In partnership with ITB Berlin the leading event of the digital tourism industry will take place at the Marshall Haus on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds on 25/26 June

Be it the Fridays for Future demonstrations or the most recent European election results – the signs in society clearly point towards sustainability. It is also one of two main themes at this year’s VIR Online Innovation Days held by Verband Internet Reisevertrieb e.V., to which the association is extending an invitation in late June at the Marshall Haus once again. The focus will also be on sustainability throughout 2019. It is an aspect which, against the backdrop of digitalistation, globalisation and growing competition from Asia – especially from China – is becoming increasingly important for established companies.

The finalists of the prestigious Innovators’ Competition, which traditionally takes place on day one of the OIT, will also be displaying new ideas. The following are on this year’s shortlist: MOTOURISMO, the portal for motorcycle tours, Adigi with its digital holday advice tool, Giggle with a B2B product for the hotel industry, Tripmind with its platform for group tours, Pincamp, the European campsite specialist, and Bierakademie, which organises beer tasting trips. The finalists will each deliver a brief pitch on their subject, after which a panel of leading experts will pick the winner. A comprehensive package awaits him or her, incuding a stand at  ITB Berlin 2020. Content-wise, innovation will be the dominant aspect of this event. Afterwards, speakers taking part in various formats will talk about how established players can remain competitive in the market – either by constantly reviewing their own business model or targeting ambitious start-ups with investment.

Sustainability will be the main...