Tag Archives: Germany

Germany witnesses a rise of 214% in Indian tourist in the first few months of 2022

With tourism industry making a stark recovery post the pandemic, German National Tourist Office, India has observed an y-o-y increase of 214% in its business. In its annual conference, GNTO, India shared the travel trend analysis (globally and for the Indian market). The Press conference showcased India as an important market for inbound travel to Germany with genuine hospitality to inspire potential Indian visitors to Germany.

Germany is topping the charts amongst the best travel destinations in Europe for Indian travellers for its scope culture and attraction. As per the Nation Brands Index, Anholt Ipsos Nation Brands Index SM 2021, Germany ranks No. 1 on the Nation Brands Index for fifth time in a row. From cultural centres to architecture, innovative Gastronomy to insider’s tips and new favourite places in such close proximity, Germany offers the best travel experience. Recognising an increased demand for experiences this season among visitors from the Indian market, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is debuting the brand-new campaign showcasing Nature and cultural tourism in all its facets that focuses on highlighting sustainable tourism attractions and open-air activities.

The campaign German.Local.Culture. and Embrace German Nature conveys precisely this peaceful coexistence of generations, traditions and different cultural influences. With the launch of the campaign, GNTB is reflecting authentic, local experiences in urban destinations with the integration of rural areas and their sustainable tourism offers and natural attractions. With countless travel events, the campaign also aims to promote Germany as a destination for culturally interested travelers, families and active vacationers in the Indian market. The campaigns for Indian market are a part of the global campaign to promote Culturally Rich, Naturally Beautiful, Germany.

Specific to Indian travellers, Germany accounted for 9% of European trips of Indians. 55% of Indian tourists visit Germany for leisure while 38% travel for business. Talking about Germany as a preferred travel destination for Indian travellers, Romit Theophilus, director German National Tourist Office, India (GNTO) said, “Eight hours gate-to-gate and with multiple daily flight routes from India to cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Germany has long been favoured by the Indian traveller. An increase in travellers is expected this festive period in light of the relaxation of COVID-19 requirements. All travellers can now visit regardless of vaccination status and without the need for a negative test.”

“Having nature and culture as two of the prominent drivers is exciting given the abundance of relevant offerings that we have to offer,” added Romit. “From meandering lakes and breath-taking mountains to traditional craftmanship and Bavarian fare – Germany is the ideal place for explorers searching for an easily accessible destination with plenty to see and do.”

Some of the incredible naturistic elements of Germany that await Indian visitors include the 66 Lakes Trail hike, which incorporates streams and rivers and runs past the Sanssouci Palace in the spa town of Potsdam, and the incredible landscapes that can be found at Hiddensee, a stunning car-free island with sandy beaches and salt marshes.

Visitors looking to soak up culture around the country can also revel in the campaign’s four touch points: Green, Craft, Flair, and Taste. Taste includes some of Leipzig’s most popular delicacies, Green features the jaw-dropping wildlife in Munsterland, Flair sees creativity such as the inspirational Tegel Art Park in Berlin, and Craft includes the well-known cuckoo clocks of the Black Forest.

Germany to recognise Covaxin for travel from June 1

German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Walter J Lindner said the government of the European nation will start recognising Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for travel purposes there from June 1.

In a tweet, Lindner said, “Very happy that GER government just decided to recognize WHO-listed Covaxin for travels to GER, starting June 1! This Embassy has been pushing very actively for such decision (because of Covid-backlogs visa sections have longer waiting periods than normal, please have patience).”

In November last year, the World Health Organisation recommended Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status for Covaxin. Several countries including Australia, Japan and Canada allow passengers vaccinated with Covaxin into those countries. (Source BL)

GNTB to throw the spotlight on ‘Travel for All’ with its Barrier-Free Tourism Day at ITB Berlin

For the 10th time, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is giving impetus to how the international travel industry can meet the growing demand for ‘Travel for All’ with its “Barrier-Free Tourism Day”.

The Barrier-Free Tourism Day will take place on the so-called ‘ITB Friday’, on March 11, 2022 from 10.30 to 14.30 (CET). Participation is free of charge. Registrations for the online event are possible at www.germany.travel/tdbt Registered participants will then receive the access data.

The GNTB will focus on best practices for barrier-free planning and implementation of tourism facilities and events, the barrier-free experience of tourist attractions and the integration of new digital communication channels such as augmented, mixed and virtual reality at the 2022 barrier-Free Tourism Day.

Petra Hedorfer, Chair, Executive Board, GNTB, said, “Accessibility is a central element in the design of high-quality and sustainable tourism. All travellers benefit from the associated service orientation – people with impairments as well as older people or families with children.

Our diverse inclusive offer already makes an effective contribution to the socially responsible tourism of the future and strengthens our position among the international competition. The Accessible Tourism Day is an excellent platform to share the GNTB’s know-how on the topic of inclusion and to network international experts with partners in German tourism.”

