Don’t miss the stars at ITB

The stars at night, climate challenges in a world of disorder, massive LGBTQ presence – some fascinating events at ITB2017.

Download CSR programme HERE

As the modern heart of Europe, the fascinating city of Berlin is now more than ever aware of its colourful history. Hedonism, wild parties, European trend-setting from Bauhaus to Bowie, social justice and open, caring, non-judgemental attitudes make Berlin what it is today – all well represented at ITB!

It is the natural cradle for sustainability with glamour and style.

ITB never fails to amaze and this year is certainly no different. The difficulty is always what to choose, and with such massive exhibition space and a myriad of conferences and events you are simply spoiled for choice.

Here are our suggestions of top key events that you will find stimulating, inspirational and fascinating:

On 8 March – International Women’s Day there are stars all day at Hall 4.1 on the small stage.

Dark Sky Tourism, a taste of what’s to come – the opening ceremony 10.30 – 11.15 includes:

A keynote address from Dr. Andreas Hänel, Astronomer and Director, Planetarium in the Museum am Schölerberg, Osnabrück

Stars forever! – How they can teach us sustainability. Earth has existed for several thousand years, but our star sun was already shining for 4,500 million years. Nowadays the stars are usually veiled by wasted artificial light and we can see the splendour of the night sky only in remote areas. Responsible use of artificial light is sustainable because it saves energy, protects the night for many animals − including for us humans.

Another keynote address from Harald Bardenhagen, Astronomer and Director, Astronomy Workshop Stars without Limits ("Sterne ohne Grenze"); Primary Dark-Sky Consultant, National Park Eifel and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA); Germany

The value of the dark – Darkness -seldom experienced in the modern world. Darkness is not just the absence of light – it is a fundamental cornerstone for the development of life on planet Earth and a requirement to survive for most every species on our planet: it is essential for human health, needed for biodiversity and prerequisite for the nature experience of stargazing.

Other starry subjects on the day at Hall 4.1 include:

A star in the sky of life on planet Earth, the many facets of astro-tourism, a tour to the universe, highlights of the solar cycle, Aurora borealis and the beauty of the night, Astronomical Tourism, Light pollution abatement and sustainable tourism and an astro-tourism talk show – Challenges and benefits of astronomy and dark nights for sustainable development.

Also on 8 March (in Hall 7.1b auditorium London) 11.30-12.00

The era of world disorder – Where are the most difficult hot spots? Where is the current geopolitical situation headed? John Christian Kornblum, Senior Counsellor, Noerr LLP, Former US Ambassador to Germany

On 9 March -it’s about Human Rights and Child Protection and Tourism at Hall 4.1 on the small stage.

Includes a panel discussion on Child Protection and Tourism at 10am

Global Study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism (http://globalstudysectt.org/) clearly showed that new approaches are needed to react to new trends and protect children around the globe from sexual exploitation by travellers and tourists. Key results, new trends and new challenges in the endeavour to protect children will be presented.

And Human rights in practise: Rights at work at 11am

Hotel and restaurant services are at the heart of a tourism product and the tourist Ìs experience. Reports about severe workers’ rights violations and about intimidations of employees to join unions exist from many destinations all over the world. What does this mean for the due diligence strategies of tour operators? How could they minimize risks of human rights violations along their supply chain?

On 10 March -it’s all about emissions, climate change and waste and tourism at Hall 7.1 in New York 3

From 10.30 on The programme will include CLIMATE CHANGE NEW FINDINGS – the latest  findings of scientific excellence, awarded with a Nobel prize, illustrated with spectacular photos taken from an ultralight aircraft.

PLUS ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR FROM LGBTQ AT HALL 21b

Once again, the programme of events hosted by LGBT Travel at ITB Berlin will be as colourful as ever. This year, this fast-growing segment will be relocating to Hall 21b and will feature a new Presentation Corner, where exhibitors can showcase their latest LGBT products. For many years ITB Berlin has already boasted the world’s largest range of LGBT travel services. The lectures taking place in Hall 21b will focus on the world’s first travel campaign with transgender models, on successful business models exploiting this market, and on LGBT-friendly destinations.

Enjoy!

Valere Tjolle