BY INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA
NEW DELHI | 30 JULY 2026
The recent GNTO PRESS MEET, showcased Germany’s enormous tourism offerings and potential.
There are a host of reasons for this. The country is very diverse and offers quality, safety and reliability. It is a strong player in sustainability, with a route network of 12,000 kilometres. Government and the private sector combine to promote tourism.
All these factors have contributed to the fact that it is constantly improving it’s image and number of visitor arrivals.
India is among their top ten tourist source countries.
There are now 77 direct flights from all over India.
Indian visitors are changing in their holiday habits. They are now venturing out and trekking, hiking, driving etc. The fact that Germany has a good infrastructure for these activities makes their job easier.
Another positive step is that issuance of German visas has been speeded up.
- ROMIT THEOPHILUS, Director for India, German National Tourist Office (GNTO), stated that Germany continues to do well in terms of tourist arrivals, and growth continues in 2026.
“The country is 2nd in terms of brand image. There are several positive factors. The country is a year- round destination and is focusing on the fact that it is fascinating, romantic and spiritual, with museums, sports, carnivals, nature spots and heritage sites. There is also very good MICE infrastructure.”
Bavaria, Baden Wurtenburg and Hessen are some leading tourist regions.
Cuisine is a big plus factor. There are 1,000 Indian restaurants, and 341 Michelin restaurants. While the lical beer culture is strong, they are also promoting German wine. Their rich bakery traditions are being promoted.
Their 2027 campaign includes several attractions, including city promotions. Attention is being given to creating awareness about the numerous attractions of Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt etc.
The Indian market is very important and is growing. Indians are keen on many things, from culture and cuisine to cities and countryside.
GNTO India has identified 4 themes to anchor it’s 2026 strategy. These include several things. They are celebrating a landmark cultural anniversary in the form of 150 years of the Bayreuth Wagner Festival. They are promoting dynamic city life. They are cashing in on their rich culinary identity. And creating more experiences rooted in family, friendship and nature.
They are focusing on the fact that Indian visitors are now going beyond conventional sightseeing to going into deeper discovery.
They want to show a Germany that is nor just landmarks, but by shared stories, flavours and moments worth travelling for.
They want to promote the Indian weddings and honeymoon market. Also in their plans is promotion of Indian films shot in Germany.
A major player in Germany’s tourist success story, Lufthansa is continuously strengthening it’s position in India.
According to MR. KEVIN MARKETTE, Senior Director South Asia, Lufthansa Group, the airline is now a hundred years old. They are celebrating their past and looking to the future. And India happens to be a big part of this future. It is very important for them and they are becoming more active here.
With 11 daily flights, it is the largest European airline to India. They have invested 3 billion Euros to get new products and revamped everything. They have introduced their newest products-new seats, new cabins etc.-on Indian flights. They are also focused on bringing new planes to India.
Their India network includes Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangaluru.
With the G.N.T.O. very active and Lufthansa growing, India will further strengthen its position as a major source market for Germany.
( THE WRITER IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED , MULTIPLE AWARD – WINNING TRAVEL JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR)
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