Lufthansa said it will start long-haul low-cost flights to tourist destinations in places such as Cuba and Thailand under the Eurowings banner from Oct. 25, as it tries to find new ways to grow. Lufthansa has lost market share in European short-haul travel to budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.

Tourism sectors and corporate exhibitors from 19 provincial-level regions in China have gathered in Berlin between March 4 and 8 to showcase China's rich tourism industry, thanks to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) which organized the Chinese representation at the fair.

The advance of new technology is driving a need for greater responsibility. In his opening address at the ITB travel trade show in Berlin, UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said that the balance of power in the tourism industry is shifting from governments and companies to citizens and consumers.

In 2016 the focus at ITB Berlin will be on the Maldives, the show’s partner country in the Indian Ocean. Head of ITB Berlin, David Ruetz, confirmed an agreement between the trade show and the Maldives would be signed at a ceremony at the ongoing ITB in Berlin.

The Gran Desafio (Great Challenge) hiking challenge, which includes the Gran Senda (a route covering much of the province of Malaga), the Senda Litoral coastal path and the Caminito del Rey mountain trail near El Chorro, are present as the main new year-round attraction.

Over 10,000 exhibitors from around 190 countries and regions are showcasing their innovative products and services in the 26 display halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds as the 49th edition of the ITB Berlin Fair is now underway through March 8.