The latest statistics from the German National Tourist Office demonstrate the popularity of Germany among Irish people with an impressive increase of 18.7% for the month of July in 2014 (compared to the same period for 2013) in overnight stays from the Republic of Ireland. Further inspirational campaigns by the GNTO next year will include sustainable tourism plus over 150 ‘Scenic Routes’ with themes ranging from food to football, a motorbike route or wine to volcanoes – to name just a few.
Germany will be celebrating 25 years of German Reunification in 2015, making it the perfect time to rediscover Germany or explore it for the first time – and statistics show that 70% of all first-time visitors return. Arts and culture will be highlighted through the 500th anniversary of the birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger and a spiritual travel campaign in 2015 will culminate in the 500th anniversary in 2017, of when religious reformer Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Germany’s Royal Heritage Route and accessible travel multi-media campaign ‘Discover Germany BarrierFree’ remain priorities also for 2015 and beyond.
Modern Germany is a young country, but traditions such as the famous Munich Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets are known the world over and the GNTO campaign will encompass three particular themes of ‘culinary Germany’, ‘living traditions’ and ‘art and crafts’ from different German regions in 2015. The ‘tradition and history of the region’ is among the top 10 reasons given by foreign visitors to Germany when choosing their holiday.
Klaus Lohmann, Director, GNTO UK & Ireland, said: “Next year provides the perfect opportunity for anyone to discover Germany. As a holiday destination, it offers huge choice – from the coastal regions in the north, lakes and mountains in the south and the beautiful towns, cities and natural landscapes in between. In a year that reflects on somuch history, it’s time to discover something new and our campaigns for 2015 provide a perfect starting point to do that.”
Ros Drinkwater Wins Writer’s Award
Ros Drinkwater of the Sunday Business Post was voted the winner of the ‘Germany Irish Travel Writer’s Awards’ hosted by the German National Tourist Office in conjunction with VisitBerlin. Her entry was a profile on city breaks in Berlin.
Jamie Blake Knox writing for the Irish Independent and Cleo Murphy writing for the Meath Chronicle were awarded 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively for their features on Trier and Cologne.
The event, the first of its kind, was a combined reception for professionals from the Irish travel industry and the awards ceremony, held in recognition of excellence in travel writing by Irish travel writers. Over 50 guests attended, held with kind permission of His Excellency, the German Ambassador Matthias Hoepfner, at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin.
The awards will now become an annual fixture for Irish travel writers and travel trade professionals. Klaus Lohmann said: “Congratulations to all our winners and sincere thanks to everyone taking part in the German Irish Travel Writer’s Awards.
“Our latest statistics show a hugely impressive increase of 18.7% in overnight stays by visitors from Ireland, for the month of July in 2014 (compared to the same period for 2013).
“Germany is a very attractive holiday and business destination that offers fantastic value for money, but our success is also due to the support of Ireland’s travel professionals. Therefore it is our pleasure to recognise excellence in Irish travel writing and to personally thank all the talented and hard-working travel professionals who have worked with us, to promote our wonderful country. We look forward to a continuing successful relationship in future.”