Romit Theophilus, Director for India, German National Tourist Office said “Accessibility is just one of the things at which Germany excels. Visitors with disabilities can enjoy a carefree holiday in Germany, as their needs are already well and truly looked after in many of the country’s regions. Thanks to steadfast commitment from the policy-makers and accommodation providers, accessibility has been increased over recent years and the necessary information provided for people with disabilities to plan their travel”.

The Barrier-Free Tourism Day is sponsored by Germany‘s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The state working group “Tourism for All”, the working group “Easier Travelling – Accessible Holiday Destinations in Germany” and the Berlin Trade Fair support the organisation of the event.

The GNTB is responsible for organising this specialist event for the eighth time in a row, following a decision by the German Bundestag.

 

Germany removes India from its high-risk areas list; quarantine not required on arrival now

As the COVID-19 situation seems under control, Germany has removed India and 13 other countries from its list of high-risk regions. The other countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Cyprus, Ireland, Portugal – the Algarve region, Nepal, South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Reportedly, the countries have been selected on the basis of the COVID-19 spread in the respective territories. The report was prepared by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a German agency for disease prevention and control.

The RKI noted, “Travellers who have previously stayed in a high-risk area must have a test, vaccination or recovery certificate with them and, in the event that a carrier is used, present the proof for the purpose of the transport.”

The decision means that Indian travellers will no longer have to quarantine upon arrival; earlier, the same was mandatory for 10 days. All travellers need is their proof of recovery, a vaccination certificate or a PCR negative test certificate. (Source TOI)

Germany to lift ban on travellers from UK & India

Germany’s health agency said on Monday it would lift a ban on most travellers from the UK, India and three other countries hit by the Delta variant of Covid-19.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said India, Nepal, Russia, Portugal and the UK, currently listed as so-called virus variant countries, would be reclassified from Wednesday as “high-incidence areas”.

The change eases a ban on entry for travellers who are not German residents or citizens, instead meaning anyone will be able to enter as long as they observe quarantine and testing rules.

Germany introduced its “virus variant country” travel category in a bid to stop new coronavirus variants that have not yet spread widely on home soil.

But Health Minister Jens Spahn said last week that the Delta variant was fast becoming dominant in Germany, meaning that bans on most travellers from countries hit by that variant may be lifted.

Given the increasing spread of Delta, which was first detected in India, and research suggesting vaccines are effective against it, “we will look at the situation in the next few days”, Spahn said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel also hinted at a potential softening in Germany’s stance towards travellers from Britain during a visit to London on Friday.

Last month, Merkel had called for tough restrictions, including longer quarantine, for people travelling from Britain, where the Delta variant has caused a surge in cases.

But she indicated that the stance could soften as travel advice was reviewed.
“We think that in the foreseeable future, those who have received double jabs will… be able to travel again, without having to go into quarantine,” she said.
Only citizens and residents of Germany are permitted to enter from a variant country and are subject to two-week quarantine, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or can provide a negative Covid-19 test.

By contrast, anyone can enter from a high-incidence country as long as they provide a negative test on arrival. They must in principle enter a 10-day quarantine but can end it after five days with another negative test.
Travellers from high-incidence areas are also exempt from quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated.

Countries where variants other than Delta are circulating, such as Brazil and South Africa, remain in the variant category.

Despite the rising share of the Delta variant, the overall incidence in Germany has been steadily declining in recent weeks.

The RKI on Monday reported 212 new cases in the past 24 hours and an incidence rate of five new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. (Source: AFP)

 

Qatar Tourism appoints Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead its International PR & Communications

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The Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has appointed Deveekaa Nijhawan to lead the International PR and Communications team, to assist in marketing the destination in key markets as part of the country’s strategy to become a world-leading tourism destination. Nijhawan’s remit covers key markets including India, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and United Arab Emirates with a focus on engaging and penetrating travel trade and consumer media.

She is a senior professional with over 10 years’ experience in PR & Communications in the hospitality sector. Commenting on this appointment, she said, “I am very excited to join QNTC and embrace this new challenge. I am looking forward to developing and implementing a holistic integrated PR and Communications strategy to position Qatar as a popular tourist destination, while promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings.”

As part of the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, QNTC is on a journey to welcome six million visitors a year by 2030, by improving and expanding the country’s tourism proposition with visitor experience at its core. She will support the international marketing strategy, while Qatar continues to grow and improve tourism assets, enhance the end-to-end customer experience and invest in service excellence across every touch point. Nijhawan will execute QNTC’s tailored global communications campaigns, with a focus in key markets.

Berthold Trenkel, COO, QNTC, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Deveekaa to the team. She will play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious tourism development strategy. Her extensive PR and Communications experience and knowledge of global markets will help us engage with travellers as we prepare to welcome tourists back to Qatar.” QNTC’s commitment to developing bespoke relationships in key markets is reinforced by the new appointments of representation agencies, such as BRANDit, Black Diamond and Lobster.

They are integrated strategic tourism sales and marketing agencies in India, United Kingdom and Germany, which will define and execute Qatar’s in-market trade engagement, product development and joint marketing campaign strategy.