Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

It is THE place for all accredited travel bloggers and influencers to meet, network, blog, vlog or simply recharge their batteries.This year’s focus of the ITB Blogger Base is on sponsor Andalucía, a region from the south of Spain, which, for example, is organising a get-together in the base exclusively for the bloggers from 4 pm to 5 pm on 7 March. A real event highlight will be the tasting of Andalusian specialities: sherry wine from Jeréz will be served by a professional “venenciador”, accompanied by genuine Iberian ham of the highest quality, prepared by a typical “cortador de jamón”.
However, our travel bloggers can not only be surprised by the culinary richness of the region of Andalusia, but also by its cultural, scenic and sporting diversity and network directly with representatives from the region.
The focus of the region in the south of the Iberian Peninsula: more than 800 kilometres of coastline, three national parks and cities such as Seville, Córdoba or Granada. Let yourself be enchanted by the Andalusian coast with its diverse beaches, fantastic cliffs, marshes full of life and a still quite unknown underwater world just waiting to be discovered. Or fantastic climatic conditions and the quality of existing sports facilities that make Andalusia a privileged place for sporting activities and events. Go on a voyage of discovery of the cultural riches that the region of Andalusia has to offer, dating back to early antiquity. Important archaeological sites tell of the past of different cultures and civilisations that settled in this beautiful, rich region of southern Spain.
As you can see, there is much to discover! So be sure to stop by the Andalusia stand in Hall 2.1 (Stand 201 A-C)!

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The ITB Responsible Tourism track at the ITB Berlin Convention features climate change action, resilience and regeneration as key topics. BTN’s Sion Rapson looks at the events taking place at this year’s event.
Socially responsible tourism has long been on the agenda of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. This year’s ITB Berlin, which is taking place from 7 to 9 March 2023, is again raising awareness for social responsibility in tourism with a wide range of panel discussions, seminars and lectures. The ITB Responsible Tourism track at the ITB Berlin Convention (until 2020 the CSR Day) and the 18th Green Business Forum for Tourism Professionals (known until 2020 as the Pow-Wow for Tourism Professionals) are a significant part of this. As well as the Responsible Tourism track, the Sustainable Destination track and Diversity & Inclusion Track will also feature experts and representatives of selected exhibitors talking about socially responsible tourism, equal rights, diversity, inclusion and sustainable tourism development.
At ITB Berlin, responsible tourism stands for environmentally and socially responsible tourism around the world. Hall 4.1 is where traditionally numerous exhibitors with a strong commitment to socially responsible tourism are gathered. Thus, there will again be a combined stand with Tourism Watch, the Roundtable on Human Rights in Tourism, ECPAT Germany, The Code and Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung, together with the stands of the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and UNESCO. In Hall 4.1, exhibitors with a focus on environmentally responsible tourism will include My Climate, Atmosfair and Forum Anders Reisen. From 7 to 9 March on the ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1, the focus will be on the 18th Green Business Forum for Tourism Professionals. Exhibitors in Hall 4.1 and leading international experts representing every tourism market, business and science will discuss topics including overtourism, marine protection and pollution, regional foods in hotels and restaurants, biodiversity, alternative mobility and cycle tourism. On Thursday, the last Day of ITB Berlin, the popular on-stage ITB Responsible Tourism Network Event will be taking place again. This is co-organised by ITB Berlin and its longtime Responsible Tourism partner The Blue Yonder.
Focus on the future at the Responsible Tourism track on Thursday, 9 March
On Thursday, 9 March, the Responsible Tourism Track with climate change action, resilience and regeneration as its key topics will again be an unmissable event at the ITB Berlin Convention. At the Responsible Tourism track on the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1a an interim assessment will be given on the Agenda 2030 with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. How the tourism industry can live up to its promises on the environment while becoming a more equitable sector will be the subject of debates, scientific reports and critical panel discussions, with best practices provided as evidence. At 2 p.m. the topics of climate change, rising sea levels and resilience will be addressed in a speech by Abdulla Mausoom, tourism minister of the Maldives, followed by a session on practical problem-solving with regard to tourism.ADVERTISEMENTAt 4 p.m. at the session entitled ’Shaping a just and equitable industry transformation’, the focus will be on employment conditions in tourism. Following a keynote speech by Dirk Meyer, department head, Global Health, Economy, Trade and Rural Development at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the panel members Leila Ben-Gacem, social entrepreneur and founder of Blue Fish, Benjamin Owen, project manager, UNWTO, Anjana Raza, head of Social Sustainability, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Merten Sievers, global coordinator, Value Chains and Entrepreneurship SME Unit, International Labour Organization (ILO), will discuss how to achieve sustainable jobs, a socially and ecologically responsible industrial transformation, climate adaptation and resilience against the backdrop of climate change and the impact of external shocks.
