Travel Hero Podcast

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as David Ruetz, Senior Vice President Messe Berlin, shares today's highlights (6 March) on exhibitors' insights, the upcoming 60th anniversary of ITB Berlin in 2026 and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as Lea Jordan, Member Board of Experts ITB Berlin, shares today's highlights (5 March) on ITB Berlin Convention tracks, what's new and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as Deborah Rothe, Director ITB Berlin, shares today's highlights (4 March) on exhibitors' insights, what's new and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

What's shaping video culture today? Roya Zeitoune, Head of YouTube Culture & Trends, EMEA at Google, joins host Lea Jordan for the ITB Travel Hero Podcast for a deep dive into global video trends, decoding culture, and the future of travel marketing. With over 600 hours of content uploaded to YouTube every minute, how does her team uncover what's truly shaping culture across different regions? And what surprising trend is transforming how travelers engage with video? Listen now & don't miss Roya's keynote 'Cultural Trends impacting Video Formats and Marketing in Global Travel' at ITB Berlin Convention on March 5th at the ITB Marketing & Distribution Track in Hall 7.1 - See you there!

In this episode, Noam Toister, CEO and co-founder of Travelier, joins host Lea Jordan to discuss ground and sea transportation. Noam shares his insights on the sector and explains why there are so many reasons to be excited about the current developments and Travelier's role in this. Make sure to join Noam's Keynote, 'The State of Ground and Sea Transportation - 10 Key Insights for all Travel Businesses in 2025,' on Tuesday, 4th March 2025 at the eTravel Track in Hall 6.1 at the ITB Berlin Convention. Head to itb.com/convention for all the details, mark your calendar, and see you there! Link Session https://www.itb.com/en/events/itb-convention/itb-convention-program/event-overview.html#eventdate--The-State-of-Ground-and-Sea-Transportation---10-Key-Insights-for-all-Travel-Businesses-in-2025--ed_1303

Join us as we welcome Dan Christian, CEO and host of the Travel Trends Podcast, to explore the biggest trends in tours and activities. From hidden gems to the evolving role of AI in travel, Dan shares key insights ahead of his ITB Berlin debut and his panel on tailor-made experiences. Hosted by Charlotte Lamp Davies, founder of A Bright Approach, this episode dives into the latest travel trends shaping 2025. What makes hidden gems so appealing? How can travel companies balance growth and sustainability? Key trends shaping tours & activities in 2025 The role of AI in creating authentic travel experiences What to expect at ITB Berlin's Tours & Activities track Tune in now and get ready for ITB Berlin 2025!

In this ITB Berlin's Travel Hero Podcast our guest is Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos. We're diving into Ipsos' latest insights on how trends in sustainability, wellness, and digital innovation are shaping the future of travel.

In this episode of ITB Berlin's Travel Hero Podcast, Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, dives into the world of adventure travel. We explore its positive impact on local communities, the growing focus on sustainability, and emerging trends shaping the industry's future. We shares insights on how adventure travel providers can build responsible and climate-conscious experiences.

Join us as Y.t. Kivisaari, President & CEO, Visit Oulu, reveals the 57% surge in Indian travelers to Finland, exploring key trends, visa challenges, and the booming wedding industry. Discover insights to elevate your strategy in the evolving outbound market!

In this episode, we have engaged with three travel experts to discuss the groundbreaking impact of artificial intelligence on the travel industry. Join us as we explore where and how AI is revolutionizing travel technology, the reasons behind these changes, and why you should get involved.

Join us as we talk with Philip Ibrahim, General Manager of The Social Hub in Berlin, about the challenges and opportunities in catering to LGBTQ+ travelers. Learn about successful examples, cultural sensitivity, key partnerships, and future trends in LGBTQ+ hospitality. Tune in now to stay ahead and support inclusivity in the industry! #ITBBerlin #TravelHeroPodcast #LGBTQTravel #Hospitality

Curious about how the global travel industry can decarbonize by 2050? In this episode, you will adopt a new travel perspective and learn why forward-thinking companies will attract investment and talent. From whom? Our guest, Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation, and host Charlotte Lamp Davies from A Bright Approach, will shed light on all these topics. Listen now!

