Discussions on how new business models are changing tourism �" latest studies on the prospects for future investment and consumer behaviour �" admission is free for visitors to ITB Berlin who register in advance.

Redefining the future of the travel industry:

once again, senior figures representing the travel, tourism and hospitality industry will be gathering at Phocuswright@ITB to exchange ideas and discuss innovative approaches to this year’s theme entitled “Disruption’s Curve”.

This leading international event will be taking place on 4 March from 1.00 to 6.30 p.m. in Hall 7.1c in the Paris Auditorium at the ITB Berlin Convention.

The brief discussion rounds, interviews and research overviews being held at Phocuswright@ITB will make this event an informative afternoon for visitors. At three executive roundtables senior executives from around the world will be discussing the arrival of new market players and how they are disrupting established business models. In other discussion rounds the focus will be on China and its powerful economy, and the future of websites as the ’mobile-first’ approach takes increasing hold.

Various surveys undertaken by the travel research authority Phocuswright analyse current and future tourism trends. Chetan Kapoor, Research Analyst, Asia Pacific at Phocuswright, will explore how companies are investing their creative capital and investment action in the travel industry. Luke Bujarski, Director, Research at Phocuswright, will reveal the results of a forward-looking overview of the European online travel market. Marcello Gasdia, Senior Analyst, Consumer Research at Phocuswright, will outline the consumer behaviour of customers in the European travel market.

At the four ’Innovator Spotlights’ the focus will be on companies aiming to revolutionise the travel industry with their new products and services. Those taking part include senior executives from innovative companies such as HallSt Inc, bd4travel GmbH, PassportCard International and Options Away. In an executive interview, Steve Hafner, Co-Founder and CEO of KAYAK, will answer questions on his vision of the future of the travel industry.

Rounding off the event will be the concluding speech given by Tony D’Astolfo, Managing Director of Phocuswright, and a reception at which visitors and speakers will have an opportunity to meet and exchange views.

4Hoteliers.com is reporting live from the ITB Berlin 2015 show grounds. Following the news, interviews and happening daily at www.4Hoteliers.com/itb