Demand by exhibitors for the Travel Technology segment is high. Despite the display area growing by around 20 per cent, the eTravel World is already sold out and has a long waiting list. In the Travel Technology halls (5.1, 8.1 and 10.1) alone, where the focus is on distribution systems, travel agency / tour operator software and hospitality technologies, over 170 exhibitors are expected to attend. In order to satisfy the space requirements of this fast-growing segment at ITB Berlin, the eTravel World now occupies three halls. From 6 to 9 March, 2019, over 80 exhibitors from 20 countries will be presenting their innovations in the usual halls (6.1 and 7.1c) as well as in Hall 7.1b. Established companies and ambitious startups will be showcasing their latest products and ideas for the entire tourism industry, including booking systems, smart data specialists, payment systems and hotel apps. Experts will also be highlighting the latest developments in the world of apps, mobile websites, social media and blogging.
Rapid exhibitor growth has led to a rise in international numbers and an increase in startups in particular. As well as regular exhibitors from France and Spain such as the startup platform Paris Welcome Lab and the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), Israel and Ireland will also be represented at the eTravel World with national stands for startups. With more than a dozen first-time exhibitors, including BookingSuite, Travelor, Loopon, Ratehawk, Atomize and Gastromatic, the Hospitality Tech segment also reports strong growth. The number of tech companies offering payment systems and solutions which will be exhibiting at the show has also risen. In addition to the major players Wirecard and Concardis, big-name market leaders including Paypal, Six Payment Solutions and eCommpay will also be taking part.
“The growing interest shown by new exhibitors clearly reflects the dynamic situation in this market. Moreover, with their steady stream of new developments, established web and travel technology players are bringing more and more new solutions to ITB Berlin. At the same time a lot of startups are entering niche markets and can look forward to new business,” said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin.
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