On Thursday, 9 March at 5.45 p.m., the Responsible Tourism track will conclude with an open reception on the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1a. As part of the industry dialogue entitled ’Tourism for Sustainable Development’, the Agency for Business and Economic Development, the cooperative network Business Scouts for Development and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are extending an invitation to an open exchange with policymakers, representatives of the private sector and civic organisations.
Diversity & Inclusion track and Sustainable Destination track as platforms for discussing the development of sustainable destinations on Tuesday, 7 March
The ITB Diversity track sees itself as a discussion platform for raising awareness in order to make tourism more inclusive and fair and to ensure respect for human rights in tourism. Authentic speakers will report on activities setting examples around the world and in every tourism market. The programme will feature discussions on LGBTQ+ tourism, gender equality, inclusion, equal rights. the rights of indigenous peoples and on how war and geopolitical events impact tourism.
At the LGBTQ+ session entitled ’LQBTQ+ Tourism und Resilience’, an announcement will also be made on the winner of the ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award. The session will begin at 12.10 p.m. on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1. On Thursday, 9 March at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, on the last day of ITB Berlin, the ITB Diversity Gala will take place for the first time in support of the IGLTA Foundation. During the event a silent auction will conclude in support of the foundation.
Destinations and companies need to invest in intelligent, sustainable development and place an emphasis on the quality of life of local communities and their supply chains. Destination development in the future must above all focus on resilience – at the Sustainable Destination track on Tuesday, 7 March, on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1, speakers championing ideas on this subject will present their views, implementation practices and applied sciences.
On Tuesday, 7 March from 2 to 2.45 p.m., in addition to the long-established TO DO! Award for socially responsible tourism, Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung will for the third time present the TO DO! Human Rights in Tourism Award on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1. ITB Berlin will also be on the jury. Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung has presented this award annually since 2017. It honours initiatives, projects and individuals for outstanding achievements in protecting and defending human rights principles throughout the entire tourism value chain.
Inspiring stories which show how destinations all over the world are trying to make tourism more resilient and sustainable by making a positive contribution to the local community and environment – these are being honoured by ITB Berlin. On Tuesday, 7 March, at 4.35 p.m. on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1, the Green Destinations Group will present the Green Destination Story Awards. The award recognises the most inspiring initiatives in six categories out of all the entries for the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition. At ITB Berlin three finalists per category will receive awards. The ceremony will also honour the winners of the ITB Earth Award and People’s Choice Award. The ITB Earth Award honours destinations displaying initiative and global leadership in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction and in support of sustainable tourism. At the presentation of the Green Destination Story Awards the destination voted for by the public will receive the People’s Choice Award. The complete stories of the nominated destinations can be found under nominated stories.
Full details of the programme of theme tracks can be found here: Responsible Tourism Track, Diversity & Inclusion Track, Sustainable Destination Track. https://www.itb.com/
Highlights marking International Women’s Day on 8 March
8 March, which is International Women’s Day and a public holiday in Berlin, will provide an opportunity for additional events on gender equality. On 7 March, the day before International Women’s Day, at the ITB Berlin Convention at the Diversity & Inclusion track on the Green Stage in Hall 3.1, a session will take place on gender equality. This will examine whether tourism can help further empower women around the world and drive emancipation, and to what extent gender equality can better assist fighting the climate crisis. On 8 March at midday at the hybrid studio in Hall 5.3, an event will take place with the winners of the International Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition, which was co-founded by ITB Berlin. The number of entries is very high. On Wednesday, 8 March, from 3.30 to 4.15 p.m. at the hybrid studio, the presentation will take place of the fifth Celebrating Her Award, a collaboration between ITB Berlin and the Indian representatives of the International Institute for Peace in Tourism (IIPT), which honours women for their outstanding achievements in tourism. Images of previous years’ winners will be on display at a small exhibition in Hall 7.1. Afterwards, at 4.45 p.m., the presentation will take place for the first time of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year award held by the NGO Equality in Tourism, in cooperation with ITB Berlin. The first award of its kind in the tourism sector, it honours tourism organisations for their outstanding achievements in supporting gender equality. The idea is to celebrate successes, but also to drive improvements and encourage tourism companies to integrate gender equality in their policies and the day-to-day working environment. Last year, the organisation was itself the recipient of the Human Rights Award of the Studienkreis für Tourismus. The session and both awards ceremonies can also be followed live on ITBxplore.
