Travel tech takes centre stage

For the first time, ITB Berlin will witness more than 250 travel technology exhibitors. Lectures, panels and workshops on digital mobility, AI and payment systems will be organised at the eTravel World.

TT Bureau

At ITB Berlin, numerous topical themes and informative examples of best practices await visitors to the eTravel World from March 6-9, 2019. Those interested in travel technology can find out more in the exclusive area featuring new technologies, digital marketing and social media. Companies representing global distribution systems (GDS), tour operator databases, reservation systems, payment systems, travel agency software and calculation programmes will also be displaying their products.

Over 70 sessions, panels and workshops, first-hand knowledge on trendsetting technological solutions will be available from travel technology experts. At the eTravel Lab payment system, specialists will look at how the trend towards online payment solutions is impacting on destinations, tour operators and the hospitality industry. Destination management professionals can get an overview of the progress taking place in digitalisation at destinations. A session titled ‘When tourists are more of a curse than a blessing’ will highlight the issue of overtourism.

Events at the eTravel Lab will focus on social media, storytelling and community. In the hospitality industry, efficient technology is becoming an increasingly decisive factor for establishing successful business models. A number of sessions will highlight solutions, including how chatbot services can overcome language barriers, how revenue management can improve hotel performance and how hotels should prepare themselves for the digital revolution in the hotel room. The 2^nd ITB Hospitality Tech Forum on March 7 is a must for all hotel industry decision-makers, where technologies in hospitality will be analysed with regard to AI, distribution and payment systems. International specialists will talk about new trends and developments in guest communications, upselling and hotel revenue management strategies.