing conversation about inclusion in travel. Pavel says authenticity to engage and push the agenda is key.
There is also a commercial angle here if you wish to get involved. The LGBTQI+ communities are keen travellers, as diverse as any other community and travel should do all it can to capture this group of travellers. As with most things getting involved requires some persistence, but the efforts will be well worth it as travel pushes this important agenda.

In a series of ITB Travel Hero Trendcasts, we ask travel insiders and analysts around the world about the current situation in important travel markets. Lydia Li, Deputy General Manager of Messe Berlin Shanghai is not only looking forward to ITB China opening up in September, but above all to the speedy recovery of the travel business in China, which started rapid with domestic travel earlier this year and increases now to long-distance travel as well.

In a series of ITB Travel Hero Trendcasts, we ask travel insiders and analysts around the world about the current situation in important travel markets. Andreas Wulfes, CEO of Neusta Data Intelligence, has deep insights into current business in ITB's home market of Germany. He reports on the current booking situation and which destinations are particularly popular this summer for German holidaymaker.

In a series of ITB Travel Hero Trendcasts, we ask travel insiders and analysts around the world about the current situation in important travel markets. Charuta Fadnis, Phocuswright's Senior Vice President Research, shares insights and data into Phocuswright's unique database. She explains how the global travel business is recovering after the pandemic, what the situation is like in her home market of the USA and which mega trends tourism should adapt to.