Over the three days of ITB Berlin donations will be collected on the exhibition grounds for a welfare project chosen by this year’s host country Georgia. This year, donations will be going to support the Georgian Farmers‘ Association (GFA). This non-profit organisation was established in 2012 and currently numbers 4,000 farmers from all parts of Georgia.

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The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st – 3rd November 2023
WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
More information will follow on how to register for this hybrid event, but for now just add WTTC’s industry leading event to your diary – you won’t want to miss it!
Julia SimpsonPresident & CEOwww.wttc.org

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’Infinite Hospitality’ is the slogan of the host country of ITB Berlin 2023 – Events will kick off with the opening press conference and opening gala on 6 March – A wealth of displays and events in hub27, Hall 4.1., Entrance South and throughout the ITB Berlin Convention – Culinary attractions and handicrafts: daily activities on the Georgian stand – Representation devoted to MICE audiences in Hall 3.1The stage is set for Georgia, the host country of ITB Berlin. From 7 to 9 March 2023 at ITB Berlin, the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show, taking as its slogan ’Infinite Hospitality’, the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) will be making an impressive appearance featuring a wide range of tourism attractions and many activities and events.
Events kick off with the opening press conference and the official opening gala on 6 March, the eve of the show
On 6 March 2023, events will kick off with the official opening press conference at 10 a.m. at the Palais am Funkturm with H.E Mr. Levan Davitashvili, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and the festive opening gala at 6 p.m. at the CityCube Berlin. Throughout the trade show Georgia will be widely represented on the exhibition grounds in both hub27, Hall 4.1 and Entrance South.
At the official opening show on the evening of 6 March 2023, all stage events will take place under the heading ’Infinite Georgian Culture – from the beginnings of viniculture to modern avant-garde art’. The brilliant presentations will be contemporary in style and present masterpieces of various genres of Georgia’s performing arts, including ethno jazz, classical and electronic music, part-singing, as well as the Georgian National Ballet.
Culinary attractions and handicrafts: daily activities on the stand in hub27ADVERTISEMENTAround 80 exhibitors from the tourism, hotel and aviation industries will be represented on Georgia’s stand occupying around 705 square metres and two floors in hub27. The official opening tour of ITB Berlin will as always take place on the morning of the first day of the show, 7 March 2023, on the stand of the host country with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, the Secretary-General of UNWTO and the Managing Director of Messe Berlin. Daily activities on Georgia’s stand will include culinary masterclasses, handicraft workshops and a calligraphy masterclass (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), at which Georgian Saperavi wine will also be served.
In addition, the host country will also be represented in Hall 4.1, home of the Youth Travel and Accommodation and Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism segments. On 7 March 2023 at 2 p.m., a representative of Georgia will open the stand there with a speech. Moreover, The Panel Discussion: “Adventurous Georgia – Possibilities, Offers and Challenges” will be held at the Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b, where the audience will have the chance to get more information about adventure tourism potential of Georgia, new initiatives and opportunities, sustainable development vision as wall es experience Georgia’s gorgeous hiking regions, dense forests and exciting nature parks.
Additional events featuring the host country Georgia at ITB Berlin
Visitors to the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show can look forward to more events featuring this year’s host country at ITB Berlin. At the ITB Berlin Convention, Georgia will be taking part in the Ministers Round Table: “Ministers Round Table: Mastering Transformation on a Global Scale” on 7 March 2023 from 1 to 1.45 p.m. in Hall 7.1. On Tuesday, 7 March 2023, from 10.30 to 11.10 a.m., the ITB Berlin Convention session “Gender Equality in Tourism” will welcome a representative from Georgia to the podium of the “Green Stage” in Hall 3.1.
On 7 March 2023 at 3 p.m.at the CityCube Berlin (Room M6), Georgia will extend an invitation to a press conference at which, as part of a national presentation, it will present the country along with tourism highlights. In the framework of the event Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, will provide the audience with significant information about Georgia’s tourism potential, namely, developments and trends, offerings and competitive tourism products, new policies and initiatives to support the sustainable tourism development.
