Demand by exhibitors for the Travel Technology segment is high. Despite the display area growing by around 20 per cent the eTravel World is already sold out and has a long waiting list. In the Travel Technology halls (5.1, 8.1 and 10.1) alone, where the focus is on distribution systems, travel agency / tour operator software and hospitality technologies, over 170 exhibitors are expected to attend. In order to satisfy the space requirements of this fast-growing segment at ITB Berlin the eTravel World now occupies three halls. From 6 to 9 March 2019 over 80 exhibitors from 20 countries will be presenting their innovations in the usual halls (6.1 and 7.1c) as well as in Hall 7.1b. Established companies and ambitious startups will be showcasing their latest products and ideas for the entire tourism industry, including booking systems, smart data specialists, payment systems and hotel apps. Experts will also be highlighting the latest developments in the world of apps, mobile websites, social media and blogging.
Rapid exhibitor growth has led to a rise in international numbers and an increase in startups in particular. As well as regular exhibitors from France and Spain such as the startup platform Paris Welcome Lab and the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), Israel and Ireland will also be represented at the eTravel World with national stands for startups. With more than a dozen first-time exhibitors, including BookingSuite, Travelor, Loopon, Ratehawk, Atomize and Gastromatic, the Hospitality Tech segment also reports strong growth. The number of tech companies offering payment systems and solutions which will be exhibiting at the show has also risen. In addition to the major players Wirecard and Concardis, big-name market leaders including Paypal, Six Payment Solutions and eCommpay will also be taking part.
“The growing interest shown by new exhibitors clearly reflects the dynamic situation in this market. Moreover, with their steady stream of new developments, established web and travel technology players are bringing more and more new solutions to ITB Berlin. At the same time a lot of startups are entering niche markets and can look forward to new business“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin.
Experts provide a fresh impetus at the eTravel Lab and
on the eTravel Stage
Two of the major factors contributing to the eTravel World’s success are the innovative sessions on the eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1 and the workshops at the eTravel Lab, now in Hall 7.1b. Keynote speeches by representatives of market leaders such as the Lufthansa Innovation Hub and Tripadvisor as well as lectures on AI and voice control will be providing new information on the key industry that is the travel technology market.
On 6 March 2019, the Wednesday of the fair, one of the key topics will be payment systems. The market leaders Amazon Pay and Wirecard will be discussing this topic at numerous eTravel Lab sessions with the audience. Afterwards, the Technology, Tours & Activities (TTA) Forum will be celebrating its debut. Lectures and workshops will have updates on the latest developments in In-Destination Services, a new segment at ITB Berlin.
On the afternoon of Thursday, 7 March 2019, the Hospitality Tech Forum in cooperation with the Hospitality Industry Club will be hosting a number of new panels on customer relationship management systems (CRM), revenue management, guest communications and best case studies on upselling. Events will also include lectures on digitalisation and technology in the hotel industry, with a focus on AI, distribution and payment systems.
On Friday, 8 March on the eTravel Stage, the eTravel Start-Up Day will be offering startups from around the world a platform and examining numerous perspectives on the future of the travel industry. Pitch ’n Panel is a new event format where industry specialists will be hosting investor panels and discussion rounds along with brief pitches from startups. Topics for discussion will be hospitality, aviation, mobility, travel bookings and services. Moreover, startups will be invited to present their products which have won competitions both at home and abroad. Co-organised with the Hospitality Industry Club, another new event, the Hotel Camp, will be taking place in Hall 7.1b on 9 March, the Saturday of ITB Berlin.
