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ITB Berlin 2026 Presses On as Middle East Turmoil Disrupts Attendance

Despite conflict-linked absences plus paused Gulf flights, DRV forecasts higher 2026 travel spending in Germany.

Overview

  • Running March 3–6, the fair draws about 100,000 tourism professionals and buyers from more than 190 countries in Berlin.
  • Operational strains are visible with empty stands in Middle East sections as some participants were unable to travel and certain Gulf connections, including Doha, were temporarily suspended.
  • Germany’s travel association DRV reports resilient consumer intent and projects around €86 billion in holiday spending for 2026, up 3% year over year, with early booking momentum holding.
  • Mexico’s delegation, led by subsecretary Nathalie Desplas Puel and joined by ambassador Francisco Quiroga, focuses its agenda on destination promotion, air connectivity, investment and international cooperation.
  • Jalisco courts the European market in Berlin and advances the inaugural ITB Americas in Guadalajara this November, targeting about 5,000 participants, reporting 62% of floor space contracted and projecting a 260 million‑peso economic impact.