Europe
A city of freedom, a platform for the world COMMENT
For six decades, ITB has been part of Berlin, a city defined by openness, diversity and exchange. In this reflection, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner considers how Berlin’s values of cosmopolitanism, tolerance and respect continue to underpin the fair and international tourism
C ongratulations on 60 years of ITB – and on 60 years of ITB in Berlin! Sixty years of ITB means six decades of showcasing the international tourism industry. Sixty years of the world’s largest and most important platform for information on all aspects of travel, and many years of enormous growth, with tourism and the tourism industry developing in ways that hardly seemed possible back in 1966 when ITB was founded. From very small beginnings, ITB has grown to be one of Germany’s largest trade fairs and a top industry event in Berlin. In 1966, the Beatles’ first German tour took place and Frank Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night was the year’s number one song. Two science fiction series, Star Trek and Germany’s own Raumpatrouille Orion had their premieres. In the football World Cup final that same year, the German national team faced England at London’s Wembley Stadium – a match that remains unforgettable even today. And in West Berlin, the first ITB opened its doors. The Economic Miracle was underway in the Federal Republic of Germany. For the first time, millions of Germans could afford a vacation, and the
most far-flung places. The range of travel experiences has expanded just as significantly, with new forms of holidays and activities continually reshaping how people explore the world. Over this period, tourism has grown into a major global industry. In parallel, ITB Berlin has established itself as a leading trade fair and a central platform for exchange between exhibitors, visitors and the wider global travel community. Every year, tourism professionals from around the globe come together, discuss industry trends and innovations, and develop ideas for the future. ITB has been part of Berlin for 60 years. After all, Berlin, the City of Freedom – a place of openness and diversity – precisely embodies the qualities and values that make international tourism possible: cosmopolitanism, tolerance, and respect. Thank you to the ITB for standing with Berlin for 60 years. I hope that the 2026 ITB Berlin exhibitors enjoy much success and every visitor has a wonderful stay and makes new discoveries. For the readers of the ITB Global Travel Collection , I wish you interesting, exciting glimpses into the world of travel and tourism.
country was gripped by travel fever. People wanted to see the world. They longed to discover distant countries and cultures, swim in the ocean and hike through the mountains, and experience famous sites firsthand. Wanderlust was unstoppable in East Germany too, even in the face of barbed wire and the Wall. Tourism has undergone an impressive evolution over the past 60 years, not only in terms of visitor numbers, but also in the diversity of destinations that draw people to even the world’s
64 | ITB GLOBAL TRAVEL COLLECTION
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