The ITB Berlin Convention 2026 will run from March 3 to 5, 2026, with discussions centered on artificial intelligence, global instability and sustainable tourism.
This year’s theme is “Leading Tourism into Balance.” According to organisers, about 400 international experts will speak at the convention across 17 themed tracks on four stages.
Speakers will include executives from Google, Microsoft, Expedia, and Airbnb. Airbnb is also the official Premium Partner of ITB Berlin 2026 and co-host of the convention.
Politics and global tensions move into focus
One of the key additions this year is a stronger political angle.
Former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer will deliver a keynote on the “age of polycrisis.” He is expected to address how global tensions are affecting travel behaviour and what tourism businesses can do in a more uncertain climate.
The topic reflects a wider concern in the industry. Travel businesses are now dealing with geopolitical shocks, economic pressure, and climate-related risks at the same time.
AI to feature across multiple sessions
Artificial intelligence will be a major topic throughout the convention.
Sessions will look at how AI is changing booking habits, business operations, sustainability efforts and customer experience.
Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, will speak about Airbnb’s strategy and the role of nature tourism and short-term rentals in the next phase of travel.
Google executives Yannis Simaiakis and Anna Sawbridge will discuss how AI is changing search and booking behaviour, and what tourism businesses need to do to stay visible and profitable.
The programme will also examine risks linked to AI. In one panel, AI expert Fevzi Okumus will discuss how AI systems can reduce visibility for local providers and disadvantage marginalised travellers.
Responsible growth and local impact also on the agenda
The convention will also look at tourism growth and its effect on destinations.
Thomas Ellerbeck (TUI) and Ingo Burmester (DERTOUR Group) will discuss tourism’s role in international cooperation and local economic development.
Dr Renée Nicole Wagner (Orascom Hotel Management) and other speakers will discuss how hotels can work more closely with local communities.
Biodiversity expert Frauke Fischer will examine whether AI can support ecosystem protection and biodiversity in tourism areas.
Key tracks by day
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Future Track: AI, global crises, resilience, innovation and sustainability
Sponsor: Microsoft Advertising
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
AI Track: AI in business models, customer interaction and distribution
Sponsor: Travolution (Eventiz from Travelsoft)
Destination Track: Building sustainable and resilient destinations through innovation and governance
Partner: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Marketing & Distribution Track: Trends and strategies for marketing, sales and commercial leaders
Sponsor: Google
Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track: New trends, safety and sustainability in youth and adventure travel
Sponsor: Peru (Adventure Travel Partner of ITB Berlin 2026)
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Responsible Tourism Track: Adaptation, conservation and regenerative tourism
Session sponsor: Studiosus
Thor Pedersen to close convention with keynote
The closing keynote will be delivered by Danish traveller and author Thor Pedersen.
He will speak about his journey to every country in the world over the past ten years without flying.
His session will likely offer a different tone from the business-heavy discussions, ending the convention with a personal story about travel itself.
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