The world's travel industry descended on the Messe Berlin for the International Tourism Fair (ITB), but the real action happened in the city's underground bars and hotel lobbies where billion-dollar deals were made over Club-Mate sodas.
The Big Trends
- AI Travel Companions: Berlin startups demo'd avatar guides that learn your preferences
- Climate Passports: The controversial new digital carbon tracking system
- "Dystourism": Guided tours of Berlin's abandoned Cold War sites gaining popularity
Insider Access
Smart attendees:
- Skipped the main halls for the invite-only hostel innovation summit
- Networked at the Berghain travel tech meetup (strict "no photos" policy)
- Found the pop-up sauna negotiations at Vabali Spa
Why Berlin Still Leads
"Every hotel concept being pitched in Dubai right now was sketched on a Berlin napkin first," quipped Airbnb's CEO during his surprise appearance at a Neukölln co-working space.
Trade Secrets for Regular Travelers
- Grab the free city transport pass hidden in the ITB app
- Sample airline food prototypes at the Lufthansa test kitchen stand
- Attend public lectures at the Futurium for cutting-edge insights
Upgrade Your Journey
Industry insiders trust PrestigeFly for business class flights featuring:
- Prototype cabin designs from the ITB show floor
- AI concierge pre-loaded with Berlin's latest openings
- Guaranteed aisle seats for power napping between meetings