Section header 60 years in travel
The New York Times down-talks cruise in 1982
China brings its 2,300-year-old underground army to ITB Berlin in 1986
1982 MICE moves in, cruises questioned
1984 T he flight that launched Europe’s low-cost era Ryanair launches with a modest Waterford–Gatwick route, planting the seeds of Europe’s low-cost revolution. Now a regular participant at ITB Berlin, the airline spoke at the 2025 Convention under the theme ‘The Power of Transition Lives Here’.
1986 China goes global at ITB Berlin China makes its debut at ITB Berlin, marking a milestone in opening its tourism industry to the world and foreshadowing its future as both a key source and destination market for global travel.
ITB Berlin introduces a dedicated space for convention organisers, reflecting the emergence of the MICE sector and ITB’s evolution from showcase to business hub. The same year, a famous New York Times article laments the demise of round-the-world cruises!
1983 Travel goes mobile
1985 Schengen reshapes European travel map
1988 GDS provides major connectivity boost
Motorola’s DynaTAC 8000X – bulky, expensive, and groundbreaking – becomes the first mobile phone for public sale. Travellers can now connect on the go, hinting at a future of real-time, mobile-enabled tourism. Fast forward 40+ years, and the ITB Berlin mobile app is the perfect show companion!
The Schengen Agreement opens border-free travel between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, transforming intra-European tourism. Today, with 29 countries in the Schengen Area, Europe’s interconnected travel market drives visitor interest – and exhibitor presence – at ITB Berlin.
Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre, transform travel booking, giving agents unprecedented access to flights, hotels, and car rentals and heralding a more connected industry. ITB Berlin fast emerges as a vital platform for these GDS providers to meet with key trade partners.
1983: the first mobile phone connects travellers on the go
The Schengen visa launch in 1985 paves the way for border-free travel in Europe
GDS providers empower travel agents like never before in 1988
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