The show had been scheduled to take place on 9-13 March and the announcement marks the third year in a row it has not been able to run as an in-person event.

A statement on the ITB Berlin website published on Thursday (16 December) said the escalating spread of the Omicron variant, tightened travel restrictions in Europe and limits imposed on large events had led to the decision.

ITB Berlin will instead now focus on delivering a “live-streamed convention” and Digital Business Day in March, as well as in-person ITB Berlin "satellite events" during next year.

The main show is planning to return as an in-person event on 8 March 2023.

Martin Ecknig, chief executive of Messe Berlin, said: “Naturally, we examined the possibility of postponing ITB Berlin until summer. However, after consulting with our partners we decided to retain the dates in early March. 

“These are important for the travel industry, as the summer months are the main period for travel and tourism operations. The annual dates of ITB Berlin are deliberately chosen, as our customers mostly do business now or around March. 

“For this reason we are strengthening the digital elements of ITB Berlin at the ITB Berlin Convention and Digital Business Day. We are doing everything to support a travel industry hard hit by the pandemic and in 2022 are planning a series of additional services and events in virtual and in-person formats.”