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60 years of
ITB Berlin
Our journey
60 years of connection, innovation, and unforgettable moments
Since 1966, we've been traveling the world together – driven by curiosity, passion, and the belief that tourism builds bridges.
Dive into the history and future of the world’s leading travel trade show: Our anniversary film takes you on an emotional ITB journey – and shows why being part of ITB Berlin 2026 matters more than ever.
To celebrate the 60 years milestone, we also invite you on a very special journey through time. On this page, we highlight the events that have shaped global tourism – from the introduction of the Euro to the birth of ITB Berlin, and the rise of platforms like Airbnb. Each story is told with a striking image and a short explanation – and new moments are added regularly. Click through the gallery and find out the story behind every single picture.
Share your story #60YearsOfITB
Follow us on social media or subscribe to our Trade Visitor News to never miss an episode of this journey.
Tell your own story. What was your moment? Your best experience with ITB Berlin or in tourism? Share your memory with the hashtag #60YearsOfITB. We will show the posts on our social media wall:
In 2010, Instagram launched and forever changed how we share and experience travel. From stunning sunsets to hidden gems, Instagram turned the world into a visual playground, inspiring wanderlust one post at a time.
At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of developing social media and changing the way we travel.
In 2007, Airbnb was born when two roommates in San Francisco, struggling to pay rent, offered air mattresses and breakfast to travelers. Fast forward to today, and millions of people have found unique stays and unforgettable experiences all over the world. At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of the sharing economy which has built a whol new community of travelers.
In 1999, the European Union established the Euro as the common currency. This change united Europe with a single currency and made travel across borders smoother than ever. At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of a united Europe.
In 1983, the first commercially available mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, hit the scene and
forever changed how we stay connected, especially when traveling. From coordinating meet-ups to capturing memories, mobile phones became the ultimate travel companion, helping people stay touch before, during, and after their trips, creating meaningful and lasting connections with each other no matter where they were in the world.
At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of staying connected no matter the distance.
In 1979, Texas International Airlines became the first airline to introduce a frequent flyer program. These programs encouraged both brand loyalty as well as created a larger desire to fly to different destinations. From free flights to upgrades, frequent flyer programs made travel more rewarding.
At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of brand loyalty.
In 1973, Maureen and Tony Wheeler took their travel knowledge and wrote it into a guide, thus establishing Lonely Planet. Their first guide was called Across Asia on the Cheap, and have since developed more than 800 guides for a diverse range of countries.
At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of media reps and creators providing their travel knowledge to eager tourists around the world.
In 1966, the first ITB Berlin took place with just nine exhibitors, marking the beginning of what would become the world’s leading travel trade show. Originally envisioned as a ‘super travel agency' by founder Prof. Dr. Manfred Busche, ITB Berlin started as a modest gathering before becoming a powerful platform for innovation, partnerships, and the evolution of modern travel.
At ITB Berlin 2026, we're celebrating 60 years of bringing the world together through travel.