Categories: Travel

Need more direct flights to Berlin to support tourism industry in Germany: Ralf Ostendorf, ET TravelWorld

Celebrating Germany’s Unity Day on October 3, the German National Tourist Office, India, hosted an exclusive gathering in Delhi showcasing German culture and cuisines while also showcasing the unique travel destinations the country offers. The evening paid a vibrant tribute to German culture and hospitality that showcased the country’s rich culinary heritage, sustainable hospitality, and vibrant culture.

The event also cast a spotlight on Berlin‘s upcoming attractions while highlighting themes of UNESCO heritage sites, nature, and sustainability.

In 2024, Berlin celebrates the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. A series of events and ceremonial events are planned to celebrate the anniversary in a way that befits the occasion.

Special guest on the occasion, Ralf Ostendorf, Director of Market Management at VisitBerlin talked about the need for more direct flights to Berlin to support its tourism industry. “Berlin has plenty of highlights in store this year – be it the Festival of Lights from October 6-15, during which numerous buildings in Berlin will be showcased in spectacular fashion with elaborate light installations, or the big New Year’s Eve show at the Brandenburg Gate. After all, in 2024, there will be many events in the capital that will make a trip to the German capital well worth the while for Indians,” he said. He also talked about Berlin’s history, culture, attractions, and UEFA Euro 2024 games happening next year. There are a total of ten venues throughout Germany and among them, Berlin bears a special significance. In addition to three group matches and one round of 16 and one quarter-final, the Olympic Stadium will also be the venue for the title clash.

India’s participation in the PATA Travel Mart includes a dedicated pavilion showcasing the spectrum of destinations and several Indian states and government entities are expected to take part. Although the event taking place at Bharat Mandapam, primarily caters to B2B interactions, it serves as a platform to introduce global audiences to the thematic products offered by Indian states.

He also highlighted how Berlin is multicultural, with a large Indian community and good for jobs and startups. He recommended visiting local neighbourhoods rather than tourist areas while emphasising on sustainability in Berlin’s culinary scene and hotels. Romit Theophilus, Director, Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office in India informed that Germany welcomed around 643,000 Indian tourists last year, reaching around 60 per cent of 2019 levels, and around 500,000 visitors till July this year, which is around 45 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

“Our main goal is to create more awareness about climate-friendly and sustainable travel, promote sustainable activities, and protect natural landscapes. We are very proud that Indians spend five to seven nights on average in Germany and we are further promoting longer stays by visitors in the country. Hotel prices in Germany are also noted to be more affordable than in other European countries,” he added.

Also present on the occasion, Dr Stephan Hesselemann, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Head of Department for Economic & Global Affairs, German Embassy New Delhi, praised India’s tourism potential and economic growth and invited Indian tourists to explore Germany.