Angola Joins Dominican Republic, Poland, Georgia, Albania, Greece in Becoming the Official Host for ITB Berlin, The Countdown Begins

Published on October 16, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Angola has officially joined the ranks of countries like the Dominican Republic, Poland, Georgia, Albania, and Greece in becoming the official host for ITB Berlin. This exciting news marks a significant milestone for Angola as it prepares to showcase its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant tourism offerings to a global audience.

With the countdown now beginning, Angola’s participation as the host country for ITB Berlin is set to highlight the nation’s potential as a rising star in the global tourism industry. As the event approaches, Angola’s diverse tourism products will take center stage, giving international buyers, travel professionals, and tourists a unique opportunity to explore what the country has to offer. Just as previous host countries like Greece and Albania used ITB Berlin to boost their tourism profiles, Angola is primed to make a lasting impact on the world stage.

ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade fairs, has been a cornerstone in the travel industry for decades. Since its inception in 1966, it has served as the ultimate platform for tourism professionals, buyers, and exhibitors from all over the world. But what makes this event so special? One of its most exciting features is the tradition of choosing a “Host Country” every year. This host country takes center stage at the event, showcasing its tourism offerings and cultural richness. Over the years, ITB Berlin has given the spotlight to some truly remarkable countries. In this article, we will take you through the journey of the countries that have been featured as the host at ITB Berlin, and how they used this incredible opportunity to promote their unique tourism products to a global audience.

What is ITB Berlin?

ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel trade show. It’s a huge event that brings together key players in the global travel industry, from airlines to tour operators and tourism boards. The event is a hub for networking, learning, and showcasing the best travel experiences around the world. Every year, ITB Berlin features an official “Host Country.” This country is given the chance to highlight its tourism offerings on a grand scale.

ITB Berlin is not just a regular trade show. It’s a place where business happens. Professionals from all over the world come together to discuss industry trends, make deals, and share knowledge. And with the added focus on a “Host Country,” the event becomes even more exciting and immersive. Each host country puts its best foot forward to showcase its culture, traditions, attractions, and innovations in the tourism sector.

Host Countries of ITB Berlin: A Historical Overview

Since 2006, ITB Berlin has had a tradition of highlighting one country each year. This tradition was introduced to give countries the opportunity to showcase their unique tourism experiences to an international audience. The chosen country gets the chance to set up large exhibits, host cultural events, and promote its tourism products. Below is a detailed look at the countries that have been featured as the “Host Country” at ITB Berlin.

2006: Greece

In 2006, ITB Berlin kicked off the tradition of selecting a host country with Greece. Famous for its ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, Greece used this opportunity to draw attention to its unique travel offerings. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the stunning islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Greece showcased its rich cultural heritage, attracting a global audience eager to experience its beauty.

2006: Greece

2007: India

2008: Dominican Republic

2009: Turkey

2010: Poland

2011: Egypt

2012: Indonesia

2013: Mexico

2014: Mongolia

2015: Maldives

2016: Botswana

2017: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany)

2018: Malaysia

2019: Oman

2020: Event canceled due to COVID-19

2021: Virtual event

2022: Virtual event

2023: Georgia

2024: Albania

2025: Albania

2026: Angola (announced)

2007: India

India took the spotlight in 2007. Known for its diverse culture, history, and landscapes, India offered a wide array of tourism experiences. ITB Berlin was a perfect stage for India to highlight its vibrant cities, spiritual sites like Varanasi, and natural wonders such as the Himalayas. The year was a huge success, with India drawing significant interest from tourists across the world.

2008: Dominican Republic

In 2008, the Dominican Republic was chosen as the host country. Famous for its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and rich history, the Dominican Republic showcased its world-class resorts, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. ITB Berlin helped position the Dominican Republic as a top destination for Caribbean vacations.

2009: Turkey

Turkey was the host country in 2009, and it used the opportunity to highlight its mix of ancient and modern attractions. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey showcased its unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality. The country’s warm hospitality and stunning landscapes made it a top destination for international travelers.

2010: Poland

Poland, in 2010, was the host country at ITB Berlin. Known for its medieval towns, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history, Poland used the opportunity to promote its tourist destinations, such as Krakow, Warsaw, and the beautiful Tatra Mountains. Poland’s participation in ITB Berlin marked a significant step in boosting its image as a top European travel destination.

