ITB Berlin’s Momentous 60th Anniversary Begins with a Spectacular Gala, Featuring Angola as the Star Host Country and a Celebration of its Unique Offerings

ITB Berlin’s Momentous 60th Anniversary Begins with a Spectacular Gala, Featuring Angola as the Star Host Country and a Celebration of its Unique Offerings

ITB Berlin’s Momentous 60th Anniversary Begins with a Spectacular Gala, Featuring Angola as the Star Host Country and a Celebration of its Unique Offerings

ITB Berlin’s momentous 60th anniversary kicks off with a spectacular gala on March 2, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the world’s leading travel trade show. This year’s celebration is set to shine a spotlight on Angola, as the country takes center stage as the official host. The opening ceremony promises an immersive experience that will introduce guests to Angola’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. With performances steeped in Angolan rhythms, dance, and art, the event will not only captivate the exclusive audience of global tourism leaders and dignitaries but also set the tone for the dynamic celebrations ahead. As the theme “The Rhythm of Life” unfolds, ITB Berlin’s 60th anniversary will be an unforgettable journey through Angola’s diverse and unique offerings, solidifying its place as a key player in the global tourism landscape.

The 60th anniversary edition of ITB Berlin will kick off with a grand opening on March 2, 2026, showcasing Angola as this year’s Official Host Country. The opening gala, featuring speeches, cultural performances, and visual presentations, will immerse guests in the country’s rich heritage, dynamic culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

The vibrant rhythms of Angola will mark the beginning of this landmark anniversary event, setting the stage for ITB Berlin’s exciting celebrations. A spectacular program, filled with Angolan music, dance, and cultural displays, will offer a captivating introduction to the host country. Under the theme “The Rhythm of Life,” an exclusive audience of around 700-800 guests, including influential figures from politics, the tourism sector, media, and global organizations, will be treated to an artistic journey through Angola’s diverse offerings.

The opening ceremony will see prominent attendees, such as Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin; Dr. Christopher Ploß, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism; Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and Shaikha Nasser Alnuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. ITB Berlin will be represented by Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. The evening will be hosted by H.E. Márcio Daniel, Minister of Tourism of Angola, and H.E. José de Lima Massano, Minister of State of Angola.

“We are very excited to be the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to showcase Angola’s cultural diversity, natural beauty and uniqueness on one of the most important international platforms,” said H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola. “With our new brand identity, ‘Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life’, we not only want to show how vibrant and authentic Angola is, but also to invite the international travel industry to experience the rhythm of the country with all their senses.”

“It is a special privilege for us to present Angola as the host country on the international stage at ITB Berlin 2026,” said Julia Kleber, CEO of the KLEBER GROUP and official representative of the Angola Tourism Board. “The country combines impressive natural worlds – from spectacular coastlines and vast deserts to imposing waterfalls and ancient rock landscapes. The Rhythm of Life stands for this energy, diversity and openness. We are all the more delighted and proud to raise Angola’s profile as an authentic new destination in global tourism.”

A Cultural Journey from Tradition to Modernity

The grand opening gala will immerse attendees in Angola’s rich cultural heritage, showcased through the performance Travessia – From Traditional to Modern. This exclusive composition, created specifically for the event, unfolds as a series of artistic expressions that take the audience on a journey from the nation’s deep-rooted musical traditions to contemporary reinterpretations.

The performance begins with the evocative dikanza, played by Dr. Raul Tolingas, a renowned figure in Angolan traditional music. This rhythmic foundation represents memory, heritage, and the oral tradition of storytelling. As the performance progresses, congas, guitars, and percussion build upon this rhythm, leading to a young musician who continues the pulse, symbolising the intergenerational dialogue that shapes Angola’s musical evolution. Dr. Teddy Nsingui’s striking guitar solos add a defining element to the musical narrative, before a transition to the present day is marked by the sounds of piano and violin. Traditional rhythms, including semba, rebita, and rumba, are reimagined in a fresh, contemporary context.

This shift from the traditional to the modern is also evident in the choreography, where folk movements blend seamlessly into contemporary dance forms, vividly portraying Angola’s rich cultural diversity. Throughout the evening, dynamic LED installations visually enhance the artistic storytelling, bringing the nation’s landscapes to life—from the grandeur of the Kalandula Falls and the vast Namib Desert to the tranquil beauty of the Atlantic coast. The result is a stunning production that not only celebrates Angola’s cultural heritage but also highlights its creative energy and cultural dynamism on the world stage.

Cuisine as a Reflection of Identity

The evening’s culinary experience complements Angola’s cultural narrative, with Michelin-starred chef Helt Araújo offering a modern take on traditional Angolan ingredients. Through a contemporary menu, Chef Araújo expertly captures the flavours, textures, and vibrant colours that define Angolan cuisine, presenting them in a new light while staying true to their roots.

ITB Berlin’s 60th anniversary begins with a spectacular gala on March 2, 2026, celebrating Angola as this year’s official host country. The event will immerse guests in Angola’s vibrant culture, music, and stunning landscapes. With the theme “The Rhythm of Life,” this opening ceremony promises to highlight the country’s unique offerings, setting the stage for an unforgettable anniversary celebration.

At the trade show, Angola will provide an in-depth look at the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse cultural tapestry, and renowned hospitality. Positioned as an authentic and emerging travel destination, Angola promises an exciting experience for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking rich cultural exploration, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination with significant tourism potential.

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