Germany eyes 8 lakh visitors overnights from India in 2017

Germany is looking to increase the number of overnights stays from India to around 8 lakh in the current year as it undertakes a slew of initiatives to promote itself as a preferred destination here.

The country had witnessed 7,48,737 overnights from India in 2016. "India is now a top 20 market for visitors overnights to Germany. We are expecting around 8 lakh visitors overnights from India in 2017, as we take various steps to promote Germany as a destination here," German National Tourist Office Director for India Romit Theophilus told PTI.

In India the key marketing theme for 2017 is 'Palaces, Parks and Gardens', he added. When asked about the initiatives being taken to promote Germany as preferred destination, Theophilus said: "We have focused all our efforts on digital marketing for consumers".

Moreover, Germany provides great value for money and it covers everything from hotels to shopping and the natural beauty of Germany is another important factor, he added.

The tourist office would also be promoting theme parks, barrier free travel, hiking and active holidays in Germany. On being asked about the composition of the segments for the Indian visitors, Theophilus said: "It is 50 per cent business and 50 per cent leisure, and our leisure segment keeps on growing".

With over 20,000 castles dotting the splendid German landscape, the country boasts of opulence and scenic beauty fit for a fairytale, he added.

German National Tourist Office in India is the official representative of the German National Tourist Board. It works on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy to represent Germany as a tourist destination.