ITB Buyers Circle 2026 opens its doors with a fresh invitation to senior buyers who want access to a private, trusted and influential network inside ITB Berlin. The initiative is built for decision makers who want real business value, direct industry contact and a practical advantage during the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.
ITB Berlin returns from 3 to 5 March 2026 as a B2B-only trade event, marking its sixtieth anniversary. Every year, a select group of 1,300 senior buyers receive an invitation to join this private network. These members represent leadership roles across leisure travel, business travel, MICE and travel technology. Their presence drives new partnerships, opens meaningful conversations and supports serious dealmaking throughout the three days of the show.
The theme for this edition is titled Exclusivity for your business. It reflects the depth of trust, international mix and professional quality that defines the circle. Roughly 35 percent of the selected buyers are based in Germany while the remaining 65 percent come from global markets. The group represents more than twenty countries that include the UK, Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, China, Sweden and the USA.
Selection follows strict criteria that mirror the wide range of ITB Berlin exhibitors and the strategic needs of worldwide markets. This careful screening ensures a balanced community that influences trends, sparks collaboration and attracts investment into the global tourism sector each year. China is sponsoring the ITB Buyers Circle in 2026 for the second consecutive year.
Members gain access to the private ITB Buyers Circle Lounge located at the Palais am Funkturm. It is a quiet and well equipped space designed for focused work, meetings or spontaneous conversations. The lounge offers modern workstations, wi fi, refreshments and an atmosphere curated for productivity. Members also benefit from early entry to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and a fast lane that shortens the process of entering ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention.
The accompanying ITB Berlin Convention returns under the forward looking theme Leading tourism into balance. Attendees can expect honest discussions, practical solutions and new ideas from global thinkers and industry leaders. As part of the circle, members receive priority access to a collection of reports, studies, white papers and market insights. These resources guide long term planning and highlight developments shaping the future of travel.
Gianna Nemitz, Senior Product Manager for ITB Berlin and responsible for the ITB Buyers Circle, notes that the show continues to attract influential buyers from all areas of tourism. Not all qualify for the circle, yet each plays a role in shaping decisions and business conversations. This ongoing interest strengthens ITB Berlin’s position as a global meeting point for dialogue, innovation and trade.
How to Apply for the ITB Buyers Circle 2026
Applications are now open for qualified buyers. Detailed information and the official application forms can be found online on the ITB Buyers Circle page.
About ITB Berlin, the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360
ITB Berlin 2026 takes place from 3 to 5 March as a dedicated B2B event. Since 1966, it has served as the world’s leading platform for travel and tourism. The upcoming edition celebrates sixty years of industry history under the theme Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy.
The ITB Berlin Convention will run at the same time and will feature more than 400 speakers representing business, academia and public policy. Sessions will be presented across four stages and seventeen thematic tracks that address challenges and opportunities in the global travel landscape.
During ITB Berlin 2025, more than 5,800 exhibitors from over 170 destinations welcomed close to 100,000 visitors. ITB 360 continues this work throughout the year by offering the tourism community access to expert articles, podcasts and related formats designed to keep industry insights active all year.
