Berlin Travel Festival – Cutting through the Noise

The Berlin Travel Festival is coming on 9-10 March 2019 and looks to the future by creating a curated experience for visitors and brands alike.

In this interview, Gabriele Münster shares more about the upcoming event. As the Berlin Travel Festival’s Head of Sales, Gabriele is enthusiastic about researching the newest travel brands, destinations, and experiences. Who better to offer advice on what we should look for when it comes to planning travel experiences?

Register as an exhibitor at Berlin Travel Festival until November 15th and get a Travel Massive discount.

Why is the Berlin Travel Festival a great launch point for travel trends?

In March, ITB Berlin, the largest trade fair in the world for the tourism industry, takes place in Berlin. That means that the majority of international travel experts are already here during the Berlin Travel Festival.

Even though we’re designed for consumers, trade professionals have been incredibly interested in our new approach and the reach we’ve achieved. We’ve created an innovative environment for consumers and brands to connect one-on-one, something that doesn’t exist in the travel industry at this point.

Germany has Europe’s largest travel market and it’s growing. Berlin is an international city – it’s unconventional and fun.

There’s a huge established creative industry and a growing community of start-ups, bringing new ideas with them. No other city in Germany offers this combination of creativity and innovation. Berlin is bold, the festival concept reflects this.

What lies ahead for the travel industry?

Travel advisors have reported an increase in bookings over the last few years. This clearly indicates that travelers value service, assistance, and support and they’re using advisors to help them, rather than doing the research completely on their own.

From a travel professional’s perspective, we see an incredible amount of potential in improving the retail experience of travel offices and advisors. It starts with an engaging retail space design, and develops through events and activities in the shop, and finally expands beyond the retail space experience.

What makes the Berlin Travel Festival different from other travel events?

Our visitors are, as a whole, quite experienced travelers. We’ve seen this at our Berlin Travel Night events, and we’ve become a place to meet and network with like-minded people.

Our experience floors are a place to encounter all the latest products and destinations, and with our program of speakers, master classes, and workshops we’ve achieved a three-day event that appeals to travelers seeking a transformative experience, adventure-seekers, weekenders, families, and those looking for once-in-a lifetime encounter. I see it as a “trusted environment” for a like-minded generation of new travelers.

What do you mean by “today’s traveler”?

These are travelers who want to experience new ways of living, test their physical and mental barriers. They’re not as interested in status symbols – rather in experiences and how they have the potential to be changed by them.

Today’s travelers are also more environmentally conscious. They know that individual actions have collective global consequences.

They’re digital natives – who also understand the importance of stepping away from the screen and being fully immersed in the moment. Today’s traveler believes the things that connect us are more important than the things that differentiate us.

Creating a community around shared interests and ethics is part of the new travel experience. I think we are facing a shift in our values: The environment, digitalization, politics, sense-seeking – all these topics factor in to how and why we travel today.

What should we look for at the Berlin Travel Festival?

My first bit of advice: get a festival pass. There are just too many incredible talks and exhibitors to only come for one day. One of the first speakers we booked was Ha Vinh Tho, the Happiness Minister of Bhutan! The range is truly inspiring – from solo female travel to traveling as a family to master classes with travel photographers and DIY workshops.

I also recommend looking for expertise and consultancy. Do some research into the brands and topics that interest you at home, but talk to the exhibitors at the festival – they have insider tips and expanded brand offerings. Coming to an event like this can save you hours of online research…

This year we also have two new areas: Body, Mind & Spirit – which focuses on well-being – and Travel Services, to help you with visas, communication, transportation, and everything else you need to work from the road. Also, just hang out and experience the vibe! We’re all about having fun. Take in a talk, grab a bite to eat, do a DIY workshop, meet your next travel buddy, and talk to the people behind the brands.

See the video recap of Berlin Travel Festival in 2018: