ITB Berlin 2026: Host Country Angola opens anniversary edition with spectacular show

The rhythm of Angola will set the tone for the start of ITB Berlin's sixtieth anniversary. With a colourful show programme featuring dances, Angolan music and other cultural elements, the Official Host Country will open the World's Leading Travel Trade Show on 2 March 2026.

Opening Gala – The Rhythm of Life
- Date: 2 March 2026
- Occasion: ITB Berlin’s 60th anniversary edition
- Audience: 700–800 invited guests from politics, tourism, media, and international institutions

Key Attendees
- Kai Wegner – Governing Mayor of Berlin
- Dr. Christopher Ploß – Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy & Tourism
- Gloria Guevara – President & CEO, WTTC
- Shaikha Nasser Alnuwais – Secretary-General, UN Tourism
- Dr. Mario Tobias – CEO, Messe Berlin
- Hosts: H.E. Márcio Daniel (Minister of Tourism, Angola) & H.E. José de Lima Massano (Minister of State, Angola)

Cultural Showcase
- Theme: Travessia – From Traditional to Modern
- Music:
- Traditional rhythms led by Dr. Raul Tolingas on the dikanza
- Congas, guitars, percussion, and solos by Dr. Teddy Nsingui
- Transition to piano & violin for contemporary reinterpretations
- Styles: semba, rebita, rumba in modern fusion
- Dance & Visuals: Folk choreography evolving into modern idioms, supported by LED installations depicting Angola’s landscapes (Kalandula Falls, Namibe Desert, Atlantic coast).
- Cuisine: Michelin-starred chef Helt Araújo reimagines Angolan ingredients in a modern menu.

Angola’s Tourism Identity
- New Brand: Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life
- Positioning: Authentic destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts
- Highlights:
- Spectacular coastlines, deserts, waterfalls, and ancient rock landscapes
- Luanda as a vibrant cultural hub blending African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences

This opening gala is designed not just as a performance, but as a strategic showcase of Angola’s tourism potential, aligning tradition with modernity to captivate the global travel industry.