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The upcoming ITB Berlin 2024 travel trade show will be providing the largest platform to date for innovative Travel Technology solutions with the new theme ‘Take Travel Technology to the next Level. Together.’ This event features representatives from more than 30 countries across five halls, and the highly regarded eTravel Stage will once again attract attention with a remarkable lineup of panels, keynote speeches, and lectures.

The tourism industry has consistently been driven by change and innovation, making it unsurprising that the Travel Technology segment will once again hold a prominent position at ITB Berlin 2024, taking place from March 5 to March 7.

The travel trade show will feature over 30 global providers showcasing their innovative products and concepts across five halls (5.1, 6.1, 7.1c, 8.1, and Hall 10.1, as previously).

Exhibitors at the event include established industry leaders and emerging startups, covering all aspects of the technology value chain. Some of the participating companies are Amadeus, Sabre, Bewotec, ICEX España, Business Iceland, and Business France. The event features dedicated spaces for technology enthusiasts to share knowledge, namely the Travel Tech Café and Travelport in Hall 5.1, as well as the Travel Lounge in Hall 6.1.

The diverse schedule of events on the eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1, now showcasing the innovative AI and Digital Destination themes, along with increased audience capacity, concludes the numerous activities.

Learning from Travel Tech experts: the ITB Berlin eTravel Stage

The ITB Berlin Convention’s eTravel Stage combines a think tank and an ideas factory into one. Throughout the entire show, it serves as a platform for exceptional keynote speeches, captivating pitches, and enlightening panel discussions focused on travel technology. Attendees can expect a plethora of exciting highlights presented by renowned experts in travel tech. Here are a few featured selections:

Tuesday, 5 March, 11.15am

’Beyond the Buzz – What are the Key Technology Trends Shaping Travel” – moderator Lea Jordan (co-founder of techtalk travel and member of the ITB Board of Experts) talks to Mirja Sickel (VP Hospitality Distribution at Amadeus) and Andy Washington (general manager, EMEA at the Trip.com Group) about travel technology trends – what is simply hype and what can really be achieved?

Tuesday, 5 March, 2.30pm

At the panel entitled ’Hotel Technology Trends (or Hypes?) – Cutting the Noise’, in conversation with moderator Lea Jordan, Kevin King (CEO, Shiji International), XinXin Liu (president of H World Group) and other industry visionaries offer an insight into important hospitality industry trends. Hotel managers can find out how to navigate the complex world of hotel technology and successfully master the digital transformation.

Day one of eTravel Stage events at the convention is sponsored by Global Travel Tech. The company is also hosting a hotly awaited panel with its partners Skyscanner, Amadeus, Expedia Group and Booking.com.

Wednesday morning, 6 March

On day two the focus is initially on the Technology, Tours & Activities theme track. Events include a keynote speech by Schubert Lou (COO, trip.com), who will highlight Chinese travellers’ preferences for international tours and activities. In addition, ’Outlook for Experiences’ features the latest research findings of the tech platform Arival, and discussions with leading industry players, including Nishank Gopalkrishnan, (CCO, TUI Musement) and Kristin Dorsett (CPO, Viator).

Charlotte Lamp Davies (founder of the consultancy A Bright Approach): “The Technology, Tours & Activities theme track at ITB Berlin 2024 promises a morning full of fascinating insights and outstanding contributions by opinion-formers and major players.“

Wednesday, 6 March, 3.45pm

The new AI theme track features an interview with Dr. Patrick Andrae (CEO, Home To Go): ’How AI is reshaping travel searches and bookings’. Home To Go was quick to recognise the advantages of AI and has incorporated it in its complex technology for comparing prices and bookings. While customers can only see a smart chatbot, Dr. Patrick Andrae takes viewers on a tour of AI-driven technology at his company.

Thursday, 7 March, 10.30am

Charlie Li, CEO, TravelDaily China, will moderate the panel entitled ‘Taking Notes – Lessons from Asia’s Digital Frontier’, where leading players in the Chinese travel market share their views and observations with Vivian Zhou (vice president, Jin Jiang International) and Bai Zhiwei (CMO, Tongcheng Travel) as well as other guests.

Thursday, 7 March, 11.00am

’Camping goes digital’ – in his keynote speech Michael Frischkorn (CPO & CTO, PiNCAMP) talks about the status quo and future of the camping market.

Thursday, 7 March, 2.30pm

The new Digital Destination theme track specifically targets destinations in German-speaking countries. Alexa Brandau, head of Mediamanagement, and Richard Hunkel, head of Open Data & Digital Projects at the German National Tourism Board (DZT), offer an insight into the Open Data project. The discussion also focuses on innovations that inspire this technology. The winners of the DZT Thin(gk)athon present their solution: an AI-based method for collecting information from open data records.

Thursday, 7 March, 4.15pm

‘Finally understanding guests: from guest card to digital wallet’ – in his keynote speech Reinhard Lanner (strategy adviser, Travel & Hospitality, Workersonthefield), explains how efficient data management works for a perfect personalised approach to guests.

SOURCE: ITB Berlin 2024 Focuses on Travel Technology BY: eTurboNews | eTN