Photo: ITB BERLIN The iconic tourism fair in Berlin has opened today (March 3, 2026) in the German capital. Unfortunately, many pavilions have remained empty and almost motionless.
Dubai Pavilion at ITB Berlin. Photo: Amit CotlerRepresentatives of many countries were unable to arrive due to the closure of airspace, so the pavilions of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Oman, Iraq, and Lebanon stood almost completely empty, and the stands were manned by representatives of the countries living in Germany.
Photo: Amit Cotler
Lebanon Pavilion at ITB. Photo: Amit CotlerUnlike in years past, when it was almost impossible to walk around the area due to heavy traffic, traffic throughout the Middle East area of the fair was sparse. The feeling was especially difficult amid the European celebration in the continent's crowded, happy pavilions, a celebration that is just a few meters away from the Middle East area. Even the Saudi pavilion, despite a slightly more impressive presence, saw little traffic, as did the Jordanian one. The Egyptian pavilion was different in appearance, centered on the new "Grand Egyptian Museum," which arrived here with a particularly impressive display.
Sam Dababneh from Jordan, owner of Jordan Attraction Tours, a company that offers attractions and organized trips in the country, told PassportNews: "The feeling is completely different and many of the exhibitors are missing. Many travel agencies, for example, simply couldn't come."
Is it even possible to do business in this situation?
"The truth is, not so much. Until last week we thought it would be different, but in the last three days we really don't feel like we can work here anymore. I won't say 'zero business,' but it's definitely a very slow island."
Tourism expert Sam Devavanya at ITB Berlin. Photo: Amit CotlerDo you think we might be in a situation where we will eventually see a truly new Middle East?
"It would be amazing for the new Middle East. But what we really want and need is peace. Without peace, we cannot live. If what is happening now in the region will lead to such a situation - why not."
Ayman Mossad from Egypt, owner of the Explore Nasa Travel travel agency, which brings Muslim and Christian tourists to Israel, among others, tells PassportNews that naturally, in an area that tourists are afraid to visit, you won't see a lot of tourist traffic at ITB.
Ayman Mossad from Egypt. Photo: Amit CotlerWe are having the conversation near the Qatari pavilion. "It's almost empty!" says Mossad. "I remember last year it was impossible to walk here. Now it seems completely empty. The main problem is really the flights, and it's sad to see the situation like this. Our Middle East deserves a better future."
It is not easy to be optimistic in the current situation.
"I hope first of all for the end of the war. We are suffering from the war and for our future, we can expect a very good future."
You talked about the flights and we are using you a lot right now. This is a real test of relations between the two countries, and it is clear that both are meeting it.
"Relations between Egypt and Israel have been good for a long time. As people, we have excellent relations. The Taba crossing is packed with Israelis who pass through it. Our government has allowed airlines to land at Taba airport, such as Arkia or other airlines, and this is important and good."
The empty Qatari pavilion at ITB in Berlin/Photo: Amit CotlerPassportNews provides comprehensive coverage of the ITB Berlin 2026. The world's largest tourism fair started today and will end on March 6, 2026. As a reminder, Angola will host the fair, showcasing its tourism diversity and natural attractions, followed by leading countries in the tourism industry, each presenting their tourism offerings and innovations. Plus, the tourism pavilion will expand, among other things, thanks to a collaboration sponsored by booking.com.
Today's festive opening ceremony marked the fair's 60th anniversary, with Berlin Mayor Kai Wagner arriving to inaugurate the fair, as he does every year, under heavy security.