The GNTO India, in partnership with Visit Berlin, held an exclusive press event at AER, one of Mumbai's trendiest venues, to promote Germany as a premier travel destination. The evening showcased Berlin's vibrant cultural attractions, complemented by a selection of traditional German cuisine for guests to enjoy.
The event attracted prominent media figures, influencers, and content creators from Mumbai and beyond. Key representatives from Visit Berlin, including CEO Burkhard Kieker and Director of Market & Media Relations Ralf Ostendorf, shared encouraging statistics that highlighted a 25% increase in Indian visitors, with 59,800 overnight stays recorded by July 2024.
Guests learned about Berlin's upcoming festivals, including the Festival of Lights 2024, running from October 4th to 13th, celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme "Celebrating Freedom." Additionally, Berlin will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Wall with official ceremonies on November 9, 2024.
In 2023, Indian travelers made 15.25 million outbound trips, with 2.8 million heading to Europe—311,000 of which visited Germany, making it the third most popular European destination. Indian travelers favor tour holidays and city breaks, but Germany’s stunning landscapes also attract honeymooners, inspired by Bollywood's romantic imagery.
The data reveals a significant rebound, with 440,577 overnight stays from January to June 2024, marking a recovery from a 6.9% decline in June 2023. This positive trend indicates a growing interest among Indian tourists in visiting Germany, and we anticipate continued growth.
The successful event sets the stage for GNTO India's upcoming four-city roadshow in November, where Visit Berlin will collaborate with other German partners to engage with travel agents across India.
About GNTO India
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO), India, represented by Airplus Travel Services Pvt Ltd, is the official office of the German National Tourist Board. Established in 2011 and based in New Delhi, GNTO India aims to enhance the positive image of Destination Germany through strategic initiatives and outreach.