NEWS 5 David Ruetz Head of ITBBerlin Taking a Peak Around the Corner What’s coming up @ ITBBerlin2018? Details from exhibition director David Ruetz WE PROVIDE A FORUM FOR PRESSING ISSUES SUCH AS OVERTOURISM, TRANSPORTATION AND DIGITALISATION AS WELL AS TOPICAL THEMES SUCH AS LUXURY TRAVEL, TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY What are the main trends in the industry as we head into ITBBerlin2018? We put the question to the “man in the know” – David Ruetz – head of ITBBerlin. In terms of content, as always, the show remains strongly in touch with the latest trends. We provide a forum for pressing issues such as overtourism, transportation and digitalisation as well as topical themes such as luxury travel, technology and sustainability. Especially ITBBerlin Convention will reflect this year’s trend topics. Also, sustainability will be an essential topic, with panel guests discussing overtourism that more and more cities have faced recently and hall 4.1 focusing on the protection of the world’s coastlines. What are the main themes of the ITBBerlin Convention? In particular focus are revolutionary ways of travelling in the future, among them, driverless cabs and hyperloops which soon will completely change the face of transport. In addition, the ITBBerlin Convention will take a close look at digitalisation and artificial intelligence and their potential impact on travel in the future. Another topic which the convention will focus on is overtourism. In recent times, rapid growth in tourism has begun to stretch accommodation and hospitality limits, particularly in major cities. As a result, the industry needs to find solutions for the future and minimise the effects on the environment. Visitors to the show can attend ITBBerlin Convention free of charge. Can you tell us about this year’s ITBBerlin official partner destination, as well as the convention partner? Have you ever heard of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? It is the land of 2,000 fairy-tale castles, a paradise for water and landlubbers and offers 1,900 fascinating kilometres of Baltic coast. For the very first time, ITBBerlin has been able to secure a German federal state as the Official Partner Region. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern places special emphasis on sustainable tourism, one of the reasons it was able to make the case for a wideranging partnership. ITBBerlin occupies a pioneering role in this sector and is strongly committed to promoting sustainability concepts. In collaboration with Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, and for the first time in the history of ITB, the opening ceremony on the eve of the show will leave a zero-carbon footprint, thereby setting an important example for the future. Further to this, ITBBerlin is involved in a comprehensive reforesting programme for Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. Zambia is a jewel in the heart of Southern Africa and this year’s Convention & Culture Partner. Sustainability is also one of the guiding principles of Zambia, which will be the official Convention & Culture Partner of ITBBerlin2018. Zambia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for luxury tourism and safaris and possesses a wealth of cultural and nature attractions. Wildlife protected areas occupy around 10 per cent of the country’s total area. The country is also well known for its lakes and waterfalls, which make up around 35 per cent of open waters in southern Africa. At ITBBerlin2018, Zambia will be showcasing its many cultural and nature attractions in the foyer of Hall 21. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 1 st March 2018
