SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb-27, 2025 – ITB Berlin 2025, taking place from March 4th to 6th, will open on March 3rd with an impressive opening event by this year's host country, Albania. With an exceptional supporting program, the event will set the stage for the world's leading travel trade show. High-ranking political representatives and key figures from the global tourism industry will attend the event.
Curtain Up for Albania – Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025
Represented by H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, the Mediterranean country will open the world's leading travel trade show on the eve of the first day of the fair, March 3, 2025, at 6 PM in CityCube Berlin. Under the motto "All Senses," around 2,500 invited guests – including numerous figures from politics and the tourism industry – will embark on a spectacular journey through Albania's breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and vibrant cultural heritage.
From the political sphere, Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, will welcome the host country and participants. The travel industry will be represented by Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization1 (UN Tourism). Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, will represent ITB Berlin.2
A Spectacular Show Program Showcasing Albania's Rich Heritage and Beauty
Albania, a country full of history and traditions, will take the audience on an impressive artistic journey, combining its ancient cultural roots with contemporary influences: The duo Shkodra Elektronike, representing Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, will entertain guests with captivating traditional Albanian folk sounds and modern electronic music.
The National Ensemble of Albania will perform with fascinating, some centuries-old, folk dances that reflect the deep-rooted traditions of Albania's various regions: The Tropoja Dance ("K'cimi i Tropojës") is an energetic dance from the mountainous northern region of Albania, characterized by fast footwork, powerful jumps, and rhythmic complexity. The dance has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and embodies the spirit and resilience of the northern Albanian communities. The Sword Dance is a dramatic dance symbolizing bravery and martial traditions. The dancers swing their swords in a choreography reminiscent of Albania's historical battles. The Dance of Osman Taka is a traditional folk dance inspired by a 19th-century Albanian freedom fighter. The performance tells a story of heroism, defiance, and patriotism, combining graceful movements with dramatic narratives. Today Albania Celebrate ("Festë të madhe ka sot Shqipëria") is a lively and uplifting dance that captures the spirit of Albanian joy and celebration with elaborate costumes and dynamic choreography.
Albania's musical heritage is as diverse as its landscapes – guests of the opening event will enjoy traditional Albanian folk music, performed by the National Ensemble of Albania, such as Kaba – an Albanian musical genre and folk instrument. The Albanian Iso-Polyphony, a traditional Albanian singing style, will also be heard, accompanied by the renowned pianist Robert Bisha.
Following the opening event, a culinary reception will take place in CityCube Berlin, where guests will get a taste of the famous Albanian cuisine. The exclusive menu will be prepared by celebrity chef Genti Malaveci and will showcase the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean country.
Host Country Report: From Hidden Champion to Rising Star
At ITB Berlin 2025, Albania welcomes the world and the travel industry with open arms. The Host Country Report offers deep insights into the Mediterranean treasure trove, which combines a millennia-old heritage, UNESCO-crowned traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty with a modern and dynamic spirit. Read the Host Country Report here (PDF, 335.4 kB).
For more information about Albania, the official host country of ITB Berlin 2025, visit ITB News & Insights and the ITB Navigator.
Online Accreditation for Press Representatives and Bloggers/Creators
You can accredit yourself online here now. Please note the accreditation guidelines. During ITB Berlin, there will be no accreditation options at the press counters on site. After successful registration and verification, you will receive the accreditation and your badge with your personal QR code for3 entry as a PDF file in the email attachment. Please present your QR code at the entrance. Your ticket is non-transferable.
Note: For reasons of readability, the masculine form has been used in some places in the text; nevertheless, the information refers to members of all genders.
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Congress and ITB 360°
ITB Berlin 2025 will take place from Tuesday to Thursday, March 4th to 6th, as a pure trade visitor fair. ITB Berlin has been the leading trade show for the global travel industry since 1966. As before, the internationally renowned ITB Berlin4 Congress will take place parallel to the fair and live on the Berlin exhibition grounds. Under the motto "The Power of Transition lives here," 400 top speakers from business, science, and politics will discuss the industry challenges of the present and future on 4 stages in a total of 17 theme tracks. At ITB Berlin 2024, over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and regions presented their products and services to nearly 100,000 participants. As a year-round and globally present innovation hub, ITB Berlin offers the global tourism community valuable insights year-round with ITB 360° in the form of specialist articles, podcast episodes, and other innovative formats.
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