ITB Berlin 2026 – Adventure Travel Highlights
Alexandra
ITB Berlin 2026 will present its Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism segment with over 50 exhibitors from 27 countries and Peru as the first Adventure Travel Partner.
What the Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Segment Will Showcase
The Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism area, staged in Hall 4.1 from March 3 to 5, will concentrate on sustainable outdoor experiences, community-based travel, and responsible business models. More than 50 exhibitors will display products and services aimed at environmentally conscious travelers, including nature-based excursions, conservation-linked projects, and safety-focused outdoor operations.
Key participants and partners
Peru has been confirmed as the event’s first Adventure Travel Partner and will occupy exhibition space in Halls 23 and 4.1. Notable new entrants include Hokkaido Tourism Promotion, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and UNESCO Global Geoparks. Returning organizations will include the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Myclimate, the European Centre for Eco and Agro Tourism (ECEAT), and Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung.
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- New exhibitors: Hokkaido Tourism Promotion, GSTC, UNESCO Global Geoparks
- Returning exhibitors: ATTA, Myclimate, ECEAT, Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung
- Partner country: Peru (exhibition in Halls 23 & 4.1)
Program highlights and thematic focus
The programme centers on panels and presentations at the ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1. Topics scheduled include:
- Adventure tourism and safety in outdoor tourism
- Cycle tourism and agritourism
- Climate protection and resilient destination planning
- Wildlife observation and community-based tourism
- Astrotourism, geotourism, and accessible travel
Certification and award ceremonies by organizations such as Myclimate, GSTC, Travelife, ECPAT Germany, and RAL Umwelt will also feature. The segment aims to merge practical industry tools with inspirational case studies.
Events, awards and special sessions
ITB Berlin 2026 will host a range of awards and forums designed to spotlight sustainable and socially responsible initiatives.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 3, 11:00–12:30 | Guided tour: "Resilient Destinations: Adapting Tourism to Climate Change" | Start Hall 4.1 |
| March 3, 18:00 | TO DO Award & TO DO Human Rights in Tourism Award | Hall 7.1b |
| March 4 | Accessible Tourism Day; Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards; ITB Earth Award; People’s Choice Award | CityCube Berlin & Hall 7.1b |
| March 4, 18:00 | Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Award | Hall 6.1 |
| March 5, 14:15 | Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award (LGBTQ+ Pavilion) | Hall 4.1 |
The Green & Blue Tourism Forum and dialogue spaces
The 21st Green & Blue Tourism Forum will convene under the theme “Genuine Sustainability – Enjoying the Great Outdoors the Responsible Way.” A Responsible Tourism Lounge, organized by mascontour, will provide a dedicated space for industry dialogue and the development of practical sustainable tourism concepts.
Infrastructure and visitor support
To ease travel for trade visitors and exhibitors, ITB Berlin will partner with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) to offer reduced-rate public transport tickets valid during the event. ITB Berlin 2026 marks the fair’s 60th anniversary and will be conducted as a B2B trade show, running alongside the ITB Berlin Convention which brings perspectives from business, science, and politics.
Historical context and evolution of adventure & responsible tourism at ITB
Over decades, ITB Berlin has evolved from a traditional travel fair into a platform that increasingly foregrounds sustainability and niche market sectors. The inclusion of an Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism segment reflects a broader, long-term shift in global travel priorities: travelers and operators now seek low-impact experiences, meaningful local engagement, and evidence of climate resilience planning.
Forums like the Green & Blue Tourism Forum and the recurrent participation of standard-setting bodies such as GSTC and Travelife signal an institutionalization of sustainability credentials in travel trade events. The growth of dedicated programming for accessible tourism, community-based models, and climate adaptation demonstrates the sector’s maturation toward measurable, standards-based practices.
Why this matters for coastal and marine destinations
Adventure and responsible tourism themes intersect directly with coastal and marine destinations: climate adaptation strategies showcased at ITB are relevant to seaside resorts, marinas, and island communities. Topics such as resilient coastal infrastructure, wildlife observation protocols, and community-led conservation can influence how marinas plan for rising seas, how charter operators manage sensitive marine areas, and how coastal destinations market responsible boating and yachting experiences.
Outlook: implications for travel, charters and marine leisure
As destinations incorporate certification schemes and climate adaptation measures, consumers of adventure travel will increasingly expect transparency from operators — including dive centres, charter yachts, and day-boat providers. Responsible tourism certification and awards highlighted at ITB can become differentiators in the marketplace, elevating destinations that can demonstrate both environmental stewardship and quality experiences. For operators in yachting and boating, adopting sustainable practices and communicating them clearly will matter for attracting charter clients and captains focused on ethical travel.
Practical takeaways for industry stakeholders
- Adopt measurable sustainability standards to appeal to responsible travelers and trade buyers.
- Develop climate-resilience plans for coastal infrastructure and marinas to mitigate long-term risks.
- Promote community-based tourism models that link local livelihoods with visitor experiences.
- Use certification and award programs as marketing tools to reach conscious charter and yachting clients.
ITB Berlin 2026’s Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism programme brings together a cross-section of organizations, destination authorities, and industry bodies to promote sustainable practices and resilient planning. Exhibitors and speakers will offer concrete examples of how adventure tourism can be managed responsibly, while awards and certification ceremonies will recognize emerging best practice.
For travelers and industry professionals alike, the segment underscores the growing link between outdoor experiences and environmental accountability — a development with clear consequences for beach, lake and coastal Destinations, marinas and charter operators. As interest in sustainable yachting, boating and coastal activities rises, tools showcased at ITB can help shape how the sector approaches conservation, safety, and inclusion. If you plan to explore yacht and boat charters, rent a vessel for a fishing trip, or book sailing activities near a gulf, sea or ocean destination, consider operators who prioritize resilience and community benefits.
In summary, ITB Berlin 2026 will spotlight responsible adventure travel through exhibitions, panels, and awards that emphasize sustainability, climate adaptation, and community engagement; these themes are increasingly relevant to the yachting and boating industry and to destinations seeking to attract conscious charter and sailing visitors. For timely updates and options to book a yacht, charter or boat — whether for a beach escape, lake cruise, fishing outing or superyacht experience — visit GetBoat.com, an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts that can help you find the best options to rent a boat or yacht, compare captains and charters, explore marinas and destinations, and arrange activities on the water.
