Ready for kick-off: Angola to take center stage as the Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026
M.Z.I. Dalton Zahir | : Angola, the official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026, is the focus of the international travel industry from 3 to 5 March. At the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show the country from southwest Africa is showcasing its cultural diversity, spectacular natural beauty and a vision for sustainable development. Events kick off with the opening press conference and opening gala on 2 March.
Taking as its slogan ’The Rhythm of Life’, Angola is presenting itself at ITB Berlin 2026 as an authentic destination for adventurers, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. From the imposing Kalandula Falls to the endless dunes of the Namib and the wild Atlantic coast, the country boasts impressive natural beauty with great tourism potential. At the same time, music, dance and living traditions are key to Angola’s cultural identity: kizomba, semba and kuduro reflect the country’s creative energy.
“With Angola as the Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026, a hidden gem will suddenly be in the international spotlight“, said Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin. “We are delighted to soon be able to offer the country a prominent stage, where participants can experience the rhythm of Angola, its natural beauty, cultural diversity and hospitality with all their senses.“
“It is a great pleasure and honour to be able to present Angola at the World’s Leading B2B Travel Trade Show and meet so many interested trade visitors here,” said Julia Kleber, CEO of the KLEBER Group and official representative of the Angola Tourism Board. “We are very proud to represent Angola as the official tourism board and raise its profile as a new, authentic destination in international tourism.“
Trade visitors at ITB Berlin 2026 can look forward to a wide-ranging programme from the Host Country Angola, which is showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and tourism potential from 3 to 5 March 2026. © Tundavala Gap – Credit Robert Haidinger, Copyright Angola Tourism Board @ Kleber Group
Kick-off with the official opening press conference and opening gala on 2 March:
On the eve of the trade show, Angola will mark the start of its host country appearance with two high-profile events. At 10 a.m., the official opening Press conference of ITB Berlin will take place at the CityCube Berlin (Hall A3), where H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, will speak.
This will be followed in the evening by a festive opening gala at the CityCube Berlin. Some 700 invited guests from politics, the tourism industry, media and international institutions are expected to attend. A multimedia presentation with large LED walls and video installations is planned, along with culinary highlights from Angolan star chef Helt Araujo. An Angolan band and traditional kizomba dancers will take the invited guests on a cultural journey from traditional to modern music. Percussion instruments such as dikanza, hungu and congas will merge with piano and violin, while classic Angolan songs will be interpreted in new ways.
3 March: opening tour, press conference and Global Roundtable
On 3 March, the show will officially begin with an opening tour at 9.30 a.m., along with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the Angola stand (Hall 21, Stand 112). High-ranking representatives from politics and tourism will open the guest country’s presentation.
A key media policy highlight is the official Visit Angola press conference, to which national and international media representatives are invited. From 2 to 3 p.m., Angola will present itself as a tourist destination at the CityCube Berlin (Hall A1) and provide insights into its strategic vision for long-term, responsible tourism development. The press conference will be hosted by Tourism Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel. A Q&A session is scheduled afterwards. Individual interview appointments can be arranged on request. Registration at kai.simon@klebergroup.com.
Angola will also feature prominently at the ITB Berlin Convention: together with representatives from UN Tourism and the WTTC, the country will take part in the Global Roundtable session entitled ’The Global Roundtable: Leading Tourism into Balance’ at 3.35 p.m. in Hall 7.1a (Orange Stage).
4 March: Angola Night
On the evening of ITB Wednesday, 4 March, the host country invites you to Angola Night: Angolan finger food, signature drinks and live cultural performances await guests on the exhibition stand. A speech by Tourism Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel will round off the evening’s events. Registration at angolatrade@klebergroup.com.
5 March: B2B speed dating with Angolan partners
On ITB Thursday, 5 March, speed dating sessions with Angolan DMCs and tour operators from the German-speaking market will take place on the Angola stand, where DMCs, hotels, national parks and TAAG Angola Airlines will present their products. The format will be accompanied by an Africa-themed box lunch. Registration at: angolatrade@klebergroup.com.
TV studio and kizomba dance classes on the exhibition stand
On all three days of the show a dedicated Angola-branded TV studio on the exhibition stand will attract additional media attention. Studio recordings, live interviews and talk shows with Angolan partners and international guests on current Angolan topics will take place there. TV journalist and media expert Sven Klawunder is the host. Content will be produced on the spot, processed directly and broadcast via social media channels and the tourism news network. In addition, the studio will provide ongoing news and background information about the host country’s appearance.
Every day at 5 p.m., dancers from Angola will invite visitors to short kizomba workshops. Participants can learn the rhythms and movements of this popular Angolan dance and gain a direct insight into Angolan dance culture.
About Angola
Angola is one of the world’s last great adventures – a hidden gem in south-west Africa that captivates visitors with its pristine natural beauty, cultural wealth and astonishing diversity. The sixth largest country on the African continent, Angola combines spectacular landscapes – from lush rainforests to endless deserts – with an eventful history shaped by the Kingdom of Congo and Portugal’s colonial legacy. The capital Luanda, the gateway to the Atlantic, is a melting pot of African, Portuguese and indigenous influences, with a vibrant city life and lively music and dance culture. With its new slogan ’Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life’, the country is presenting itself as an authentic travel destination for adventurers, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. For those looking to experience Africa off the beaten track, a whole new world beckons here – full of emotion, rhythm and authenticity. For additional information: www.angolatourism.com
Online accreditation for press representatives and bloggers/creators
You can register online here now. Please note the accreditation guidelines. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your accreditation, press badge and a personal QR code. Please display this QR code at the entrance. Your ticket is non-transferable. You can register and obtain accreditation online around the clock for the entire duration of the event.
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360°
ITB Berlin 2026 will take place from Tuesday, 3 to Thursday, 5 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the leading trade show for the global travel industry. In 2026, it will celebrate its 60th anniversary under the motto “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy.” At the same time, the ITB Berlin Convention will take place under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance,” bringing together 400 top speakers from business, science and politics on four stages and across 17 thematic tracks to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. At ITB Berlin 2025, 5,800 exhibitors from more than 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.
