Ready for the kick-off: Angola takes center stage as host country of ITB Berlin 2026 | News
Angola, the official host country of ITB Berlin 2026, will be the center of the international travel industry from March 3 to 5. At the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, the South West African country is showcasing its cultural diversity, spectacular natural beauty and a vision of sustainable development. The events begin with the opening press conference and opening gala on March 2.
With the slogan ‘The Rhythm of Life’, Angola presents itself at ITB Berlin 2026 as an authentic destination for adventurers, nature lovers and culture lovers. From the imposing Kalandula Waterfalls 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 hosting ITB Berlin 2026, a hidden gem will suddenly be in the international spotlight,” said Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin. “We are pleased that we can soon 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 honor to present Angola at the world’s leading B2B travel fair and to 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 agency and strengthen its profile as a new, authentic destination in international tourism.”
Kicking off with the official opening press conference and opening gala on March 2:
On the eve of the fair, Angola marks the start of its performance in the host country with two high-profile events. At 10am, the official opening press conference of ITB Berlin will take place in the CityCube Berlin (Hall A3), where HE Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, will speak.
A festive opening gala will follow in the evening in the CityCube Berlin. About 700 guests from politics, the tourism sector, the media and international institutions are expected. A multimedia presentation with large LED walls and video installations is planned, together with culinary highlights by Angolan star chef Helt Araujo. An Angolan band and traditional kizomba dancers take the 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.
March 3: opening tour, press conference and Global Roundtable
The show officially kicks off on March 3 with an opening tour at 9:30 am, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Angola stand (Hall 21, Stand 112). High-ranking representatives from politics and tourism open the presentation of the host country.
An important highlight in the media policy is the official press conference of Visit Angola, to which national and international media representatives are invited. From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Angola will present itself as a tourist destination in the CityCube Berlin (Hall A1) and provide insight into its strategic vision for responsible tourism development in the long term. The press conference will be hosted by Minister of Tourism Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel. A question and answer session is planned afterwards. Individual interview appointments can be made upon request. Registration on [email protected].
Angola will also have a prominent presence at the ITB Berlin Convention: together with representatives from UN Tourism and the WTTC, the country will participate in the Global Roundtable session entitled ‘The Global Roundtable: Leading Tourism into Balance’ at 3:35 PM in Hall 7.1a (orange stage).
March 4: Angola Night
On the evening of ITB Wednesday, March 4, the host country invites you to Angola Night: Angolan snacks, signature drinks and live cultural performances await guests at the exhibition stand. A speech by Minister of Tourism Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel concludes the evening’s events. Registration on [email protected].
March 5: B2B speed dating with Angolan partners
On ITB Thursday, March 5, speed dating sessions with Angolan DMCs and tour operators from the German-speaking market will take place at the Angola stand, where DMCs, hotels, national parks and TAAG Angola Airlines will present their products. The format is accompanied by an Africa-themed packed lunch. Registration with: [email protected].
TV studio and kizomba dance lessons at the exhibition stand
On all three days of the show, a special TV studio under the Angola brand 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. The content is produced on site, 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 nation’s performance.
Every day at 5 p.m., dancers from Angola invite visitors to short kizomba workshops. Participants can learn the rhythms and movements of this popular Angolan dance and gain immediate insight into Angolan dance culture.
