Tourists From State Flock to Germany

KOCHI: According to the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India Pool, an increasing number of Keralites are choosing Germany as their favourite travel destination.  The GNTO recently organised a roadshow in Kochi to showcase the outflow to tourists from Kerala to Germany.

 “We are glad to learn that the travel trade fraternity in Kochi understands and supports Germany as a preferred destination,” said Romit Theophilus of the GNTO India. He said that the primary reason for Germany becoming increasingly popular among Keralites is the affordable travel cost.

 “As a travel destination, it is cheaper than many other international locations. Packages for a three-day-trip to Germany, without airfare, start at `10,000. ,” said Romit.

 “In 2013, overnight stays by Indians at German destinations increased 5.4 per cent to 6,15,617, despite the devaluation of the rupee and the bleak economic scenario. We are optimistic about 2014, and expect the growth rate to hit double-digits. During the January-May period this year, Germany witnessed 5,56,453 visitor overnights from India,” he said.

 The roadshow was part of the ‘India Pool Multi-city Roadshow’, which is organised by the German National Tourist Office  twice every year to create awareness among customers and tourism-related organisations.

The roadshow held in Kochi included exchanges between the India Pool members on selling practices, latest updates on tour packages, and attractions for the Indian traveller. the other locations selected for this year’s roadshow are Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Kochi.

  “Over the years, the initiativeS by the India Pool have resulted in greater awareness on destination Germany’s attractions,” said Romit.

“The German National Tourist Office  India Pool was formed in 2008 to enhance the image of ‘Destination Germany’ as a preferred leisure destination among the Indian travellers.

It works as an agency for the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), an organisation funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy and  headquartered in Frankfurt, to promote tourism in Germany.

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