2011: Egypt

In 2011, Egypt was the chosen host country. With its world-famous pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Nile River, Egypt used the event to promote its ancient history and culture. Unfortunately, this year coincided with political unrest, which affected tourism in the country. Despite these challenges, Egypt continued to showcase its timeless attractions, reaffirming its status as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

2012: Indonesia

Indonesia took the stage in 2012, offering a diverse range of tourism products. From the tranquil beaches of Bali to the cultural richness of Yogyakarta and the natural wonders of Komodo Island, Indonesia used ITB Berlin to showcase its variety of tourist experiences. The country’s tourism board worked hard to highlight its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes to the global audience.

2013: Mexico

Mexico was the host country in 2013, using the platform to showcase its diverse offerings, from the vibrant culture of Mexico City to the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya. Mexico’s rich history, with sites like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, combined with its warm hospitality, made it an attractive destination for international travelers.

2014: Mongolia

Mongolia made its debut as the host country in 2014. Known for its vast steppes, nomadic culture, and incredible landscapes, Mongolia used ITB Berlin to promote its unique cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. This was a great opportunity for Mongolia to attract tourists interested in adventure tourism and cultural experiences.

2015: Maldives

In 2015, the Maldives was the chosen host country, and it certainly made a splash with its luxurious resorts, crystal-clear waters, and incredible marine life. The Maldives used ITB Berlin to position itself as a top destination for luxury travel and honeymooners, showcasing its exclusive resorts and stunning beaches.

2016: Botswana

Botswana, known for its incredible wildlife and safari experiences, took the spotlight at ITB Berlin in 2016. The country’s vast national parks, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, were showcased as top destinations for adventure and wildlife tourism. Botswana’s focus on sustainable tourism made it a standout host country that year.

2017: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany)

In 2017, the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was the host region, emphasizing its coastal beauty, charming towns, and natural landscapes. The state is famous for its lakes, beaches, and historic towns, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat.

2018: Malaysia

In 2018, Malaysia took center stage at ITB Berlin, showcasing its incredible diversity in both culture and natural beauty. From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia’s participation highlighted its unique mix of modern attractions and traditional experiences. The country’s vibrant food scene and multicultural heritage were key selling points.

2019: Oman

Oman, in 2019, was chosen as the host country, using ITB Berlin to promote its unique offerings. Known for its dramatic deserts, rugged mountains, and stunning coastline, Oman presented itself as a peaceful and welcoming destination with a rich cultural history. It showcased its ancient forts, vibrant souks, and the beauty of its untouched landscapes.

2020 and 2021: Canceled and Virtual

Unfortunately, the 2020 edition of ITB Berlin was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the event continued to be held virtually in 2021. Despite these challenges, the organisers remained committed to providing a platform for global tourism stakeholders to connect and discuss the future of the industry.

2023: Georgia

In 2023, Georgia, a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, was the host country. Georgia’s participation highlighted its diverse tourism offerings, from its mountainous regions to the vibrant cities like Tbilisi. The country used ITB Berlin to showcase its winemaking traditions and warm hospitality, making a strong impact at the global travel fair.

2024 and 2025: Albania

In 2024 and 2025, Albania will be the host country. This European gem, known for its beautiful coastlines, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, is eager to promote its tourism industry to the world. Albania’s participation in ITB Berlin is expected to increase awareness of its rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Why Host Countries Matter

The choice of host country is important for several reasons. It provides the country with a unique platform to promote its tourism industry, engage with international buyers, and attract investment in its travel sector. By being the host, a country can also showcase its culture, heritage, and tourist attractions to a global audience. This exposure can lead to an increase in international visitors, a boost in the economy, and a stronger position in the global travel market.

Hosting ITB Berlin also gives the country an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, cultural preservation, and economic growth. Each host country uses this platform differently, but the ultimate goal is the same: to attract more visitors and boost their tourism industry.

Conclusion

ITB Berlin is much more than just a trade show. It is a celebration of the world’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel opportunities. The host country tradition at ITB Berlin adds a unique dimension to the event, offering each featured nation a chance to shine and share its tourism treasures with the world. From ancient Egypt to the tropical beauty of the Maldives, ITB Berlin has been a window into the world’s most exciting destinations. As the event continues to evolve, it will no doubt remain a crucial platform for the global travel industry.