Organzier:
Website Messe Berlin
Event Date:
3-5 March 2026
ITB - The Travel Network
3-5 March 2026

60 years of
ITB Berlin


History

Our journey #60YearsOfITB

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.

Anniversary highlights at a glance

Click on the logos in the map and discover our 60 years activities onsite.

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Cheers to 60 Years of Legacy – The Official ITB Afterwork Party

60 Years of Connection:
Celebrate 60 years of ITB Berlin where stories are shared, connections are made, and the night begins. Join us for an afterwork moment with famous Berlin DJ Chris Bekker. Connect with the global travel community over our complimentary ITB Signature Drink, and toast to six decades of unforgettable journeys — before heading out to Berlin’s vibrant after-ITBnightlife.

WHEN: 3 March 2026 | 5:30–7:00 pm
WHERE: ITB Berlin grounds | Entrance South

The Soundtrack of Travel – The “Weltenbummler” Playlist

Every Journey Has a Sound:
Whether you’re heading to ITB Berlin or leaving the venue, whether you're waiting in line, whether you want to increase the anticipation for your next trip or need the right soundtrack for your road trip. The “Weltenbummler” Playlist by ITB is perfect for every traveling situation you may find yourself in.

WHEN: Every day, even long before, during or after ITB Berlin
WHERE: Spotify

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Launch the Future – The ITB Rocket

Your Vision. Our Next Chapter:
When you walk through hall 21e you’ll notice a space rocket. Why is it there? It waits for your input! We invite you to share your ideas, visions and wishes for the future of tourism on the question “What will travel look like tomorrow?”. Grap a pen, write down your vision and we’ll cherish all contributions while drawing some notes throughout the year on our social channels to see where the industry is heading.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Hall 21e

Create a unique mural

One Community, One Canvas:
Become part of a unique piece of art. Co-create a Berlin-inspired mural together with the global ITB community using a paint-by-numbers concept. Take a creative break from the trade show turmoil that turns individual moments into a collective piece of art.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Hall 19 | Entrance North (indoor)

Ausstellungs Icon

Milestones of Movement – 60 Years of ITB

The Story Behind the Show:
Discover the milestones that shaped global tourism and ITB Berlin over six decades. An exhibition space that connects history, innovation and inspiration. Make sure to stop by in hub27!

WHEN: All ITB days
WHERE: 4.2

Destination Europe: A Journey in Posters

Marketing Through the Decades
In partnership with the Museum of Tourism and the European Travel Commission, this exhibition spaces in hub27 showcases around 30 iconic tourism marketing campaigns from European destinations — reflecting changing travel dreams across generations. Make sure to stop by and take a journey through time.

WHEN: All ITB days
WHERE: hub 27

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The ITB Späti – Where Stories Meet

Berlin Vibes. Global Voices:
Inspired by Berlin’s iconic late-night stores, the ITB Späti brings the city’s relaxed spirit to the show floor. This is the central meeting point for networking, guided tours, presentations, happy hours and a daily round of Bingo. On day 1 of the trade show you’ll get to witness the creation of a unique tape artwork live on the Späti.

WHEN: All ITB days
WHERE: Hall 7.2c

Applause Icon

60 Seconds Cheer to the travel industry – A Moment of Appreciation

Because everyone here is Part of the Story:
This moment is dedicated to you and everyone who makes the travel industry what it is today! On day one of ITB Berlin at 3 pm we invite you to join in on a shared round of 60 second applause! Wherever you are in that exact moment, you’ll join in the wave of applause for your colleagues, your stand neighbours, the attendee passing by, the service staff, and for the entire travel industry. Without everyone’s passion, without every single one of you, travel would not be what it is today. Thank you for being part of the travel industry! Thank you for being part of ITB Berlin!

