The program of events at the forthcoming ITB Convention features a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from humanoid robots, migration and integration to career advice for the next generation of tourism professionals.

Europeans will keep travelling abroad in 2016 but could favor safer destinations amid continuing conflicts and attacks around the world, according to tourism experts. However, it is too early to assess the potential impact of the current refugee crisis on outbound travel next year.

Luxury travel is booming: high-price trips are the strongest-growing market segment worldwide, according to ITB Berlin and IPK International. The most popular luxury travel destinations in Europe are Germany and Italy. Most luxury travellers come from the USA and China.

ITB Berlin, which came to an end on Sunday, was able to cement its position as the world’s largest travel trade show. From 4 to 8 March 2015 10,096 exhibitors from 186 countries, more than two-thirds of whom were from abroad, were represented in 26 display halls which were fully booked. Overall, some 115,000 trade visitors (2014: 114,000) travelled to Berlin.

More than 150 entries were received, representing 56 countries across six continents. Winners and finalists in five categories were selected by 18 international judges led by Costas Christ, editor at large for National Geographic Traveler magazine.

More than two-thirds of the exhibitors showcasing their products and services in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds were from abroad. Overall, more than 100,000 trade visitors attended the world’s largest travel trade show.