The time has finally come: on 5 March, ITB Berlin will once again open its doors to the most important players in the international travel industry. As in the past year, they will spend three days discussing industry topics that will shape the future. This year’s convention has the motto ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.’ and, with 17 theme tracks on four stages, covers a wide range of current and future-oriented topics. Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner of Dr. Fried & Partner and member of the Board of Experts, is once again responsible for the Tour Operator & Travel Sales and Carrier & Cruise theme tracks this year.
These theme tracks will be presented on Tuesday, 5 March, on the Blue Stage in Hall 7.1b. For those who cannot attend in person, ITB Berlin offers the opportunity to follow the stage programme via livestream. Below, we offer you a glimpse of the exciting track programmes:
10:30 – 10:40 | Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track, Carrier & Cruise Track
Opening and Greeting of the Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track and Carrier & Cruise Track
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Day Moderator)
10:40 – 11:30 | Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track
Future-Oriented Business Models for Tour Operators: Navigating Through Market Changes in the Context of Price and Demand Shift
The dynamics of the travel market, characterised by rising prices and changing booking volumes, require tour operators to adapt their business models to these market changes. This panel discussion highlights current market developments and their influence on the business models of tour operators.
Different business models require different market development strategies. The central question is how tour operators can position themselves for the future in order to be profitable in the long term. The session will explore business models and approaches that enable them to meet complex market conditions and expand their competitive advantage. The panel discussion will provide insights into proven methods – from digital transformation to increasing efficiency, dynamic product design and specialisation, to intelligent capacity management. At the same time, it promises to be an exciting discussion about how adaptability and innovation can ensure lasting success in a rapidly changing market environment.
Roland Gassner, Director Business Development at Travel Data + Analytics (Keynote Speaker & Panelist)
Karl Markgraf, CEO at FTI GROUP (Panelist)
Sabine Jordan-Glaab, CEO at vtours GmbH (Panelist)
Francis Torrilla, CEO at DER Touristik UK (Panelist)
Paul Bixby, CCO at easyJet-holidays (Panelist)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Moderator)
11:30 – 12:30 | Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track
Distribution Platforms Meet Customer Expectations: One-Stop Shopping vs. Customized Travel Arrangements
Travel needs have continued to change in the years since the crisis, posing challenges for both producers and distributors. The question is how tour operators and online platforms can anticipate and meet these diverse expectations? The panel discussion will revolve around the balance between the demand for tailor-made, flexible travel experiences and the desire for the convenience of comprehensive package deals. Representatives from Europe’s two largest tour operators and major digital travel platforms will discuss how they plan to optimally respond to these customer demands and how they are aligning their service offerings. The focus is on understanding customer needs and reflecting on how these influence product development and distribution strategies in the tourism sector. The discussion aims to provide insights into the strategic direction of travel providers and explore how they strike a balance between individualisation and integration in their business models.
Stefan Baumert, CEO bei TUI Deutschland (Keynote Speaker & Panelist)
Mark Tantz, COO bei DER Touristik Central Europe GmbH (Panelist)
Jean-Philippe Monod, SVP of Government & Corporate Affairs bei Expedia Group (Panelist)
Nadine Stachel, Regional Manager DACH at Booking.com (Panelist)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Moderator)
12:30 – 13:15 | Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track
Industry initiative sustainability in sales – insights and potential
Travel retail employees are the main point of contact for end customers when it comes to advice and booking their next trip. However, providing advice on sustainability issues is particularly challenging, as it is almost impossible to keep track of the wealth of information from numerous travel providers and service providers. Another hurdle is the inadequate labelling of sustainability information in the booking systems, which has been insufficient to date. Dr. Fried & Partner is currently discussing further challenges, but also initial solutions, in a dialogue with travel sales as part of the industry initiative founded with BWH Hotels, Lufthansa Group and AIDA Cruises. Overall, a lot is happening in the travel industry to improve the transparency of sustainability information and make it easier for the end customer to decide on a trip. But what specific challenges do travel providers, service providers and travel distributors face, and what potential is there for a successful communication channel between the three parties of provider-distributor-customer?
Carmen Dücker, CEO at BWH Hotels Central Europe GmbH (Panelist)
Tim Fischbach, Senior Director & Head of Touristic Sales Home Markets at Lufthansa Group (Panelist)
Alexander Ewig, SVP Marketing & Sales at AIDA Cruises (Panelist)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Moderator)
13:15 – 13:30 | Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track
The German government’s approach to sustainable tourism in Germany and the world – Interview with Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism
The basis for all types of tourism is a healthy environment, attractive destinations and strong tourism companies. In an interview with Dieter Janecek, Dr Markus Heller, who is, among other things, head of the office of the German Nations Platform Future of Tourism, addresses key issues in the industry. On the one hand, the role of the German government on the road to sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism in Europe will be discussed, as well as a reflection on the measures initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs to strengthen tourism in Germany and the travel industry geared towards outbound tourism.
Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism (Interview guest)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Interviewer)
14:15 – 15:00 | Carrier & Cruise Track
The Role of Carriers and Destinations in the Context of Balancing Volume and Sustainability
The travel industry is challenged to promote sustainable growth that meets both economic and environmental needs. This panel discussion addresses the complex question of how carriers and destinations that handle high visitor numbers can strike a balance between tourism volume and sustainability. This session offers deep insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise from the tension between promoting tourism activities and being responsible for the environment. A focus will be placed on exploring innovative strategies that make it possible to welcome a growing number of travellers while also taking responsibility for the environment and local communities.
Susanna Sciacovelli, Deputy Managing Director at Fundació Mallorca Turisme (Panelist)
Fabian Charbonnier, Promotional Officer – European Market at St. Martin Tourist Office (Panelist)
Sébastien Portes, VP Central Western Europe at Club Méditerranée Deutschland GmbH (Panelist)
Kevin Bubolz, VP & Managing Director Continental Europe, Middle East & Africa at Norwegian Cruise Line (Panelist)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Moderator)
15:00 – 15:45 | Carrier & Cruise Track
How Airline Technology Shapes the Future of Travel Distribution driven by NDC & ONE Order
NDC (New Distribution Capability) and One Order are currently in the process of transforming travel distribution by giving suppliers more control over their distribution channels and enabling them to better differentiate their products and services in a highly competitive marketplace. In addition, One Order offers the potential for cost savings, operational efficiency and better data management capabilities. While NDC and One Order promise numerous benefits, especially for airlines, they also pose challenges for the industry, such as disruption of existing distribution channels, implementation costs, and reliance on industry adoption. If key stakeholders do not fully embrace the new standards, the potential benefits may not be fully realised. But what benefits do the initiatives offer the rest of the industry, and why is a transition recommended?
Heinrich Lange, Vice President Digital Retailing at Lufthansa Group (Keynote Speaker & Panelist)
Nadia Azale, NDC Change Management Director at AirFrance-KLM Group (Panelist)
Chris Ramm, Vice President Global Enterprise Airline Partners at Travelport (Panelist)
Charles Tandonnet, VP Growth Program at Travelsoft at Travelsoft (Panelist)
Dr. Markus Heller, Managing Partner at Dr. Fried & Partner GmbH (Moderator)
15:45 – 16:45 | Carrier & Cruise Track
Mastering Transformation within the New EU Border Control Landscape (ETIAS & EES)
With the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), the travel industry is facing a significant transformation of EU border controls that will affect both carriers and travellers alike. This panel discussion, introduced by an informative keynote from Frontex, provides a comprehensive introduction to the functioning and benefits of these new systems and their influence on carriers and travellers. The subsequent discussion round aims to achieve transparency regarding the implementation of the systems and to comprehensively discuss the resulting consequences for the travel industry. The goal is to develop a detailed understanding of the measures required to adapt to the new regulations, while also setting the course for a smooth travel experience in the future.
Alexandre Costa Goncalves, ETIAS Team Leader at Frontex/ ETIAS Central Unit Division (Keynote Speaker & Panelist)
Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe at CLIA (Panelist)
Mathias Jakobi, Manager Central Europe at IATA (Panelist)
Dr. Ira Fernández-Lázaro, Senior Executive Strategic Planning & Passenger Experience Aviation Management at Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH
Thorsten Schmidt-Look, Projektgruppe Smart Borders BPOL at Bundespolizei
Hanna Kleber, CEO bei KLEBER GROUP & President at Corps Touristique (Moderator)
16:45 – 17:45 | Carrier & Cruise Track
Increasing Bookings, New Routes, More Ships – Cruise Shipping at the Crossroads between Industry Boom and Climate Neutrality
Growth rates in cruise tourism are increasing, as are the demands for climate protection and truly sustainable tourism. NGOs and industry representatives are openly discussing the question of how sustainable cruise shipping really is. What are the deficits, what has already been achieved and what are the challenges for the future? Is a stronger differentiation between different types of cruise tourism necessary? Are ever larger ships like the icons of the seas a signal for more sustainability or the opposite? How is the industry reacting to the tightening of emission targets for shipping at international (IMO) and EU level (‘Fit for 55’, FuelEU Maritime, ETS, REDIII) and to the inclusion of shipping in the ETS? Is the industry preparing for further restrictions like those in Norway? Will cruise shipping become a pioneer for the entire shipping industry or will there be fierce competition due to the limited availability of environmentally friendly fuels? Is greater differentiation needed between different types of cruise tourism? Are zero emissions realistic? Does cruise shipping ‘only’ have an image problem when it comes to sustainability or is it a structural problem? What can politics and a critical public contribute to achieving the goals of the energy transition together with the industry? We look forward to an open, honest and clear debate.
Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe at CLIA (Panelist)
Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer at MSC Cruises SA (Panelist)
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO at HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) & Hurtigruten Group (Panelist)
Malte Siegert, Vorsitzender at Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) (Panelist)
Georg Ehrmann, Geschäftsführer at von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (Moderator)
We are looking forward to exciting keynotes, panel discussions and new ideas!
Secure your tickets now at this link.