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Travel technology to the fore as virtual world grows larger [Travel & Tourism News](Travel & Tourism News Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ITB Berlin will this year have an even bigger area dedicated to technology and the virtual world. The area, called eTravel World, will throw the spotlight on big data, mobile solutions, social media and more, according to ITB Berlin. "Travel experts must acquire the necessary knowledge to keep abreast of the latest technological developments and their impact on the tourism industry," says a spokesman for Messe Berlin, the organiser of ITB Berlin. "Travel technology is a key market and the eTravel World at ITB Berlin will showcase all the latest trends." eTravel World will gain an extra 50 per cent of floor space and a larger stage, enabling it to meet growing demand from the trade, he adds. One of the most pressing issues, which experts will be discussing is that of secure communications, according to the spokesman. Experts from Secusmart and Sophos will present papers titled 'Bug-proof Mobile Communications' and 'Bring Your Own Device' respectively, while software manufacturer SAP will be talking about the 'The Cloud', he says. Big data is another key topic: for the first time, ITB Berlin and the International Federation for Information Technologies in Travel and Tourism (IFITT) will be co-organising a two-hour workshop where experts will hold forth on the theme 'E-tourism – Social media and Big Data: In Search of Competitiveness'. The workshop will highlight the potential of business intelligence and data mining for the travel and tourism industry, he says. "A panel will debate social media monitoring and return on investment while at other lectures and discussions some of Germany's most successful bloggers, including Anja Beckmann from travelontoast.de, will explain how working together can benefit the travel trade. "Everyone is eagerly seeking innovations which could kick-start a future trend, and everything from gamification in tourism to wearable technology, to responsive design will be presented," the spokesman says. Among other highlights at eTravel World, iBusiness will debate the issue of how much web and app developments really cost, Routerank will discuss the possibilities for planning door-to-door travel, and Tourismuszukunft will provide visitors with valuable practical knowledge and discuss best cases with members of the audience. Videos will also serve to highlight the topic of brand engagement. (c) 2014 Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company |