ITB Berlin 2026 expands focus on medical and health tourism

　　ITB Berlin 2026 strengthens its Medical & Health Tourism segment with an expanded pavilion, new international exhibitors, dedicated stage programming, and the introduction of two sector-specific awards.

　　ITB Berlin 2026 is strengthening its focus on Medical & Health Tourism with an expanded pavilion in Hall 4.1, bringing together international exhibitors, European partners and, for the first time, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The pavilion will be open from 3 to 5 March 2026 and will introduce new formats centred on medical care, prevention and longevity.

　　Medical and health tourism continues to evolve beyond a niche segment, with growing demand for planned medical treatment abroad, specialised clinics, preventive healthcare and medical regeneration. At ITB Berlin 2026, this development is reflected in the integration of medical expertise, evidence-based health products and tourism infrastructure, positioning the segment as relevant for destinations, clinics and tour operators.

　　The Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1 remains a central meeting point for healthcare partners, clinics, destinations, associations and the travel industry. Its focus is on quality, trust and measurable added value for travellers and patients. In 2026, the pavilion continues to grow with the participation of both new and established partners.

　　Crescent Meditours will present a network of 20 clinics from India, while Astana Tourism will be represented by four clinics from Kazakhstan and will also participate as a supporting partner of the pavilion. Health Croatia is taking part for the third consecutive year, expanding its presence with a larger stand and bringing 12 healthcare partners from Croatia.

　　For the first time, Bulgaria will have its own stand in the pavilion and will also act as a supporting partner. A further new participant is the Health Tourism Association from Saudi Arabia. Returning exhibitors include the Gremi Clinic from Albania and Bangkok Hospital from Thailand, highlighting the increasing international reach of the segment.

　　ITB Berlin 2026 will place increased emphasis on areas where tourism intersects with evidence-based healthcare. The European Historic Thermal Towns Association, a long-standing organisational partner, will present three thermal destinations for the first time in the pavilion: Spa in Belgium, Baden in Switzerland and Viterbo in Italy.

　　The European Spas Association, a regular exhibitor and organisational partner, will address future-oriented topics through several panel discussions. These include a session titled Longevity, Regeneration & Prevention: Beyond the Buzzwords, focusing on the medically established role of thermal medicine in preventive care, natural remedies and climate therapy, supported by evidence from European spas.

　　Another session, Nature-Based Health: From Trend to Treatment, will examine the transition from nature-based health products to therapeutic applications such as green care and forest therapy. These approaches are complemented by established methods including thalassotherapy, climate therapy and balneology. A further format, Digital Health Meets Thermal Health, will explore the connection between digital health solutions and traditional healthcare.

　　The Health Tourism Industry will once again be represented with its own stand. A new addition in 2026 is the European Health & Medical Tourism Association, aiming to further strengthen international networking within the sector.

　　A key highlight of ITB Berlin 2026 is the participation of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin as the stage events programme partner in the Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion. Charité will deliver a presentation and take part in a panel discussion addressing its involvement in Saudi Arabia, which is participating as a new exhibitor. The partnership supports ITB Berlin’s aim to engage medical buyers seeking trusted and reliable international networks.

　　Reflecting the growing importance of the segment, ITB Berlin 2026 will introduce two awards for the first time, assessed by an international jury based on strict criteria. The ITB Medical Tourism Award 2026 will be presented to Visit Düsseldorf, while the ITB Health Tourism Award 2026 will be awarded to Italy.