BY INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA
NEW DELHI | 23 FEBRUARY 2026
For several years now the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), has been forging a progressive and highly successful course in India.
Thanks to their sustained efforts and Germany’s myriad and considerable tourist attractions, the number of Indian visitors to Germany has grown impressively. The country is now among the favourites for both established and budding overseas travellers.
In an exclusive interview to Inder Raj Ahluwalia for The Travel and Tourism Times, GNTO’s Director for India, Romit Theophilus, sheds light on exactly what is happening on this front, and what activities and action plan is.
1)What is the GNTO’s main focus for the Indian market?
GNTO India, in collaboration with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), focuses on promoting Germany as an inspiring and diverse destination for Indian outbound travellers. Our efforts centre on driving travel from India through targeted marketing, digital engagement, and strong partnerships with the travel trade. By promoting “Germany – Simply Inspiring,” we highlight Germany’s cultural richness, vibrant cities, and high-quality travel experiences to position the country as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.
2)Has Germany’s sustained efforts at Green Tourism paid off?
Through our successful campaigns such as “Embrace German Nature” we showcased immersive, nature-based experiences while showcasing Germany’s appeal as a responsible and inclusive travel destination. Complementing this, our “Stay a Little Bit Longer” initiative encourages travellers to extend their visits, aligning with the growing popularity of leisure and workation travel. Germany’s strong commitment to preservation is reflected in the fact that approximately 27% of its land area has been designated as protected landscape (as of December 2019). This long-term focus on balanced development and quality of life is further underscored by Germany’s ranking as 4th globally in the Sustainable Development Goals Index 2024.
3)What is the number of annual Indian arrivals into Germany?
Germany recorded over 278,700 arrivals from India in 2024, with 775,294 overnight stays registered between January until October 2025, reflecting the continued growth and strong interest from the Indian market.
4)What is the profile of Indian tourists to Germany?
There is no single defined profile of Indian travellers to Germany, as visitors come from across India and represent a wide spectrum of travel segments. This includes leisure and business travellers, FITs, solo travellers, families, and group tourists. Germany’s diverse offerings, decent connectivity, and ease of travel make it appealing to both first-time visitors and repeat travellers with varied interests.
5)Which are Germany’s top three tourist attractions for Indians?
For Indian travellers, Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt consistently rank among Germany’s top tourist destinations, while southwest Germany offers a blend of charming cities and picturesque countryside.
6)Do you expect a 10 per cent annual increase from India?
The German National Tourist Office aims to target 1 million Indian overnight stays in 2026, with a 10% annual growth projection until 2030.
7)Would you say that Germany offers value for money?
Yes, many Indian travellers whether visiting Germany for MICE, leisure, or other segments—have often remarked that Germany is affordable, whether for long stays, overnight accommodation, or meals. With this in mind, we can confidently say that Germany offers excellent value for money. The country provides memorable experiences across vibrant city life, scenic outdoor adventures, and much more beyond these offerings.
8)Is German food and confectionery popular with visiting Indians?
Germany is home to more than 1,500 Indian restaurants, which is highly relevant for Indian travellers. Moreover, Traditional German dishes such as Schnitzel and Currywurst remain popular, while vegetarian, vegan, and innovative culinary concepts are steadily gaining interest. Fine dining is also on the rise, with over 340 Michelin-starred restaurants across the country. Social media plays a key role in showcasing Germany’s diverse and evolving culinary scene, inspiring travellers to explore both classic and contemporary offerings.
(The writer, Inder Raj Ahluwalia is an internationally renowned, multiple award – winning travel journalist and author)
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