GTM 2018 : A Key Milestone

The 44th edition of Germany Travel Mart organised in Dresden, by the German National Tourism Board and Dresden Marketing Board, highlighted another successful year for tourism in Germany and a record growth for eight consecutive years

- Sudipta Dev

The 44th edition of Germany Travel Mart (GTM), organised by the German National Tourism Board (GNTB) was officially inaugurated on May 6, 2018 at Dresden, the state capital of Saxony. The cohost of GTM 2018 was Dresden Marketing Board. The grand opening celebrations took place at the renowned Church of our Lady and Kulturpalast. Travel industry delegates and international media from as many as 51 countries attended GTM this year. Welcoming the delegates, Brigitte Goertz-Meissner, chairwoman of the advisory board of GNTB mentioned that 2017 was another excellent year for tourism in Germany. "It was a record eight years in a row. I want to thank all our partners as all of you have played a part in this success," stated Goertz - Meissner. 2017 saw 83.9 million international overnight stays, which was an increase of 3.6 per cent. Travel expenditure on trips from overseas to Germany was Euro 23.6 billion - an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year.

The most important source market worldwide for Germany is The Netherlands, followed by Switzerland and the US. Petra Hedorfer, CEO, GNTB said, "We have a good position in international ranking and 2018 has started well. Bo