ITB Berlin celebrates 60 years with interactive anniversary programme - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

ITB Berlin is marking its sixtieth anniversary with a series of interactive experiences, special installations and networking formats. From 3 to 5 March 2026, the World’s Leading Tourism Trade Show will combine business, content and celebration under the guiding theme “60 Years of Legacy”.

What began in 1966 with nine exhibitors from five countries has evolved into a global industry platform hosting well over 5,000 exhibitors. Six decades on, ITB Berlin continues to position itself as a central marketplace for dialogue, innovation and international exchange.

Community events and new networking formats

A symbolic highlight awaits attendees on the opening day. On 3 March at 3 p.m., ITB Berlin will stage the “60-Second Cheer for the Travel Industry”, inviting participants across the exhibition grounds to join a collective round of applause. The initiative recognises the contributions of exhibitors, partners and service staff while emphasising solidarity within the sector.

A new social hub debuts with the ITB Späti in Hall 7.2c. Inspired by Berlin’s iconic late-night corner shops, the venue will serve as a central meeting point for guided tours, presentations and informal networking. Live tape artwork on day one adds a creative element to the anniversary edition.

The first day concludes with the official after-work event “Cheers to 60 Years of Legacy”. From 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the south entrance, attendees are invited to celebrate the anniversary in a relaxed setting. The programme includes an ITB signature drink and music by Berlin DJ Chris Bekker.

Travel through time and interactive installations

Several anniversary installations highlight the evolution of travel. In Hall 21e, “Back to the Future – Travel Through Time” features the legendary DeLorean from the cult film. The installation offers visitors a visual journey through six decades of ITB history while linking past developments with future perspectives.

Also in Hall 21e, the interactive installation “Launch the Future – The ITB Rocket” encourages attendees to share their visions for tomorrow’s travel landscape. Selected contributions will be featured on ITB Berlin’s digital channels throughout the year.

Community engagement remains a recurring theme. At the north entrance to Hall 19, “Community Painting – One Community, One Canvas” invites participants to contribute to a collaborative Berlin-inspired mural. Individual brushstrokes merge into a collective artwork symbolising cooperation within the industry.

In Hall 23, Stand 116, a vintage VW bus becomes part of the anniversary programme. The mobile photo installation “60 Years on the Road – Vintage Photo Memories” offers visitors a nostalgic trade show souvenir.

Anniversary moments across the exhibition grounds

Additional installations reinforce the celebratory atmosphere. “Say ITB – Iconic Polaroid Moment” presents key anniversary activities in oversized polaroid style, while “Faces of ITB – 60 Years, One Community” captures authentic portraits of attendees across the grounds.

A daily interactive element is introduced with the “ITB Berlin Goodie Bag Hunt”. Each day, a surprise bag is hidden somewhere on the grounds, with clues shared via Instagram. The initiative combines digital engagement with on-site participation.

Industry publications and exhibitions

To coincide with the anniversary, ITB Berlin launches the ITB Global Travel Collection, a publication exploring historical developments, current trends and future innovations in global tourism. Complimentary copies are available at all entrances.

The Travel & Tourism Report 2026/2027 is offered at a special anniversary price of 60 euros. The report provides a comprehensive industry analysis supported by key performance indicators for the global travel sector.

At Hub27, the exhibition “Destination Europe: A Journey in Posters”, developed in cooperation with the Museum of Tourism and the European Travel Commission, presents around 30 iconic European tourism campaigns spanning multiple decades.

Energy and sound for attendees

Service-oriented anniversary elements complete the programme. Energy balls distributed at the entrances provide a practical boost for visitors navigating the exhibition halls. A specially curated “Songs for Weltenbummler” playlist on Spotify accompanies the anniversary edition, extending the ITB Berlin experience beyond the show itself.

With its anniversary programme, ITB Berlin blends reflection and outlook, highlighting six decades of industry transformation while inviting participants to actively shape the future of travel.

Image Credit: © ITB Berlin