2024 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for travel. That's what the latest @Phocuwright data show. Despite global uncertainties like upcoming elections and ongoing conflicts, the masses continue to travel. The demand also appears resilient, even though rising flight faires are starting to impact air travel. Listen to @CharutaFadnis, SVP of Phocuswright, and our host @CharlotteLampDavies of @ABrightApproach giving detailed insights into the global travel market. Tune in now! #ITBBerlin #ITBBerlinConvention #Phocuswright #travelmarket #traveltrends

In the latest ITB's Travel Hero Podcast, host Charlotte Lamp Davies, of A Bright Approach talks with Lydia Li, Deputy General Manager at Messe Berlin Shanghai, about trends in Chinese travel. The Chinese outbound travel market is recovering well, with significant increases in trips to visa-free countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, and growth in travel to Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Maldives, and Europe. The post-90s generation now leads outbound travel, preferring personalized, immersive experiences. Social media, especially platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, is key for reaching travelers, with live streaming driving significant sales. Chinese travelers seek unique experiences and personalized services, and themed travel products are in high demand. AI is increasingly used in customer service and travel planning. In the MICE sector, there's a shift towards more frequent, smaller events. The concept of "bleisure" (business and leisure) is growing, with employees extending business trips for personal enjoyment. The podcast emphasizes the benefits of blending business and leisure travel for personal well-being and local economies.

May we introduce you to Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr, Fried & Partner, and Dieter Janecek, member of the German Federal Parliament, the stars of our latest podcast episode. Markus and Dieter did not only recap their overall impressions of ITB Berlin 2024 and the ever-present strikes in Germany that massively affected the trade show. Also, they address the significant role of women in tourism and explore how tourism can serve as a catalyst for openness in a globally interconnected world.

In this episode of ITB's Travel Hero Podcast, we are excited to welcome a distinguished guest: H.E. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of Tourism from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman. With Oman's tourism industry on the rise, we're thrilled to delve into the unique factors that distinguish Oman's offer in a highly competitive global market. Join us as we explore what draws visitors to Oman, how authenticity is preserved amidst development, and the significance of diversity in Oman's tourism landscape. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind Oman's tourism success with our esteemed guest.

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as David Ruetz, Senior Vice President Messe Berlin, shares today's highlights (7 March) on convention tracks, what's new, exhibitors' insights and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as Deborah Rothe, Director ITB Berlin, shares today's highlights (6 March) on convention tracks, what's new, exhibitors' insights and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

In the 300 seconds Travel Hero Podcast episode, Li Baochun, the Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the World Tourism Cities Federations (WTCF), discusses the organization's goals, purpose, and vision for the travel industry. Additionally, he highlights the role of WTCF as a co-host for the ITB Berlin Convention 2024, emphasizing the valuable offerings and events they provide for industry professionals.

Each morning throughout ITB Berlin, we provide you with latest news and recommendations for the day ahead. Listen in as Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO Messe Berlin, shares today's highlights (5 March) on convention tracks, what's new, exhibitors' insights and gives us their personal preferences of the day. Get inspired by what each day has to offer!

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://travelhero.podigee.io/104-neue-episode f3a52590e488720d1a130302721ef153 In this episode, David Roland, Head of Brand Partnerships in DACH at TikTok, joins host Lea Jordan and speaks about travel discovery on TikTok. David shares content insights from the community and discusses how brands can interact with the travel community on TikTok. Make sure to join the TikTok Sessions at the ITB Berlin Convention: TikTok's Stuart Flint with his keynote 'TikTok Takes Me There: A Journey Through The New Frontier of Travel Search and Discovery' at the Marketing & Distribution Track on Wednesday, 6 March, and Laura Ferrari from Hyatt will join TikTok's Michael Schumacher for the best practice case presentation of how Hyatt is driving strong results with authentic storytelling on TikTok at the ITB eTravel Track on Thursday, 7 March. Head to itb.com/convention for all the details, mark your calendar, and see you there! 104 full no TravelHero

