SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, is setting new standards in sustainability and social responsibility from March 4th to 6th, 2025. With top-class panels, forward-looking offers from exhibitors from 26 countries in the "Responsible Tourism" sector, and awards for outstanding initiatives, the world's largest travel trade show demonstrates how sustainable tourism can be successfully implemented.
Commitment to a Responsible Travel Industry
As the leading trade show for the global travel industry, ITB Berlin is actively committed to social and environmental responsibility in tourism. From March 4th to 6th, it offers a central platform for the exchange of innovative ideas and sets decisive impulses to promote dialogue for more diversity and inclusion along the tourism value chain.
New Initiatives for More Sustainability
For the first time, ITB Berlin is cooperating with the "People Helping People" initiative. Exhibitors have the opportunity to purchase not only lunch bags but also a donation bag, thus supporting the Berlin aid project that specifically supports socially disadvantaged people.
For ITB Berlin 2025, trade visitors, students, and exhibitors can book an ABC ticket directly in the ticket shop as an add-on for the first time. This enables a new cooperation with the Berlin public transport company (BVG). The aim of this initiative is to facilitate the use of public transport and make the visit to the trade fair more sustainable.
Diverse Range in the "Responsible Tourism" Sector
In the "Responsible Tourism" sector in Hall 4.1 – the international forum for sustainable tourism – trade visitors can expect a comprehensive range of topics related to environmentally and socially responsible tourism. Over 80 exhibitors from 26 countries will be presenting innovative approaches, ranging from climate-friendly business models to certified concepts.
The organizations represented include Travelife, one of the leading certification programs for sustainable tourism, which will be on site with 40 co-exhibitors. The European Centre for Eco and Agro Tourism (ECEAT) will also have a larger presence than in the previous year and will focus more on certification topics. Atmosfair and Myclimate will present solutions for CO₂ compensation.
New Exhibitors and Focus Areas
For the first time, the Thai Responsible Tourism Association and Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas from France are exhibiting, presenting sustainable travel offers in Indonesia, Tanzania, and the Philippines. The Pacific island states of Palau and Tonga will also be presenting themselves for the first time in this segment to draw attention to the effects of climate change.
The Responsible Tourism Lounge as a Central Meeting Point
A central component of the "Responsible Tourism" sector is once again the Responsible Tourism Lounge by mascontour. It serves as a networking hub and is intended to specifically promote the exchange and further development of sustainable concepts, forward-looking initiatives, and innovative solutions.
Impulses for a More Sustainable Industry at the ITB Lighthouse Stage
In addition to the exhibitor offerings, the program on the ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1 offers numerous impulses for a more sustainable industry. A highlight is the Green & Blue Tourism Forum on Tuesday, March 4th, which focuses on the protection of oceans, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
ITB Berlin Congress: Sustainability as a Central Theme
Sustainability and social responsibility are also the focus of the ITB Berlin Congress. Leading industry experts provide valuable impulses for the future of tourism in various theme tracks.
Diversity & Inclusion Track
The Diversity & Inclusion Track on Tuesday, March 4th, on the Green Stage in Hall 7.1b highlights diversity and equal opportunities in the tourism industry. Companies, experts, and thought leaders share best practices and insights here to promote sustainable change in the tourism industry – both in the workplace and in travel experiences. The panel discussion "Travelling Together: Embracing Inclusivity for Industry Growth" at 11:45 a.m. brings together industry experts, including Klaudija Janzelj (TUI) and Olaf Schlieper (German National Tourist Board).
Destination Track
The Destination Track on Wednesday, March 5th, on the Blue Stage discusses innovative strategies for dealing with social, ecological, and geopolitical challenges. A highlight is the panel discussion "Is Tourism coming to an end? From Overtourism to Sustainability Governance" at 12:45 p.m. It brings together different perspectives to examine how governance, cooperation, and innovation can shape the future of the industry. The afternoon of the ITB Destination Track is all about inclusion, with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as a partner. The event "Tourism Industry Leaders Endorse the Women's Empowerment Principles" at 2 p.m. with the participation of important industry representatives, UN Women, and members of the Federal Government emphasizes the crucial role of women for the tourism industry. The subsequent discussions show how the industry and, above all, the destinations can benefit from inclusive tourism offers for everyone.
Responsible Tourism Track
The Responsible Tourism Track on Thursday, March 6th, on the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1a focuses on topics such as climate impact assessment and sustainable tourism practices. The session "Ground Zero Sustainability: Frontline Actions and Challenges" at 12 p.m., for example, provides practical insights into the successes and challenges of the industry's sustainability pioneers. In the afternoon at 3:15 p.m., the "Speed Dating with Sustainable Solutions" takes place, where experts such as Dr. Ellen Madeker (Airbnb) present sustainable approaches – from climate-friendly products to urban greening initiatives – and provide practical impulses for tourism.
Corporate Culture Clash Track
The ITB Thursday is also complemented by the new Corporate Culture Clash Track on the Green Stage, providing insights into the changing corporate culture. The focus is on topics such as diversity, new work, new technologies, and the expectations of Generation Z. Jens Gössing (Cloud Space Architect for Google Workspace at Google) speaks in the session "Google: How Future Tech empowers Future Work" at 11:20 a.m. about how the work landscape is developing and how technology is shaping its future.
ITB Transition Labs
Within the framework of the ITB Transition Labs – exclusive side events of the ITB Berlin Congress – participants receive exclusive insights into central innovation and sustainability solutions of the tourism industry.
Awards for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
With a comprehensive award program, ITB Berlin sets an example for responsible travel and sustainable tourism development.
Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards
The Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards will be presented on March 4th at 6 p.m. on the Blue Stage in Hall 7.1b, honoring inspiring sustainable initiatives. Special prizes will also be awarded: The ITB Earth Award recognizes an initiative of a destination that plays a pioneering role in climate protection and sustainable tourism. The People's Choice Award honors the destination that has received the most audience votes.
Day of Accessible Tourism
The Day of Accessible Tourism, organized by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), will take place on March 5th from 10:30 a.m. in CityCube Berlin, Hall A5. The event offers a platform for exchange on inclusion and accessibility in tourism.
TO DO Award and TO DO Human Rights in Tourism Award
The renowned TO DO Award of the Study Group for Tourism and Development will be presented on March 5th at 6 p.m. on the eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1, honoring socially responsible tourism initiatives. The TO DO Human Rights in Tourism Award will also be presented to initiatives that are particularly committed to protecting human rights principles.
Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award
The Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award will be presented on March 6th at 2:15 p.m. on the LGBTQ+ Tourism Stage in Hall 4.1. The non-profit organization Equality in Tourism, together with ITB Berlin, awards the prize to tourism organizations that are outstandingly committed to gender equality.
Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Award and Celebrating Her Award
The award co-founded by ITB Berlin will be presented on March 6th.
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