ITB Berlin

What ITB Berlin is

ITB Berlin is the leading international travel trade fair, held on the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds in the west of the city. Tour operators, airlines, hotel groups, tourism boards and tech companies from the travel industry present their products and sign deals. It is first and foremost a business-to-business event, so it is relevant to you mainly if you work in tourism, want to network, or need to understand why hotels across Berlin are expensive for a few days in March.

In 2027 the fair is listed from Tuesday 16 March to Thursday 18 March, three days in the middle of the week.

Dates in 2027 and their status

The 2027 dates are marked as confirmed in our data, with a source from the messen.de trade-fair directory. Our event notes add that the 2027 slot sits somewhat later than in a typical year as a one-off. The organiser's site at itb.com is the authoritative place for opening hours, ticket categories and any change, so confirm there before you plan.

Because it is a trade fair, the first days are reserved for trade visitors. Whether and when the fair opens to the general public, and on which ticket terms, is something to look up on the organiser's page for this edition rather than assume from previous years.

Character of the fair and what to do

ITB has run since 1966 and fills many halls, with countries and regions presenting themselves in large stands. Visitors walk from hall to hall, hold meetings in stands and attend conference sessions. If you attend as a professional, plan your appointments in advance, because the grounds are large and walking times are real.

If you are in Berlin for the fair, use the free evenings for the city itself. Charlottenburg, with its palace, is close to the grounds, and the centre is a short ride away. The fair is also a good time to look at destination ideas for your own holidays, although the stands are aimed at the trade rather than at private bookings.

Food and drink

The halls have catering points, and surrounding Charlottenburg has restaurants of every kind, from German pubs to Italian and Asian kitchens. Berlin classics such as currywurst, Bulette and döner are easy to find. Business dinners tend to book out in fair weeks, so reserve early.

Getting there and where to stay

The fairgrounds are served by S-Bahn and U-Bahn stops, and long-distance travellers arrive at Hauptbahnhof or at BER airport and continue by city rail. The organiser's site lists the current access routes and shuttle options. Do not drive if you can avoid it, since car parks near the grounds are limited.

Hotels near the grounds and in the city centre are in high demand during fair weeks, and prices rise accordingly. Book as soon as your plans are firm, or consider a hotel further out on a direct rail line.

Planning around public holidays and bridge days in 2027

No public holiday falls on 16 to 18 March 2027 in Berlin. The nearby ones are International Women's Day on Monday 8 March, a Berlin-only holiday, and Good Friday on 26 March followed by Easter Monday on 29 March, which come after the fair. So for the fair you need regular vacation days or business travel.

For the full three days, Tuesday to Thursday, you need three vacation days. Adding Monday 15 and Friday 19 March gives a five-day working week away. A smarter combination is to take the fair days as business, then use Easter: Good Friday 26 March to Easter Monday 29 March is four days off without a single vacation day, and adding the four working days between 22 and 25 March would give a ten-day stretch from Saturday 20 March to Monday 29 March for four vacation days.

Tips and who it suits

ITB suits professionals in travel, hospitality and tourism marketing. For everyone else the main practical effect is on lodging costs. Wear comfortable shoes, carry business cards if you network, and check the organiser's current entry rules for non-trade visitors before you buy anything.