Travel Hero
Podcast

Between AI and Culture: Perspectives for German Inbound Tourism

For decades, the German National Tourist Board has shaped the international positioning of Destination Germany. In this episode of the ITB Berlin Travel Hero Podcast, Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, reflects on 60 years of ITB Berlin as a barometer of the industry and discusses the strategic course being set for the future of German inbound tourism. How does Germany compete in the “Champions League” of travel destinations? What role do artificial intelligence, data, and sustainability play in strengthening international visibility? And why do personal encounters remain a decisive success factor in an increasingly digitalized world? A conversation with one of the most distinguished voices in international inbound tourism.

*This podcast episode was recorded prior to the current Middle East conflict. Therefore, the interview does not address the recent developments.

Hidden Gem - Angola Official Host Country of ITB Beerlin 2026

In this episode, Angola— ITB Berlin´s 2026 Official Host Country—shares why it is one of Africa’s most authentic and undiscovered destinations. The conversation highlights Angola’s cultural vibrancy, natural diversity, and sustainable tourism vision, inviting the industry to tap into exceptional firstmover opportunities.

300 Seconds Kathrin Anselm

In the latest episode of the ITB Travel Hero Podcast, Lea Jordan speaks with Kathrin Anselm, General Manager Central & Eastern Europe at Airbnb. As Airbnb joins ITB Berlin 2026 as the official Co-Host of the ITB Berlin Convention — in the year of ITB’s 60th anniversary — Kathrin shares her perspective on how travel is evolving, what balanced tourism means in practice, and how Airbnb plans to engage with the industry in Berlin. The conversation also offers a preview of her upcoming Executive Fireside at the ITB Marketing & Distribution Track, hosted by Lea Jordan.

300 Seconds with Joachim Marschal: “The End of Effort” in corporate mobility.

In this special ITB Travel Hero Podcast episode, Joachim Marschal, Head of Uber for Business DACH, talks about “The End of Effort” in corporate mobility. In 300 seconds, he explains why ground transport has become a strategic pillar of business travel, how frictionless mobility ecosystems reduce compliance stress and hidden costs, and why intuitive, human-centric technology is key to performance, satisfaction, and vitality on the road. A concise outlook on how corporate travel is evolving. And why mobility is no longer a side topic.

300 Seconds with Anna Pollock: We Are Not an Industry. We Are a Living System.

Anna Pollock, Founder of Conscious.Travel, is one of tourism's most forward-thinking voices — and she doesn't mince words.: "doing more good" and "leaving places better" are steps in the right direction but they are not regenerative, and they won't be enough. In this episode, Anna challenges the very language we use to describe tourism — and the worldview behind it — one that reduces everything to parts that can be fixed or replaced, when the real challenge is learning how living systems work. Tourism cannot be healthy if the wider system it is part of is not healthy. Anna Pollock will take these ideas onto the main stage at the ITB Berlin Responsible Tourism Track, Thursday March 5th 2026.

300 Seconds | With Sarah Kopit

In this episode of the ITB Travel Hero Podcast, Lea Jordan, Member of the Board of Experts at the ITB Berlin Convention, speaks with Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit ahead of her opening keynote at ITB Berlin Convention 2026’s Marketing & Distribution Track: “Travel’s Uneven Future: How Demand, Dollars, and Influence Are Shifting.” Tune in for a sharp preview of what’s changing in global travel: why growth is fragmenting, which assumptions may no longer hold, whether AI is shifting efficiency — or power.

300 Seconds | Why Peru Is a Prime Market for the Travel Industry: 3 Key Factors

Why is Peru one of the most exciting tourism markets right now? In our latest ITB Podcast Shortcast, we explore what makes Peru stand out on the global stage: culture, nature & world-class cuisine, growing connectivity & modern infrastructure and sustainable, community-based travel. Curious to hear for yourself what makes Peru so special – and why it should be on every traveler’s radar? Tune in now!

Deep Dive | Healthy Longevity: From Niche to Norm with Nina Ruge

Longevity means staying well – not staying young. In the latest ITB Berlin Podcast, Nina Ruge, Co-Founder of staYoung, shares a science-based perspective on healthy longevity and what it means in a fast-paced, travel-driven world. She talks about how prevention and long-term health can be approached realistically in lifestyles shaped by travel and constant movement. Tune in now!

Celebrating 60 Years of ITB Berlin: Past Milestones & Future Visions with Stephen Kaufer and Lorraine Sileo

In the latest episode of the ITB Berlin Travel Hero Podcast, host Dirk Rogl welcomes Stephen Kaufer (Founder of TripAdvisor) and Lorraine Sileo (Co-Founder of Phocuswright Research) for a special 60th anniversary conversation. From the rise of reviews as a global trust layer to AI as the next major inflection point: what will truly change travel planning and booking — and what still won’t?