In this episode of ITB's Travel Hero podcast, we are excited to welcome Bonita Grupp, Managing Director of TRIGEMA, for a 300-second conversation with podcast host Madlen Schwing from the Chair of Tourism at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Following an interesting introduction to Bonita's background and career path, the podcast delves into the unique challenges faced by TRIGEMA, the sole remaining textile manufacturer in Germany, and how it navigates these challenges in a difficult environment. With 1,200 employees from 40 nationalities at TRIGEMA, Bonita shares valuable insights into managing diversity. Additionally, she reflects on the key challenges in leadership and explains how to deal with them, which are relevant not only to TRIGEMA but also to the tourism industry. This podcast episode offers a sneak peek into the Future Work Track of the ITB Berlin Convention at the green stage in hall 3.1, where Bonita will deliver a keynote speech and participate in a panel titled 'Leading the Change: Corporate Culture in the Future Workforce' on March 7th. With tourism industry leaders, she will explore how to foster a positive corporate culture that adapts to evolving demands.

In this episode, Cory Elford, Director of Marketing at MPI (Meeting Professionals International), joins host Lea Jordan and shares some background on MPI's purpose and mission, her takes on the top 3 trends shaping the events and meeting industry, some best practice examples on how MPI leverages technology, and a personal tip on how to keep on top of trends. Cory Elford is a standout marketing strategist most known for applying her fresh and innovative advertising expertise to the evolving landscape of meetings and events. Make sure to join Cory's keynote, ‘The Engagement Equation,' at the ITB Berlin Convention's MICE Track on March 05th at 2:30 pm CET in Hall 3.1.

In this episode, Merilee Karr, Founder & CEO at UnderTheDoormatGroup and Chair of the Board at UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), joins host Lea Jordan and shares her takes on the top 3 trends shaping the short-term rentals sector and some exciting news about UnderTheDoormatGroup. Tune in and hear from Merilee Karr, a renowned short-term rentals expert. Make sure to join the panel at the ITB Berlin Convention's eTravel Track on March 05th at 12:15 pm CET in Hall 6.1. Where Merilee Karr will discuss alongside James Cassidy from Expedia Group and Inga Flicker from HomeToGo technology trends shaping the alternative accommodations sector.

Welcome to another episode of the 300 Seconds podcast, where Karoline Wiegerink delves into the highlights of the upcoming ITB convention. Get ready to embark on a journey together with Caroline Bremner Senior Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor International. The podcast explores the changing landscape of luxury travel and its major drivers of change. Understanding the luxury travellers of the future is more than ever important. Caroline enlightens the listener of this podcast with three important value drivers: Lifestyle, purpose and wellness. Listen to this sneak preview of Euromonitor's latest research to be presented iin the first session of the ITB Hospitality Track, followed by a panel discussion of industry leaders reflecting on these trends, on Thursday 7 March on the Blue Stage, See you in Berlin.

In our new episode of the ITB Travel Hero Podcast with Dr. Patrick, Andrae, CEO and Co-Founder of Hometogo, we look forward to the new AI Track of the ITB Berlin Convention, taking place at eTravelStage in hall 6.1. on March 6, where Patrick will explain the disruptive element of AI and how it may change travel search and booking. Hometogo has already extensively implemented GenAI. Patrick will present his AI strategy on March 6th at the eTravelStage in Hall 6.1. introduce in detail. It won't be the last disruptive tech innovation in the travel business, but it will be a very fundamental one, says Andrae in our exclusive podcast. A great start to a deep dive into Travel AI live at ITB Berlin.

Our moderator Charlotte Lamp Davies of A Bright Approach had the privilege of hosting Rohit Talwar, the CEO and founder of FastFuture, as our guest on the ITB Berlin Travel Hero podcast. Rohit is set to open the Diversity and Inclusion Track at the upcoming convention, where he'll delve into the pivotal global shifts that could significantly impact diversity and inclusivity within the travel sector in the coming years. In the podcast Rohit shares with us his unique perspective on how technology can play a crucial role in addressing inclusivity issues within the travel industry. Additionally, we discuss the essential leadership capabilities needed to guide the sector through escalating uncertainty and rapid change worldwide. Be sure to catch Rohit's keynote on Tuesday, March 5th, at 10:30 am on the green stage in hall 3.1, this podcast is barely a fraction of what he will touch upon in his much-awaited keynote.

In this episode of the ITB Berlin podcast, Willy Legrand engages in a 300-second conversation with Netsai Bollmann, Programme Manager at KAZA TFCA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area). The podcast explores the intersection of tourism and biodiversity, offering insights into the positive and negative impacts of the industry on natural habitats. Netsai shares her perspective on the role tourism can play in protecting and restoring biodiversity, especially in the context of KAZA. This episode serves as a preview for the 2024 ITB Responsible Tourism Track, focusing on Biodiversity conservation and restoration, where Netsai will participate in a panel discussion titled "Leave No Footprints and Take only Memories: Tourism's Biodiversity Ambitions and Results." Join the conversation on Thursday, March 7th, to explore the industry's journey towards more equitable and regenerative practices.

In our latest Travel Hero Podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting ITB Director Deborah Rothe in a conversation with podcast host Charlotte Lamp Davies from A Bright Approach. Together, they delve into the details of the upcoming ITB convention scheduled for March 2024 in Berlin, shedding light on what awaits both delegates and exhibitors. With a comprehensive conference program featuring 17 tracks and over 400 speakers and industry experts, ITB Berlin has solidified its position as the go-to platform for the travel sector to engage in discussions on global matters impacting the industry. The theme for next year's convention is "Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together," encapsulating the ethos that defines ITB Berlin. Whether your interests lie in diversity, geopolitics, destination trends, or technological advancements, ITB Berlin has a dedicated track for you. As we anticipate tens of thousands of visitors next year, this podcast serves as a valuable resource for you to prepare and plan your schedules accordingly. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you all from March 5th to 7th, 2024.

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.

Based on new work from Euromonitor International that looks at whether blended travel is here to stay, its part to play in changing the way we travel for the better, and whether travel is actually building back better. During our latest Travel Hero Podcast we discussed the opportunities and future of blended travel with Stephen Dutton , Client Insights Research Manager at Euromonitor. In this podcast moderator Charlotte Lamp Davies of A Bright Approach and Stephen Dutton discuss various aspects related to blended travel and its impact on the way we travel. It explores long-term shifts in office working culture, the rise of blended travel as the new business travel, and why traditional business travel will most likely not return to pre-pandemic levels. The podcast also covers new developments in enhancing the blended travel experience and creating value through different options and tiers. It examines the impact of blended travel on in-destination spending and how it can contribute to more economically sustainable practices. Additionally, the podcast delves into the future of mass tourism in Europe, such as Amsterdam and Venice, and how it aligns with blended travel and new travel models. Enjoy the engaging interview and look out for Euromonitor report on Blended Travel which will be published on ITB Berlin's website in the coming week where you can also find previous Travel Hero podcast episodes.

Talking about travel trends, how was Q1 2023 going? Skyscanner is no stranger to research and its latest Horizon Report just published is showing booking patterns returning to pre-pandemic numbers and a desire to travel long haul is rapidly returning. During the new episode of our Travel Hero Podcast we discussed the research paper in detail with Mike Ferguson, Director of Destination Marketing at Skyscanner.

This week the spotlight is on India! While ITB India is happening in Mumbai, we sat down with Daniel Dsouza President and Country Head for Leisure SOCT Travel, who shares some insights on the Indian traveler. Learn about the changed consumer behaviors in this fast-moving country, popular destinations within the country and abroad and what the Indian traveler actually seeks.

Did you hear about "blended travel" yet? And what exactly is this "metaverse"? Caroline Bremner, Senior Industry Manager and Stephen Dutton, Client Insight Research Manager at Euromonitor International explain in just 300 seconds what exactly the metaverse is, what is hidden behind the term blended travel and what connects the two trends. You want to delve deeper? Then don't miss the ITB Berlin Convention Sessions with Caroline and Stephen on 7 and 8 March: www.itb-convention.com/program.

