The Roundtable at ITB Berlin 2025

Hall 4.1, stage at the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion 
11.45 AM – 12.40 PM 

"Breaking Stereotypes: The True Landscape of  LGBTQ+ Travel Safety in 2025"
 

 This panel explores the nuanced realities of safety and security for LGBTQ+ tourists in 2025. With data from A3M’s LGBTQ+ Risk Map and insights from global travel experts, we’ll challenge stereotypes about “safe” and “unsafe” destinations. Panelists will examine practical solutions for improving safety without creating fear, discuss the role of governments and tourism providers, and showcase case studies of destinations that have successfully addressed safety concerns.

Speaker:
Hannah Babineau, Head of Partnerships & Business Development, The Data Appeal Company
Alfonso Pantisano, Queer Commissioner of the Berlin State Government
Marian Nothing, Travel Security Analyst & Content Manager, A3M Global Monitoring GmbH
Jara Schreiber, Coordinator, Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism 

Moderation:
Aalap Shah, International Business Relations, QueerVadis

Hall 6.1, eTravelRed Stage 
06.00 PM – 07.00 PM 

"TO DO Award Ceremony followed by Networking" 
by the Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung & Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

At ITB Berlin 2025, the Institute for Tourism and Development will once again present the TO DO Award, recognizing initiatives that promote sustainable and socially responsible tourism. Since 1995, the award has honoured projects that involve local communities, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange. The TO DO Award Human Rights in Tourism, introduced in 2017, highlights efforts to protect human rights in the tourism industry. The award ceremony at ITB Berlin 2025 will showcase initiatives that ensure fair working conditions and ethical tourism practices worldwide.

Award winner:
TO DO Award Rights in Tourism: Neha Arora, Founder, Planet Abled
TO DO Award: Miguel Angel Carvajal Palacios, Director, Get Up and Go Columbia

Speaker:
Claudia Mitteneder, Director - Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung 

Moderation: 
Katharina Stechl, Program Manager - Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

Hall 4.1, Lighthouse Stage 
03:00 - 03:25 PM 

"Accessible Tourism – Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities"
by the Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung

Accessible tourism is not just a movement – it is a fundamental right for all travellers. However, infrastructure limitations, social barriers, and lack of awareness still prevent countless people from enjoying meaningful travel experiences. This panel discussion will shine a spotlight on these challenges and explore practical solutions to foster inclusion, independence, and dignity for everyone on the road.

Speaker:
Claudia Mitteneder, Director - Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung
Neha Arora, Founder, Planet Abled

Moderation:
 Katharina Stechl, Program Manager - Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

Hall 4.1, Lighthouse Stage 
04:25 - 04:45 PM 

"A Collaborative Tourism Impact Assessment in South Africa – Recommendations and Practice-Oriented Learnings for Tourism Businesses" 
by the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

This session presents the first findings from the "Tourism Impact Assessment South Africa", a collaborative project conducted in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Greater Kruger area. Led by the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism and industry partners, the assessment examines human rights risks in mid-range group tourism products and offers practical recommendations. The project is aligned with the German Supply Chain Act.

Speaker:
Alien Spiller, Policy Advisor Tourism and Development - Bread for the World - Tourism Watch
Laura Steden, Director Corporate Responsibility - DERTOUR Group
Tony Reyhanloo, Head of Corporate Responsibility - Studiosus

Moderation: 
Katharina Stechl, Program Manager - Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

Hall 4.1, Lighthouse Stage 
04:45 - 05:05 PM

"Empowering the Industry: New E-Learning Initiative on Human Rights in Tourism" 
by Futouris & Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

This session explores the industry-wide free e-learning "Human Rights in Tourism" on the atingi platform, developed by Futouris, the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism, and key industry partners. The self-paced online training for tourism suppliers provides practical guidance on integrating human rights due diligence into tourism businesses, covering topics like fair wages, equality, and non-discrimination.

Introduction:
Tatjana Peters, Project Manager, Futouris

Speaker:
Jessica Kruse, Advisor on Business and Human Rights - Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights
Laura Steden, Director Corporate Responsibility - DERTOUR Group

Moderation:
Katharina Stechl, Program Manager - Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism