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Angola to Showcase ‘The Rhythm of Life’ as Official Host of ITB Berlin’s 60th Anniversary in 2026 Angola to Showcase ‘The Rhythm of Life’ as Official Host of ITB Berlin’s 60th Anniversary in 2026

Angola is set to take centre stage on the global tourism map, having been officially named the host country for ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading travel trade show. This landmark partnership, announced by Angola’s Ministry of Tourism and Messe Berlin, marks a pivotal moment for the southwestern African nation and for the African continent’s growing influence in the international travel industry.

The agreement was formalised at a high-profile event where Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Angola’s Minister of Tourism, and Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin, signed the partnership. The announcement comes as ITB Berlin prepares to celebrate its sixtieth anniversary from 3 to 5 March 2026, promising to unite the past, present, and future of global travel on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

“We are delighted that Angola is the official host country of ITB Berlin 2026. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s diversity, culture and natural beauty on one of the world’s most important platforms,” said Minister Lopes Daniel. He highlighted Angola’s new tourism brand identity, ‘Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life’, which aims to capture the vibrancy, diversity, and authenticity of Angola’s tourism products and invite the international travel industry to experience the country’s unique rhythm.

Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin, echoed this sentiment, noting, “With its new brand identity and slogan ‘The Rhythm of Life’, Angola is sending a strong signal on the international tourism stage. It is a special honour for us to welcome this multifaceted country as the official host country for the sixtieth anniversary of ITB Berlin.” The partnership underscores ITB Berlin’s role as a platform that elevates emerging destinations and helps them unlock their tourism potential for a global audience.

Julia Kleber, CEO of the Kleber Group and official representative of the Angola Tourism Board, added, “Angola inspires with its fascinating contrast of wild coasts, impressive desert landscapes, majestic waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Our country embodies the spirit of The Rhythm of Life – full of energy, diversity and warmth. We are proud to represent Angola as the official Tourism Board and to raise its profile as a new, authentic destination in international tourism.”

As the official host country, Angola will present a comprehensive programme at ITB Berlin 2026, beginning with a grand opening gala at the CityCube Berlin on 2 March. The showcase will highlight Angola’s pristine national parks, spectacular waterfalls, endless deserts, and unspoiled beaches—all features that make it one of Africa’s most unexplored and promising travel destinations. The country’s cultural diversity, rich culinary traditions, and vibrant music and dance scene will also be in the spotlight, offering visitors a taste of Angola’s authentic spirit.

This partnership is more than a ceremonial milestone; it is a strategic move to position Angola as a must-visit destination for international travellers and investors. The timing is significant, as ITB Berlin’s 60th anniversary will draw heightened attention from the global travel trade, media, and industry leaders. Angola’s participation is expected to boost its visibility, attract new partnerships, and drive tourism development that benefits local communities and the broader region.

Since its inception in 1966, ITB Berlin has evolved into the world’s leading travel trade show, now complemented by sister events in Asia, China, India, and, from 2026, the Americas. The anniversary edition will celebrate six decades of travel innovation, bringing together exhibitors and visitors from across the globe under the theme “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy”.

For Africa’s travel sector, Angola’s selection as host country is a powerful signal of the continent’s rising profile and potential. It offers a unique platform for African operators to forge new connections, learn from global best practices, and showcase the continent’s diversity to a worldwide audience. The partnership also aligns with broader trends in African tourism—emphasising authentic experiences, sustainable development, and the celebration of cultural heritage.

As Angola prepares to welcome the world to Berlin in 2026, the message is clear: the country is ready to share its rhythm, energy, and untapped wonders with the global travel community. For African travel professionals, this is an invitation to engage, collaborate, and help shape the next chapter of Africa’s tourism story on the world stage.