Following its cancellation of ITB Berlin 2020, Messe Berlin has launched itb.com, a new year-round online networking platform for the world’s travel industry.
The global website spans a bridge between real-life meetings and digital networking, and features innovative tools for business, networking and exclusive content, said Messe Berlin in a statement.
Martin Buck, senior vice president, Travel+Logistics, Messe Berlin GmbH, said: “In these very difficult times, the tourism industry needs ITB more than ever. That is why, at the forward-looking events of the ITB Virtual Convention, leading speakers from ITB will be discussing how the world’s travel industry can harness intelligent strategies to make sure it remains future-proof even in a challenging environment.”
During the ITB Virtual Convention, which will run from March 5 to 11, 2020, viewers can follow more than 20 exclusive live streams and videos in English and German, some in real time, some time-shifted, on itb.com. Afterwards, they will be made available as videos on demand.
All registered attendees at ITB Berlin 2020 may access the AI-based Travel Network, which is a self-teaching system which continually offers users relevant travel industry contact information. Those who had not previously planned to visit the show in Berlin can also register now.
Travel Network users can set up a profile, match interests, be contacted and network. They can also follow other users, exchange contact details, chat and set up appointments.
“Virtual rooms” are being made available online where users can hold meetings which they had scheduled prior to ITB Berlin 2020. A video link enables face-to-face meetings – it is also possible to communicate via an audio link only.
As well, itb.com has the latest news from the World Travel Trends Report and ITB Berlin News, the official Show Daily of the event – which this year will be a weekly edition.
