Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin 2025), one of world’s largest travel fairs was held from March 4 to 6, 2025 at Berlin Expo Center City at Messedamm in Berlin, Germany. The motto of this year’s convention is ‘The Power of Transition Lives Here’.
- The convention attracted 24,000 visitors, participating in 4 stages with a total of 17 themed tracks in 2024.
Key Highlights of ITB Berlin 2025:
MoT Participated at ITB Berlin 2025:
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India (GoI) participated at ITB Berlin 2025.The ministry was leading a delegation of nearly 40 stakeholders from the Indian travel industry to showcase the vibrant cultural diversity of India and the wide range of tourism products and immersive experiences.
- The governments of various Indian states: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Kerala, among others, participated at the convention to demonstrate their new destinations and products for the international market.
i.During the event, Ajit Gupte, the Ambassador of India in the Federal Republic of Germany inaugurated the India Pavilion, in the presence of Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, AP and Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of Tourism, MP.
- The theme of the pavilion was centered on sustainable tourism.
- The co-exhibitors at the pavilion included travel agents, state tourism departments from AP and Union Territory (UT) Chandigarh, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and other tourism service providers.
ii.Gratis e tourist visa for foreigners who are travelling to India under the Chalo India initiative was announced, this visa will remain valid till March 31, 2025.
iii.Also, a revamped Incredible India digital portal, a tourist-centric one stop digital solution designed to improve the travel experience for visitors to India, (http://www.incredibelindia.gov.in/) was launched along with the Incredible India Content Hub, a comprehensive digital repository for the use of diverse range of stakeholders and travellers.
25th PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders Summit:
In March 2025, the 25th edition of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), World Tourism and Aviation Leaders Summit was held at ITB Berlin 2025. This year’s summit was hosted by PATWA in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Goa (India).
- The summit brought together tourism ministers of 10 countries, ambassadors,diplomats, industry leaders, and international media representatives to discuss the future of travel and recognize excellence in tourism and aviation.
- During the summit, discussions were held on sustainable tourism growth, aviation advancements, and international travel recovery, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policies framed by UN Tourism (formerly United Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO).
2025 PATWA International Travel Awards:
The PATWA, an affiliate member of United Nations (UN) Tourism, announced the winners of prestigious ‘25th PATWA International Travel Awards’ during the ITB Berlin 2025.
- These awards are given to governments, organisations, brands, ministers, and individuals who have performed well in the promotion of tourism.
About 2025 PATWA International Awards:
i.This year total 44 awards were presented across various categories such as: best tourism destination; excellence in hospitality; aviation industry leaders; individual achievements; excellence in governance.
ii.Indian state, Goa made a significant mark at ITB Berlin 2025, as it has won two awards at PATWA International Awards. This has elevated the status of Goa as India’s premier tourism destination.
- Goa was conferred with the ‘Destination of the Year-India’ award under the Destinations category.
- In Addition to that, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa, was bestowed with the ‘Tourism Minister of the Year-India’ award, in recognition of his leadership and in promoting the state’s tourism sector.
iii.Harry Theoharis, former tourism minister of Greece, was honoured with the ‘Person of the Year’ award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the international tourism industry.
About Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA):
It is a non-profit, non-government, professional, international media organisation established in 1999. It follows the fundamental principles of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), UN and UN Tourism.
Secretary-General- Yatan Ahluwalia
Headquarters – Gurgaon, Haryana
Established – 1999
About Ministry of Tourism (MoT):
Union Minister- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Constituency- Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Minister of State (MoS) – Suresh Gopi (Constituency- Thrissur, Kerala)