Travel is one of the largest and fastest growing categories on Tik Tok” says David Roland, Head of Brand Partnerships DACH at TikTok. The platform is a great chance to interact in a new way with consumers and learn from them at the same time – it's not a one way street! There are opportunities for all players in the tourism and travel market to succeed on the platform! How? And who does it right? David enlightens us! PS: Join the session “AIDA on TikTok – how to become a love brand for everyone” by TikTok at this year's ITB Berlin Convention on Wednesday, 8 March to learn more about how travel brands can benefit from the rise of TikTok.

Tune in these 300 seconds with Kathrin Anselm, General Manager DACH, CEE & Russia at Airbnb and Lea Jordan, Co-Founder, techtalktravel. Find out how Airbnb caters to new travel trends with new features and how overall business, guests and hosts are impacted by those developments. For deeper insights, don't miss Kathrin and Lea during this year's ITB Berlin Convention at the Marketing & Distribution Track on 8 March!

Within these 300 seconds moderated by Lea Jordan, Co-Founder & Head of Marketing at techtalk.travel, Amanda Du, Head of eCommerce at Penta Hotels Worldwide, untangles the buzzwords Metaverse, Webfree and NFTs. She analyses how these concepts impact our lives and how we'll do business. Moreover Amanda shares learnings and specific examples from Penta Hotels on how to reward, recognize and engage with customers on a totally different level. Hear out more insights from Amanda Du during this year's ITB Berlin Convention at the Hospitality Tech Forum and the Marketing & Distribution Track!

Pafos' Smart City Project Manager Dr. Zinon Zinonos explains how Pafos was able to stand out as 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism. The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that is promoting the concept of smart tourism in European cities. It does this by awarding smart tourism leaders, encouraging the sharing of best practices and promoting smart destinations. The 2023 Capitals are Pafos (Cyprus) and Seville (Spain). Representatives from Pafos will be in Hall 1.1 at ITB Berlin 2023.

In this podcast episode, CEO of Sevilla City Office Antonio Jímenez outlines what it took to make Seville 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism. What makes Sevilla a European Capital of Smart Tourism? The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that is promoting the concept of smart tourism in European cities. It does this by awarding smart tourism leaders, encouraging the sharing of best practices and promoting smart destinations. The 2023 Capitals are Pafos (Cyprus) and Seville (Spain). Are you interested in meeting the smart tourism capitals in person? Representatives from Seville will be in hall 2.1 at ITB Berlin 2023.

DMOs are on the base of a trade-off between marketing and management, overtourism and undertourism, private and public sectors, analogue business models and digital innovations... The new challenges in climate protection and innovation management are as clear as the specifications and orders are indifferent. "Mastering Transformation" by WTCF: How is the situation in the world, in China and in cities especially? Hear Mr. Li Baochun, Deputy Secretary General of WTCF on what to expect from ITB Berlin Convention Co-Host WTCF at the ITB Destination Track on 9 March at 12:40.

“Bringing loads of people together to have amazing experiences”, that's basically the essence of the Technology, Tours & Activity sector. Just like many other segments, TTA has undergone some pretty big changes in the last couple of years. Especially the consumers have changed: who are they, what do they want? Eavesdrop this conversation between Charlotte Lamp Davies, Founder, A Bright Approach & Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, ARIVAL, on how to master transformation in the TTA sector and what to expect from the TTA Forum on 8 March at this year's ITB Berlin Convention.

How to make people stay? What motivates employees? What leads longterm motivation at work? How to optimise HR processes? How to drive change and adapt to the current employee requests? Hosted by Laura Schmidt, Co-Founder of Elevatr, Sabrina Westphälinger from Accor and Kathrin Gollubits from 25hours Hotels share valuable insights from their employer perspectives from the hotel industry. Just two examples: Accor launched an “Employee value proposition”, a promise to their employees in return for providing work with 4 pillars. 25hours, the self-proclaimed “party queen” amongst hotel chains, provides a proactive employee-driven approach encouraging employees to develop themselves and their strengths further. A must-listen to everyone interested in employer/employee success stories!