The programme of the ITB Berlin Convention 2013 has been finalised. Next year’s ITB Berlin Convention features discussions on the latest tourism issues and topical themes, confirming its role as the global travel industry’s leading think tank. From 6 to 8 March 2013, at the tenth edition of the event, leading speakers representing tourism, industry and politics will discuss the main themes concerning the travel industry, both now and in the years ahead. They include major trends in industry and society, developments in the cruise market and in the hotel industry of the future. Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free for visitors to ITB Berlin. A preliminary version of the programme can be downloaded at www.itb-convention.com/program .

Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin: “Currently in its tenth year, the ITB Berlin Convention has long established itself as the world’s largest tourism convention. Over the years we have welcomed more than 100,000 trade visitors at over 800 events, and papers have been delivered by more than 2,000 leading speakers. Its success is proof that obtaining up-to-the-minute knowledge and finding out about future-oriented concepts and best practices is indispensable to ensuring survival in a constantly changing market.”

On 6 March 2013, the topics to be discussed at the ITB Future Day will include changes in consumer behaviour and travel patterns, the challenges posed by climate change and the prospects for information technology. Following the successful launch of the format in 2012, the Cruise Panel will highlight developments in the cruise industry. The keynote will be held by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, chairman of the European Cruise Council and of Silversea Cruises. Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines, will talk about the prospects of commercial aviation and the role of Turkish Airlines.

On 7 March 2013, the ITB Hospitality Day will focus on the hotel industry of the future. Students, tour operators and hotel managers will debate Generation Y’s expectations regarding travel and hotels. At a session entitled the “Hot Seat”, two students will question hotel managers about career opportunities and what employers expect from the next generation. Four hotel chains will present hotel concepts with a difference: they include a spectacle in 3-D, living in a cave and eco accommodation in the city. The growing market for mobile apps as a product marketing channel will also be the subject of debate.

On 8 March 2013, at the ITB Marketing and Distribution Day, award-winning travel journalist Doug Lansky will deliver a keynote asking why, despite social media, travellers are becoming increasingly unsociable and why those who represent responsible tourism act in irresponsible ways. A special survey on internet usage carried out by Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online Forschung (AGOF) will reveal important findings concerning the online activities of a tourism-related target audience. There will also be a session discussing the links between tour operators’ customer relationship management and new information technologies. The Innovation Forum will take a look at new target audiences, products and business models that are certain to have a long-term effect on market structures. They include the trend towards social travel und collaborative consumption and the increasing numbers of tourists from muslim countries and their special needs. The changes facing long-distance travel and the prospects for online startups with regard to customers and tour operators will also be examined, with GetYourGuide as an example. Jesko Perrey, division head of Marketing & Sales, McKinsey, will provide information on how to determine the return on investment from spending on modern media and will also highlight the failures of marketing and communication management which a McKinsey study has revealed.

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