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ITB GLOBAL TRAVEL COLLECTION
EDITOR’S FOREWORD
From growth to balance ITB Berlin at 60; reflecting on six decades of change and the responsibilities ahead
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Published by GT Media (Europe) Ltd.
S ixty years ago, when ITB Berlin first opened its doors, international travel was still the preserve of a relatively small, privileged share of the world’s population. Borders were harder to cross, air travel was expensive, and tourism was only just beginning to emerge as a global industry. In 1966, few could have imagined the scale, complexity and influence travel and tourism would one day command, or the responsibilities that would come with it. Today, tourism plays a major role in the global economy and society. According to Tourism Economics, international travel has more than doubled over the past two decades alone: from around 700 million international trips 20 years ago, to 1.5 billion in 2025. By 2030, that figure is expected to reach two billion journeys a year, rising to three billion by 2045. This extraordinary growth reflects rising incomes, expanding middle classes, improved connectivity and an enduring human desire to explore, connect and experience the world beyond our own borders. Yet growth on this scale brings both opportunity and responsibility. Tourism creates jobs, supports communities, fosters cultural exchange and drives investment in infrastructure, education and innovation. At the same time, it places pressure on natural environments, cultural heritage and local ways of life. The central question facing the industry today is no longer whether tourism will grow, but how it grows, who benefits, and whether it can do so in a way that is balanced, inclusive and resilient. This is the context in which the
ITB Global Travel Collection has been created. Marking the 60th anniversary of ITB Berlin, this publication looks back at how far the industry has come, while looking forward to the choices that will define its next decades. Over six decades, ITB Berlin has evolved alongside the industry itself. What began as a post-war trade fair has grown into the world’s leading travel trade show and a global network of events spanning Asia, China, India and the Americas. Throughout this journey, ITB has remained a constant: a place where markets meet, innovation is showcased, and difficult conversations are not only encouraged but required. As tourism has expanded in scale and influence, so too has ITB’s responsibility to help guide it. The challenges facing tourism, including climate change, workforce shortages, overtourism, inequality, to name a few, demand collaboration, evidence-based decision-making and a willingness to learn from one another. This has always been at the heart of ITB Berlin’s purpose. The next chapter of global travel must be defined not only by scale, but by stewardship. Not only by innovation, but by intent. And not only by connection, but by balance. This publication is both a reflection on where we have been and an invitation to consider, together, where tourism should go next.
Publisher and Managing Director: Khaled Algaay Editorial Director Gemma Greenwood
Art Director Stefan Castel Director of Markets Beth Thomas Outreach Manager Alison Readings Partnerships Manager
Hayley Field Contributors Emily Eastman Felicity Cousins Victoria Balfour Contact:
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GEMMA GREENWOOD
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Editorial Director GT Media Europe
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