On Wednesday, 8 March, the host country will be hosting a networking event at its stand in hub27 from 3 to 4 pm. In Hall 5.3, in the Hybrid Studio, a session on “Discovering Adventure Tourism in Georgia” will be held from 2 to 3 pm. Speakers include Urs Wellauer, President of the Intl. Federation of Mountain Guides Association IFMGA, Nick Paliani, freeride skier and IFMGA mountain guide, and la Tabagari, Chair of the Georgian Incoming Tour Operators/ GM of the Lost Ridge Group.
At the south entrance to the exhibition grounds, visitors to ITB Berlin can look forward daily to DJ music and coffee from 9.30 to 11 a.m. as well as music and Georgian wine from 4.30 to 6 p.m.
Representation devoted to MICE audiences in Hall 3.1
At the MICE HUB in Hall 3.1, the Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Georgia (GCEB) will highlight the country’s potential in the MICE sector as well as possibilities for collaboration. Representatives of the GCEB will hold national presentations twice daily. The Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Georgia (GCEB) belongs to the Georgian Tourism Board and the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. The GCEB was set up in 2016 and is a member-based organisation which aims to establish Georgia as an attractive MICE destination on the global business travel map. Its main goal is to increase the number of international events, conferences and meetings in Georgia.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading an impressive delegation of 70 Thai tourism suppliers to ITB Berlin 2023, which is on from 7-9 March, 2023, and is the first in-person staging of the leading travel show since the pandemic.Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The strong Thailand presence at ITB Berlin 2023 will reiterate to the world’s travel and tourism community that Thailand is again welcoming all visitors with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, which highlights the kingdom’s 5Fs soft-power foundations and the new direction towards experience-based tourism and a meaningful travel experience.”
At the forefront of the Thailand presence at this the 56th edition of ITB Berlin, is the Thailand Stand and which is carrying the theme of ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’.
The Thailand Stand will showcase the leveraging of the kingdom’s 5Fs soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Fashion, Festival, and Fight, new tourism offerings and experiences to be enjoyed throughout the country, and the push towards a meaningful travel experience for tourists – with a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. And as people are now more health conscious than ever before, the stand will also highlight Thailand’s health and wellness offerings.
For the delegation of Thai tourism suppliers, ITB Berlin 2023 will be a valuable platform for reconnecting face-to-face with overseas tour operators – both existing business partners and potential new ones.
Among the specific activities Thailand is holding at ITB Berlin 2023 is the Thailand Mini Mart 2023, which will involve business meetings between the Thai tourism suppliers and operators selling Thailand from new markets identified as having great potential for travel to Thailand, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Hungary.  ADVERTISEMENTA more informal and social opportunity for networking between the Thai suppliers and overseas partners will be in the form of the Thailand Mini Mart Happy Hour.
At the Amazing Thailand Press Conference, members of the global tourism industry and media will be updated on the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, and some of the exciting new tourism products and wonderful experiences on offer throughout the kingdom.
TAT is also organising the “Discover Thailand Journey to Happiness” special event from 9-11 March, 2023, on the 6th floor at KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westerns) department store in Berlin. This enormous complex attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors daily, and the Thai event will showcase Thailand’s 5 soft power (Food Fight Film Festival Fashion) to store-goers. There will be cooking demonstrations of popular Thai food dishes, snacks and desserts, along with presentations and performances of Thai arts and culture.
Information on travel to Thailand and the many wonderful tourism experiences waiting to be enjoyed throughout the kingdom will be on hand for distribution, and tour packages to Thailand will be on sale. In addition, in collaboration with TAT, Thailand’s Central Group, which acquired the KaDeWe Group in partnership with Signa, will be holding a lucky draw.

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A fitting live comeback: following the break due to the pandemic and taking as its slogan ‘Open for Change’, ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is back as an in-person event from 7 to 9 March 2023, with domestic and international exhibitors present in large numbers. Around 90 per cent of the available display area is already booked. This year’s ITB Berlin is for the first time taking place for trade visitors only and is accompanied by the prestigious ITB Berlin Convention. Selected programme items will be streamed on the supporting online platform at ITBxplore.
New multi-purpose hall – hub27
At ITB Berlin 2023 the destination hot spot is hub27, the new multi-purpose hall, which is fully booked. Georgia, the official host country of ITB Berlin, is strongly represented, as are Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Berlin, Brandenburg and Deutsche Bahn, along with various airports from around Germany. The ITB Blogger Base, the place to head for all international travel bloggers, is also located in hub27.
