From 9 to 11 March 2011 the ITB Berlin Convention will provide a current and in-depth overview of the trends and key issues affecting the world’s tourism industry. This is the eighth time the convention will be addressing key topics such as hospitality, destination marketing, CSR and futurology. On Friday, 11 March 2011 the convention will also discuss the topical issue of eco-mobility.

The ITB Future Day will open the convention on Wednesday, 9 March 2011, presenting the latest findings of leading futurologists on demographics, climate change, natural resources, technology and customer behaviour. Leading international experts will put forward future scenarios and analyse their effects on the world’s tourism. The ITB World Travel Trends Report, an analysis of 500,000 interviews, will give a forecast global travel behaviour.

On Thursday, 11 March 2011 at the ITB Hospitality Day, the convention will discuss the challenges confronting the hotel industry, which is currently facing massive change. Leading figures and practical experts will discuss current developments affecting the industry, from luxury to budget hotels. The topics at the ITB CSR Day also reflect the trend towards ecological sustainability in the hotel industry. Examples of best practices will be given to demonstrate the conditions under which sustainability and luxury can co-exist. Other topics on the same day include how CSR impacts on companies and climate protection in various countries in Asia. A discussion round entitled “The CSR-conscious tourist“ will explore customers’ awareness of sustainability awards and CSR seals of approval and to what degree they influence booking behaviour.

On Friday, 11 March 2011 the focus will be on eco-mobility, a new theme at the convention. Experts will discuss the future of mobility and forward-looking mobility projects such as solar-powered and electric vehicles. Practical examples will be presented highlighting initial experience with pilot projects at international tourism destinations.

At the ITB Destination Day, which takes place on every day of the convention, the focus will be on the Convention & Culture Partner Mongolia, with a discussion on the prospects for cultural tourism in a country which to date remains relatively unexplored. The experts on the ITB Asia discussion panel, moderated by the show’s partner event ITB Asia, will take a broader look at the Asian continent. Leading experts will debate the opportunities and potential which Asian tourism regions have to offer.

The ITB Marketing and Distribution Day has become one of the leading events at the convention. On Friday, 11 March 2011 marketing and tourism experts will discuss marketing trends and prospects for tourism around the world, while also taking an in-depth look at who uses social media and mobile devices as well as the travel behaviour of young people. A specially conducted survey for ITB Berlin will provide insights into young people’s reasons for travelling and their expectations. Mathias Hüske, Head of Deutsche Bahn Online and Agency Sales will present innovations in rail travel.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event the ITB Media Summit is set to return in 2011.