ITB Berlin allocates more space for exhibitors in this growth segment – for the first time the eTravel Showroom features product presentations – lectures about chatbots, storytelling and influencer marketing on the eTravel Stage
More space for Travel Technology: due to the high level of demand, for the first time the eTravel World at ITB Berlin 2017 will occupy two halls. In Hall 6.1, fascinating lectures and discussions taking place on the eTravel Stage will provide visitors with useful information on innovative trends such as virtual reality, influencer marketing and chatbots.
Furthermore, for the first time the hall features the eTravel Showroom, where new products will be presented. In addition to Hall 6.1, Hall 7.1c includes technology providers, whose focus is on payment solutions, hotel software and apps. In 2017 the eTravel Lab with its wide range of workshops can also be found there.
“Besides executives and IT experts, the wide-ranging programme of the eTravel World at ITB Berlin also targets bloggers, startups and everyone who wants to bring their knowledge about the digital transformation in the tourism industry up to date“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin. “The new hall has been booked up since October. That shows us how important this segment has now become for the international travel industry.“
This year, eTravel World events at the convention will once again have information for visitors on trends and developments in travel technology, mobile solutions and social media that impact on the travel sector.
On Wednesday, 8 March 2017, taking place at the eTravel World, a ’Chatbot Special’ will examine one of the travel industry’s most fascinating trends. Thus, Matthias Keller, head developer at KAYAK, will explain how the company aims to change the travel market with chat-based innovations.
At another session David Low, Lead Developer Advocate Skyscanner, will give a lecture entitled ’A little more conversation…A little less action’, with information on the use of bots in search engines. Airlines have also begun to use chatbots in their communications with customers, as Gudmundur Gudnason, director of Digital Business Development, Icelandair, will explain in his lecture entitled ’Using Conversational Commerce and Bots in Airline Customer Service’.
Other lectures will include one by Rob Holmes, founder and chief strategist, GLP Films, about the ’ROI of Storytelling’. Florian Bauhuber, managing director of Tourismuszukunft, will speak about ’Digital management culture – simply a question of attitude’, and James Burrows, COO of Rentals United, will talk about ‘The past, present and future of vacation rental distribution’.
Finally, at a panel discussion, Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft (BVDW) will discuss the latest developments in the app economy. For more information please visit www.itb-berlin.com/etravel.
