Weekly travel agenda: ITB Berlin

(AFP PHOTO DDP/ MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK)

The doors of Europe's largest travel show are opened to the public March 12, after three days of access for the press and industry. March 17 sees the start of a summit looking at an altogether different type of travel in Bulgaria - travel into space.

45th ITB Berlin
March 9 - 13 (opens to the public March 12)
Berlin, Germany

The world's largest travel show returns, bringing the global tourism industry together under the roof of the enormous Berlin Messe hall. Known as a launchpad for new tourism products, the place where big announcements are made and an indicator of key trends in the tourism industry, ITB Berlin welcomes some 110,000 members of the industry before the doors are thrown open to the public on March 12.
http://www.itb-berlin.com

Space Tourism and Travel Summit
March 17
Sofia, Bulgaria

Believe it or not, this isn't a joke - as companies edge ever closer to the first space flights on board commercial ships, the industry will be discussing what the future holds at a conference in Bulgaria. The guest of honor is Story Musgrave, a former NASA astronaut.
http://www.ecommerceacademy.net/

1st Istanbul Shopping Festival
March 18 - April 26
Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish authorities hope to steal some of Dubai's limelight as an international shopping destination with the launch of this festival, which has been heavily promoted all over the world. Several of Istanbul's shopping areas will be open 24 hours a day throughout the duration, while cultural events will also be on offer to break up the shopping.
http://www.istanbulshoppingfest.org

Vision Airlines' new routes open
March 25
United States

Vision Airlines is one of the newest low-cost carriers in the US and is slated to begin operating a slew of new flights March 25 as it seeks to compete with the big boys. Most connect underserved locations with Florida destinations.
http://www.visionairlines.com

1st International Tourism Conference - Jerusalem 2011
March 29 - 31
Jerusalem, Israel

Prominent figures from the tourism industry are set to meet in Jerusalem at the end of March for the inaugural International Tourism Country, which Israel hopes will offer an insight into the way tourism operates in our rapidly changing world. Speeches and seminars will focus on themes such as sustainable development, technology and tourism and the future of hotel design.
http://www.globaltourism2011.com/

Aida Sol Maiden Voyage
April 9
Kiel, Germany

Capable of carrying 2,050 passengers, the Aida Sol is the latest from young cruise brand AIDA. It offers plenty of room for the brand's resort-loving guests, as well as features such as a floating brewery and seven restaurants.
http://www.aida.de