ITB BERLIN 2020 CANCELLED

Berlin, 28 February 2020 – ITB Berlin 2020 will not take place. Due to the rapid spread of the new corona virus (COVID-19), the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs have given their opinion to cancel ITB Berlin. At 1827 pm today, the health authority responsible for Berlin’s Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district imposed significantly stricter restrictions on the event. Among its requirements, the authority stipulated that each participant would need to prove to Messe Berlin that they are not from a specific risk area or in contact with a person or persons from a risk area. It is not possible for Messe Berlin to meet these requirements as a whole.

Massey Berlin had stated for several weeks that the decision to hold or cancel large-scale events would be made only on the basis of recommendations or instructions from the relevant specialist authorities. Only they have the necessary information and expertise to draw correct conclusions.

Dr. Christian Goeck, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH, said: “With more than 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries, ITB Berlin is extremely important for the world’s tourism industry. We take our responsibility for the health and safety of our guests, exhibitors and employees very seriously. It is with a heavy heart that we now have to come to terms with the cancellation of ITB Berlin 2020.

Wolff-Deter Wolff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Berlin, said: “In the 54-year history of the event, ITB Berlin and Messe Berlin have never faced such a situation. We would like to thank all the exhibitors and partners around the world who have stood by ITB Berlin over the past few days and weeks. We look forward to continuing to build trusting relationships with our partners in the market.

About ITB Berlin

With around 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries and a total attendance of 160,000 ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel show. In 2021 it will take place from March 10 to 14. Full details of ITB Berlin and ITB’s trade shows abroad can be found on the new global platform at www.itb.com. This is where, despite the cancellation, users can connect with other participants, exchange ideas and stay in touch with ITB. It gives customers the opportunity to do business, network and get information about all four ITB trade shows 365 days a year and provides easy access for new entrants to the sector.

About Mess Berlin

Based on business and growth, Messe Berlin is one of the ten leading trade fair companies in the world. Every year it develops, markets and hosts hundreds of live events in Berlin and around the world. Its extensive portfolio includes major conferences and popular events such as ITB, IFA, InnoTrans, FRUIT LOGISTICA and International Green Week, all the leading global trade fairs, as well as street celebrations (Fanmeile) at the Brandenburg Gate. Messe Berlin has approximately 90 foreign representatives who market events in more than 170 countries. Each year around 30,000 members of the media from all over the world seek accreditation for events at the exhibition grounds in Berlin where the company is headquartered. In this way, Messe Berlin acts as a driving force for the city of Berlin. It aims to be a wonderful host for visitors to every event at Messe Berlin, to give individuals a great boost for their business and to ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan: ‘Mess Berlin – hosting the world’.