The stand of the German National Tourism Board (DZT) features the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. The German federal states of Bavaria, Bremen (including Bremerhaven), Hesse and Lower Saxony are represented on their own stands in Hall 6.2. Spherie is a company taking part for the first time and will present spectacular drone images.
High international participationADVERTISEMENTDemand for places is high among Greek exhibitors, who are represented in Hall 1.1. Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, Malta and Bosnia, all located in Hall 1.2, are also represented in large numbers again. Albania, whose exhibitors are spread over three halls (including Hall 1.1), is also present in large numbers. In Hall 2.1, participation by Spain’s tourism industry is also impressive and features the large stands of Turespaña and the Costa del Sol. Turkey is presenting its tourism products in Halls 3.1b and 3.2a. The Business Travel (VDR association) and MICE (VDVO association) segments have always been important at ITB Berlin and this year are also represented on large stands in Hall 3.1.
In Halls 22 and 23 visitors can also expect large representations from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Surinam, Uruguay and the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.
This year, Hall 21 is completely devoted to sub-Saharan countries, including South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Zambia. This year, a number of African countries, among them Ethiopia, Rwanda, Guinea and Senegal, are located in Hall 22.
Representations from the USA and Canada are exhibiting in Hall 3.1, along with Israel. Following a break, the Condor airline is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1. International representations in the ITB Career Center, Adventure / Responsible Tourism and Youth Travel segments are featured in Hall 4.1. The new ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b will be hosting presentations, discussions and networking events under the headings Adventure Travel, Responsible Tourism and Tourism Careers.
Another novelty is the hall positioning: The renowned LGBTQ+ Pavilion moved to hall 4.1. Exhibitors there include Visit Malta, which will present this year’s Europride, and Communitat Valenciana, which will be represented at the Gay Games 2026, as well as Visit Buenos Aires and Visit Tampa Bay. The Munich Tourism Board, Proudly Portugal, IGLTA, TOMONTOUR, GNETwork Madrid and the Florida Keys and Key West are also represented with stands.
As in previous years, Arab countries from North Africa and the Middle East are strongly represented, with Egypt, Morocco, Qatar and Oman located in Hall 4.2, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and newcomer Saudi Arabia in Hall 3.2b. This year, Saudi Arabia is the largest exhibitor at ITB Berlin. Its co-exhibitors include NEOM, the giant smart city project in the desert. Lebanon is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.2.
In Halls 5.2a and 5.2b the focus is on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti. Bhutan is among those back at the largest marketplace for the international travel industry. The Meet The Pacific stand is new and features the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. VisitLuxembourg, the Dutch Tourism Board and visit.brussels from the Benelux countries are represented in Hall 6.2b.
In Hall 9, Airbnb Germany is exhibiting for the first time at ITB Berlin, as are Gorgeous Smiling Hotels GmbH, Hard Rock International and HomeToGo GmbH. Other exhibitors in this hall include B&B Hotels Germany GmbH, Wheego share.rent.abo, DRIVALIA, Green Motion, and the hotel chains NH, Marriott, Best Western, Hilton and Steigenberger. This is also the first time the Hyatt Inclusive Collection is represented at ITB Berlin, in Hall 22.
As in previous years, the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Ireland are strongly represented in Hall 20. The UK also has a large stand again. Among individual exhibitors, Greenland Travel is on the same area as in previous years, as are Bero Berlin, Via Hansa, GJ Travel and Icelandair. Visitors to the stand of myPostcard.com can mail postcards for free. The following are newcomers to the show: St. Giles Hotels, V.O.S. Aps, Gainwell Sports, the Tour Partner Group, Holiday Tours Iceland, Manchester City FC, made in 2010, Boatservice Sightseeing As, Aavasaksa Lapland, as well as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, an initiative of the European Commission.
In the Asia Hall (26a/b), the destinations awaiting visitors are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Tokyo, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. China is represented by the provinces Zhejiang and Huangshan.
Numerous exhibitors in the Travel Technology and Mobility segments and from the cruise sector
The Travel Technology and Mobility segments are back with large numbers of exhibitors. All the Travel Technology halls are fully booked. This is where exhibitors such as GIATA, Sabre, Amadeus and Peakwork combine proven concepts with innovative ideas – true to the slogan ’Open for Change’. The eTravel World in Hall 6.1 is also larger than in previous years and features many startups and an extended eTravel Stage. Among the tech companies taking part are ASKSUITE TECNOLOGIA LTDA, Blastness, BUSINESS FRANCE, Spain Travel Tech, HiJiffy, Hotelmize, mTrip and Qtravel.ai.
