UNWTO centred tourism as a key pillar of sustainable development at the 5th United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries. The conference, held in Doha around the theme of ‘From Potential to Prosperity’ came at the pivotal half-way point in the timeline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and fully implement the 2030 agenda.

The chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Kenneth Bryan said the focus of International Women’s Day (IWD) this year reminded him of how much women have contributed to the success of the region’s most dynamic economic driver, tourism.

Bryan, who is the Minister of Tourism and Transport of the Cayman Islands, said the IWD theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” aligns with the intergovernmental organization’s aim “to put more women in positions of influence so they can not only enhance the efficiency of our region’s major economic earner, but also be an exemplar for women everywhere.”

Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) officials sought to further capitalize on their presence in Germany for ITB Berlin by reconnecting with key travel partners across Germany in a 3-day mission from March 01 - 03, to reignite interest in destination Tobago and lay the foundation for increased visitor arrivals from the GAS (German, Austrian and Swiss) market. 

Barbados has copped the Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate at one of the world’s largest travel trade shows, ITB Berlin. The nomination came from Barbados’ ambition to be the first island in the Caribbean to achieve a 100% renewable energy goal by 2030 and a 70% carbon neutrality goals by 2050. The strides taken thus far have landed Barbados its first milestone in this prestigious category, namely having the largest fleet of electric buses in the Caribbean.

ITB Berlin, one of the two highlights in the industry’s calendar next to the WTM in London, always happens in early March – if it happens.

In the last 30 years, visitors to the ITB Berlin have experienced temperatures during the day up to 18 degrees and minimum temperatures down to -6 degrees Celsius. In 2008 public transport went on strike and international exhibitors were seen walking helplessly among snow and ice in the city centre, hoping in vain to catch a taxi to bring them to the fairground.

Women were out and strong at ITB Berlin this year. The largest travel industry trade show regained strength after three years of COVID-19 interruption and went co-inside with the international day of women.

The discussion of gender equality flamed up recently, specifically with heated talks in Europe and North America – but tourism may be different. At ITB, this hot topic was discussed at panels around the travel and tourism world.