Dynamic developments in the travel technology section at ITB Berlin 2009

BERLIN – In times of economic crisis, playful innovations are likely to be the main victims. The focus is shifting in travel technology, too. In the short term, experts anticipate attention being directed towards applications that will help reduce costs and increase revenues. Improving sales efficiency and streamlining back offices will be more important than visionary solutions for mobile applications, social networks, or a semantic web.

Thus, Travel Technology at ITB Berlin 2009 occupies an interesting role in a contradictory environment, determined by economic recession and market consolidation, as well as consistently dynamic growth in e-business and travel technology. As a result, there are highly dynamic developments going on in this section at the global travel industry’s leading trade show. “There has been considerable fluctuation, and we have seen many new arrivals,” said David Ruetz, senior manager ITB Berlin. Overall, the organizers have registered substantial growth. Many small and innovative technology companies are taking part. Out of approximately 130 exhibitors in the Travel Technology section, one-sixth will be at ITB Berlin for the first time. Among them the number of international exhibitors is increasing, with Sweden, Australia, and Turkey also participating in this section.

The main products and services will comprise software and search engines for hotels, as well as portable applications. “Travel blogs focus on hotels, more so than on any other service provider,” said David Ruetz. “Nowadays, almost every hotel has ratings, images, and even videos on the web, which are put up by one or more users. Hotels and search engines must make intelligent use of this content. This social networking capability and the ability to network with various sales channels determines their quality and performance potential.”

Furthermore, the transparency of prices and services offered on the web, as well as the integration of mobile services and the increasing relevance of personal recommendations will give both online and offline travel technology, travel agencies, and service providers a boost. Thus, a leading platform such as ITB Berlin is indispensable in order to maintain an overview of current market trends. The Travel Technology Conference PhoCusWright@ITB Berlin on March 12, 2009 will also be showing ways to make specific use of technology to achieve success in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. On March 11, the tourism industry’s successful Bloggers Summit will be taking place for the second time. Additional information is available at www.itb-convention.com/phocuswright.

ITB Berlin 2009 will be taking place from Wednesday, March 11 to Sunday, March 15. The period from Wednesday to Friday is reserved for trade visitors. Additional information is available at www.itb-berlin.com. ITB Berlin is the global travel industry’s leading trade show. Last year 11,147 exhibitors from 186 countries presented innovative products and services, and a total of 177,900 visitors attended the 2008 event.