International airlines, cruise liners and tour operators are represented with their products in Hall 25. Exhibitors from the resurgent cruise sector in particular are represented in record numbers at ITB Berlin 2023. MSC Cruises, Explorer Journeys, VIVA Cruises and United Rivers are taking part for the first time with their own stands, while regular exhibitors such as Holland America Line, nicko cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are well represented again.
Medical Tourism has its own hall
A large number of exhibitors in the Medical & Health Tourism Hall (26c) are from Turkey this year, present under the umbrella of M2. Numerous new clinics as well as medical hotels and destinations are represented there. Other already well-known exhibitors include FIT Reisen, Ensana Health Spa Hotels, ABK Travel Lithuania, Gremi Clinic, Dünyagöz Eye Clinic, Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital as well as the associatations ESPA, EHTTA and HTI. This made it possible to occupy the entire hall with medical & health exhibitors and an own Medical Stage programme.
German marketplace marks its debut and the Culture Lounge features cultural tourism organisers
Hall 6.2 is where the Culture Lounge, a large display area for cultural tourism organisers, can be found. Among the close to 50 co-exhibitors are several European museums, festivals, cultural regions and trusts.
This year, the German marketplace is marking its debut in Hall 6.2. Exhibitors there include the Semperoper Dresden, Ferienpark Weissenhäuser Strand, Hirmer Hospitality, Flughafen Hamburg GmbH, Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung & Technologietransfer GmbH, Stöcker Flughafen GmbH & Co. KG, ProAir-Charter-Transport GmbH, Phoenix des Lumières, ZEIT Verlagsgruppe and TÜV Rheinland.
A new feature this year is the Street Food Market in Hall 7.2c where visitors can take a culinary tour and fully enjoy international cuisine.
Luxury travel segment HOME of LUXURY by ITB
23 exhibitors from the luxury travel market are represented at the Marshall Haus on the exhibition grounds, including Serverin’s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions, along with media members from Luxus Insider and Connoisseur Circle.
Media members and bloggers can register for ITB Berlin, subject to observance of the accreditation guidelines. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your ITB press accreditation, which you can print out

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This March, Melbourne welcomes visitors back to participate in its exciting events season featuring a wide variety of entertainment offerings with distinguished talent from around the globe. Among the top events on the schedule this year include the world-renowned Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (March 24-30) and Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix (March 30-April 2).While Melbourne is known to have exciting entertainment year-round, its busy events season, candidly referred to as “Mad March” and “Awesome April” by locals, features some of their largest and most celebrated events. The season kicks off with Moomba Festival, Australia’s largest free community festival, and features other large-scale events such as PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“Victoria has the best line-up of events in Australia and we’re looking forward to a huge Mad March and Awesome April this year. Whether food and wine, sport, fashion or culture are your thing – there’s an event for everyone,” stated Brendan McClements, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Victoria.
One of the most attended events during this time is the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival; best known for the “World’s Longest Lunch” – a special dining experience from a celebrated chef, served on a 2,000-foot table in Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens. The festival draws in impressive talent from around the world including Michelin-starred chefs and culinary experts for 10 days of interactive events, meals and masterclasses.
“Melbourne’s beating heart is its thriving food and drink scene, and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival showcases some of Victoria’s best industry talent and diverse produce,” said McClements.
Through the festival’s “Signature Chef Series” participants can learn from the best-in-class culinary minds, such as Melbourne-born Curtis Stone, or Chef Danny Bowien – known for his game-changing Mission Chinese Food. Or, visitors can experience Melbourne’s authentic culinary scene through its “Crawl and Bite” tours. These tours take participants around Melbourne for quick bites and drinks at various places to showcase the diversity of flavors that the city has to offer.ADVERTISEMENTThe special events give visitors the opportunity to encounter Victoria’s local culture, gastronomy and arts in an interactive and experiential way. This year, the Australian state is gearing up for an unprecedented events season complete with celebrations, celebrity guests, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
For more information, please visit www.visitvictoria.com.