WHEN: 3 March 2026 | 3 pm
WHERE: Throughout ITB Berlin

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60 Years on the Road – Vintage Photo Memories

A Snapshot of a moment:
Celebrate 60 years of ITB Berlin where stories are shared, connections are made, and the night begins. Join us for an afterwork moment with famous Berlin DJ Chris Bekker and the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026 - Angola. Connect with the global travel community over our complimentary ITB Signature Drink, and toast to six decades of unforgettable journeys — before heading out to Berlin’s vibrant after-ITBnightlife.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Hall 23 | Stand 116

Back to the Future – Travel Through Time

Time Travel: From Then to Next:
Yes, it’s true! The DeLorean from the famous movie “Back to Future” is at ITB Berlin 2026 – for real and up close! Take a seat in the legendary time machine and travel through time on the fairgrounds. Maybe the ride will make you relive iconic ITB moments from the past or let’s you imagine the future of travel. One thing is certain: taking a photo in the famous time machine is definitely a moment to remember.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Hall 21e

Say ITB – Iconic Polaroid Moment

Share You’re there:
Reflecting this year’s jubilee campaign that captures unique moments in polaroid style, we’ve installed an iconic Polaroid-style installation at the Entrance North. Show your community that you are part of the jubilee show of ITB Berlin. Capture, share and celebrate your moment at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show®. #60yearsOfITB #ITBBerlin

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Entrance North

Faces of ITB – 60 Years, One Community

Every Face Tells the Story:
You are part of the story. A roaming ITB photo team captures authentic Polaroid portraits of the personalities who shape ITB Berlin. Take your instant photo home as a personal keepsake — and see selected portraits featured on video screens across the show grounds. A tribute to the people, faces and master minds behind 60 years of ITB success.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Across the entire ITB Berlin grounds

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Powered by ITB – Energy Balls

Fuel for Your Journey:
Running low on energy during a busy day at the World’s Biggest Travel Trade Show? Grab an ITB Energy Ball and fuel up on energy for even more business success — while supplies last.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: All fairground entrances

Start Your Journey – The ITB Global Travel Collection

Insights That Shape Tomorrow:
The ITB Global Travel Collection will celebrate its premiere at ITB Berlin 2026. This high-quality publication offers relevant insights into historical developments and current tourism trends and segments, leading personalities and visionaries, innovations, and challenges in global travel. Make sure to grab your free copy on your way in (or out) of the ITB Berlin fairgrounds and check back with the online edition to find additional videos and stories.

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: All fairground entrances

The ITB Berlin Goodie Bag Hunt

Find the Story. Win the Moment:
Will you be the one who finds the bag filled with goodies? Every day of ITB Berlin, our social media team will hide a bag filled with goodies on the exhibition grounds. There will only be one small clue as to where the bag is located on our ITB Berlin Instagram channel. The first person to find it is the lucky one and can keep the bag. So keep your eyes peeled on our social channels to not miss the daily clue!

WHEN: All ITB Berlin days
WHERE: Entire ITB Berlin grounds

A journey through the milestones of tourism

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.

1966 birth of ITB Berlin
1966 birth of ITB Berlin
1969 start of the Jet Age
1969 start of the Jet Age
A woman and a man stand arm in arm on a beach in front of a hotel. The moment is captured in a Polaroid frame.
1970 Package Holidays becoming extremely popular
Picture of UNESCO World Heritage Site
1972 Treaty on UNESCO World Heritage Sites
1973 Lonely Planet's First Guide is Printed
1973 Lonely Planet's First Guide is Printed
1973 Lonely Planet's First Guide is Printed
1973 Lonely Planet's First Guide is Printed
1979 First frequent flyer program
1979 First frequent flyer program
1983 First commercially available mobile phone
1983 First commercially available mobile phone
1983 Internet is invented
1983 Internet is invented
1985 Schengen is established
1985 Schengen is established
1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall
1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall
1990 biometric security and paperless flying began to reshape the airport experience
1990 biometric security and paperless flying began to reshape the airport experience
1994 picture of the Channel Tunnel
1994 opening of the Channel Tunnel
1996 The rise of Online Travel Agencies
1996 The rise of Online Travel Agencies
1999 creation of the euro
1999 creation of the euro
2007 AirBnB is founded
2007 AirBnB is founded
2010 the launch of Instagram
2010 the launch of Instagram
In 2015, Japan introduced the world to the first hotel staffed primarily by robots
In 2015, Japan introduced the world to the first hotel staffed primarily by robots
In 2016 the UN’s sets 17 Sustainable Development Goals
In 2016 the sets UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
In 2020 Corona changes travel
In 2020 Corona changes travel

Share your story #60YearsOfITB

Follow us on social media or subscribe to our ITB Insider 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: