VIR Online Summit 2026: Presentation & Release of the VIR Facts & Figures 2026

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The VIR presented the findings of its "VIR Facts & Figures on the Online Travel Market 2026" report at this year's VIR Online Summit. The findings provide insights into the coming travel year.
AI Agents: Risk Notice

Risks of Autonomous AI Agents

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Risks associated with autonomous AI agents such as ClawdBot (OpenClaw, Moltbot): How their use can lead to a loss of control, a loss of trust, and compliance violations, and cause significant financial damage

The Role of Extras in Vacation Planning: Why Skipping Them Can End Up Costing More

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Rising prices for travel services are leading vacationers to cut costs on optional extras. From the VIR’s perspective, however, it’s worth taking a closer look: If you cut corners in the wrong places, you could end up paying significantly more in an emergency.
Release of the impulse4travel 2030 Manifesto

impulse4travel Manifesto: A Roadmap for Tourism in a Time of Multiple Crises

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Realizing Progress and the Association of Online Travel Agencies have released the new impulse4travel Manifesto 2030
Michael Buller on the Cashback Spiral

The Impact of the Cashback Spiral on Our Industry

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VIR Board Member Michael Buller shares his perspective on the impact of the cashback spiral on our industry
The Tourism Diversity Action Alliance makes a strong showing at ITB Berlin 2026

The Alliance for Tourism Diversity (ATV) at ITB Berlin 2026

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Once again this year, many member associations of the Alliance for Tourism Diversity (ATV) are represented at ITB Berlin.

What exactly does the travel startup Banaki do?

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In our latest "What's up with...?" blog post, you can read our interview with Morris Mehnert, founder of Banaki—the first smart platform for nature vacations.

The ticket shop for the VIR Innovation Days 2026 is now open!

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It’s that time again: The Association for Online Travel Distribution (VIR) is opening its ticket shop for the VIR Innovation Days 2026, which will take place on June 23 and 24, 2026, at the Design Offices Berlin in Humboldthafen.

Review: Fourth VIR Start-up Week in Frankfurt am Main

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The fourth VIR Start-up Week 2025 took place in Frankfurt am Main from February 3 to 5, 2026. For six travel startups from across Germany, these three intensive days filled with networking, inspiration, and exchange were entirely dedicated to this year’s theme: “Added Value Through Community.”

VIR Travel Tech Tour at ITB 2026

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This year’s VIR Travel Tech Tour at ITB Berlin 2026 is themed “AI & Visions in Travel Tech” and offers a glimpse into the digital drivers that form the foundation of the entire travel industry. Experience the innovative pulse of the travel industry up close.