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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse attend the World Premiere opening event for Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Disney100: The Exhibition, created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, makes its world debut at The Franklin Institute on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Yesterday, members of the media and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club were the first to experience the groundbreaking exhibition during an exclusive preview and ribbon cutting.Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski, joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, welcomed Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, Head of the Walt Disney Archives and D23 Michael Vargo, and Executive Producer/Director of Semmel Exhibitions Christoph Scholz, for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The Philly POPS performed a musical ensemble of Disney classics. Also attending the celebration were Disney Legends Don Hahn and Bob Gurr.
“Bringing stories of innovation and discovery to the public in an immersive and interactive way is at the heart of what The Franklin Institute has done for the past 200 years. We are thrilled that the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition is here, offering the first opportunity to see the crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting Disney’s imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute.
“The Walt Disney Archives spent years planning and curating more than 250 objects to capture the 100 years of storytelling, creativity, and unparalleled magic of The Walt Disney Company,” said Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives. “We cannot wait for fans and families to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating the iconic characters and stories that have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe.”
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
Ten Immersive GalleriesADVERTISEMENTGuests will experience ten imaginatively themed galleries enhanced with innovative technology. They will relive classic favorites and explore the sources of inspiration for some of Disney’s most beloved and iconic films—embark on a quest to uncover hidden artifacts from favorite Disney adventure films, peer through an interactive window of Captain Nemo’s legendary submarine, and step into a recreation of Main Street, U.S.A.
Galleries include: Where It All Began, Where Do the Stories Come From? The Illusion of Life, The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery, The Magic of Sound and Music, The World Around Us, Innoventions, Your Disney World, The Wonder of Disney, and We Are Just Getting StartedDisney’s Crown Jewels
Immersed within the galleries are more than 250 of Disney’s “Crown Jewels,” original artworks, artifacts, costumes, props, and other memorabilia—many rarely seen—including the earliest sketches of Mickey Mouse and animation drawings from his debut in Steamboat Willie (1928), the Spell Book from Hocus Pocus (1993), Cinderella Castle model for Magic Kingdom® Park, a Genie maquette from Aladdin (1992), and the Black Panther costume from the 2018 film.
Disney MagicStage
Welcoming guests into the exhibit is the Disney MagicStage, where a vision of Walt Disney himself stands life-sized and shares an inspiring message about innovation. Partnering with Disney StudioLAB, DisneyResearch|Studios, and Industrial Light & Magic, the team utilized cutting-edge technology to digitally bring Walt to life and create this unique greeting.
Tapping the vast resources of the Walt Disney Archives, two separate audio recordings of Walt were assembled, creating his vocal script. The Disney Archives also provided footage of 1960s-era Walt to DisneyResearch|Studios, who used their super-resolution A.I. upscaler to convert the archival footage to high definition. The result was an authentic recreation of Walt Disney and a collaboration across all parts of The Walt Disney Company. As he famously said, “We’re always exploring and experimenting.”
Original Soundtrack
Composer Steve Mazzaro, whose work can be heard on the soundtracks of such Disney-produced films as The Lion King (2019), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), and The Lone Ranger (2013), composed an original soundtrack for the exhibit blending themes of such beloved classics as “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio (1940) and “Let It Go” from Frozen (2013) with a new theme crafted exclusively for the exhibition.
Disney100: The Exhibition Fast Facts
By the Numbers
4 years of planning and production10 galleries11 costumesFootage and photography from all 12 Disney Parks worldwide14 interactives25 maquettes of iconic Disney characters31 languages represented in international music reels93 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm memorable scenes during the Into the Wonder prologue250+ artifacts, artworks, and documents318 Disney films and clips on 4 dozen monitors, projections, and media15,000-square-foot exhibition spaceDisney Details
Largest item: Peter Pan’s Flight attraction ride vehicle at more than 7 feet long and 7 feet tallSmallest item: Han Solo’s dice from Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), used by Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher at ~1.5 cubic centimeters (chain excluded)Heaviest item: Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction ride vehicle at over 1,500 poundsLongest Item: Nautilus special effects filming model from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) at approximately 12 feet longOldest item: Zoetrope from the offices of Walt Disney (c. 1860)Newest item: Wendy’s necklace and Captain Hook’s hook from Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)Disney100: The Exhibition is created and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions. The Franklin Institute is proud to present and play host to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition through August 27, 2023, in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center. PECO, the Premier Corporate Partner of The Franklin Institute, is the Local Presenting Sponsor of the exhibition, and PNC is the Associate Sponsor. Tickets are timed and dated, and advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For information on purchasing tickets, please visit www.fi.edu.

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