Germany is stepping up efforts to attract more Indian tourists, with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) expanding activities in India to capitalize on its growing outbound tourism market. GNTB CEO Petra Hedorfer emphasized this at a New Delhi event, revealing new initiatives such as the India Pool 2025 and the “GNTB India Digital Travel Knowledge Tour” to strengthen ties with Indian travelers. The campaign will focus on digital innovation, influencer marketing, and promoting sustainability. Germany aims to combine these strategies with immersive technology to appeal to tech-savvy Indian tourists.
Expanding Germany’s Presence in India’s Tourism Market
Germany’s appeal as a top destination for Indian travelers is rapidly growing, with Indian overnight stays in Germany increasing by 33% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Recognizing the market’s potential, GNTB is enhancing its marketing strategies to boost Germany’s visibility among Indian tourists. One of the key upcoming initiatives includes the relaunch of the India Pool initiative in 2025, aimed at strengthening brand awareness and further promoting Germany as a preferred destination.
Digital Innovation Meets Indian Preferences
The GNTB is keenly aware of the influence of technology on modern travelers, particularly the tech-savvy Indian audience. As part of its strategy, Germany has embraced digital solutions like the “Live like a local” campaign, where Indian influencers share authentic travel experiences across Germany through social media platforms. These campaigns allow travelers to connect personally with German culture, while technological innovations such as virtual reality and AI-powered chatbots enhance the overall travel experience. These efforts cater to the dynamic preferences of Indian travelers, offering immersive and personalized travel planning options.
Sustainability at the Core
Germany’s commitment to sustainable tourism aligns with its broader climate goals, making it a responsible and attractive destination for environmentally conscious travelers. The GNTB integrates eco-friendly practices into its tourism strategy, promoting inclusive, sustainable travel experiences. Digitalization plays a key role here, with the use of open-data knowledge graphs, AI-driven platforms, and virtual reality enhancing tourist experiences while maintaining Germany’s environmental goals.
Collaboration and Digital Transformation
To deepen ties with India’s tourism industry, the “GNTB India Digital Travel Knowledge Tour” in May 2025 will bring together key players from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities. This digital-focused initiative is expected to further accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technology into Germany’s tourism offerings. Whether for traditional sightseeing or unique experiences like hosting Indian weddings, Germany aims to position itself as a versatile, accessible, and exciting destination for Indian tourists.
This multifaceted approach demonstrates Germany’s commitment to expanding its tourism market in India, leveraging both digital innovation and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of Indian travelers.