Angola Dazzles with Breathtaking “Rhythm of Life” at 60th Anniversary of ITB Berlin
Wild, vibrant, and authentic as ITB Berlin 2026 puts Angola’s untamed beauty in the global spotlight
The world’s premier travel trade show, ITB Berlin, launched its milestone 60th edition on Monday evening with a vibrant cultural showcase by this year’s Official Guest of Honour: Angola.
Held at City Cube Berlin on March 2, 2026, the Opening Gala welcomed roughly 700–800 global guests — including tourism leaders, policymakers, and media — under the theme “The Rhythm of Life.” The event marked the start of the three-day B2B fair (March 3–5).
High-profile attendees included Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, Germany’s Tourism Coordinator Dr. Christoph Ploß, WTTC President Gloria Guevara, and UN Tourism’s Shaikha Al Nuwais. The evening was co-hosted by Angola’s Tourism Minister H.E. Márcio Daniel and Minister of State H.E. José de Lima Massano, with Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, also in attendance.
The gala’s artistic concept — “Travessia – From Traditional to Modern” — wove a sonic and visual narrative bridging Angola’s roots with its contemporary spirit. Legendary musician Dr. Raul Tolingas opened with the Dikanza, a traditional instrument, whose rhythm flowed into modern percussion, guitar, and piano. Dr. Teddy Nsingui’s signature guitar solos led into a fusion of Semba, Rebita, and Rumba, reimagined for today’s ears.
Choreography mirrored this evolution — folkloric dance melting into dynamic, modern movement — while sweeping LED visuals brought Angola’s landscapes to life: the thunderous Kalandula Falls, the vast Namib Desert, and the dramatic Atlantic coast.
Culinary star Helt Araújo — a Michelin-recognized Angolan chef — translated the nation’s flavors into an elevated tasting menu, offering guests a sensory taste of home.
“We’re thrilled to showcase Angola’s cultural richness and natural beauty on this global stage,” said Minister Márcio Daniel. “With our new brand, ‘Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life’, we invite the world to feel the pulse of our country — authentically, vibrantly, and fully.”
Julia Kleber, CEO of KLEBER GROUP and Angola Tourism Board’s official rep, added: “Angola’s dramatic coasts, ancient rockscapes, and wild deserts embody this energy. We’re proud to position it as a bold, authentic destination for global travelers.”
With the gala complete, Angola now turns its focus to the exhibition halls — where it will spotlight its untamed nature, deep heritage, and rising tourism potential to global buyers and explorers.
