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What is your
role as Director of the German National Tourist Office in India?
My main role is to improve the image of Germany as a leisure
destination; Germany already has a strong image in India for the
trade fair and business community. We are now focussing on
increasing the awareness of Germany as an attractive leisure
destination.
Which are the primary activities your office employs to create
awareness about Germany in India?
Our focus at present is to improve the image of Germany
amongst the travel fraternity. We believe in B2B
(Business-to-Business) theme marketing and have managed to change
opinions amongst travel partners. To further strengthen its
foothold in the Indian market, the German National Tourist Board
has formed an India Pool. This pool is comprised of 16 members
which include the German National Tourist Board, the State Tourism
Boards of Bavaria and Saxony, cities of Berlin, Cologne,
Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart and the Department of Magic Cities;
the `Magic Cities Germany' Marketing Association which includes
the cities of Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt,
Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart; Three airports -
Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport and Berlin Airport; Hotel chain
- Accor Hospitality and Germany-based Alpha Travel Consultants.
The objective of this pool is to create interest in the Indian
Market amongst our partners under one collective umbrella for
strategic marketing and sales interactions. In February 2009, the
first sales interaction week took place in Mumbai. Seeing the
success and appreciation among the travel trade in Mumbai, members
of the India Pool are looking forward to productive business at
upcoming sales interaction weeks in Kolkata, Bangalore and New
Delhi later in the year. |
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How long have
you been with GNTO? What have been some of the accomplishments and
challenges you have faced during your tenure?
I have been with the tourism board of Germany for almost 2
years now. We have managed to accomplish many things in this short
time - from visitor arrivals going up to 11.8 % in 2008 to the
formation of the newly formed India Pool. The e-newsletter which
is sent once a month is a global first for the German National
Tourist Board. My colleague Radhika and I have accomplished much
during our short tenure. The most difficult challenge faced by us
was to change the image of Germany from a business destination to
a leisure destination. However with the help of many partners and
one in particular - Mr. Subhash Motwani - we are now on the path
to change this view.
Germany is marketed as “The Travel Destination” and “Simply
Inspiring.” What are some aspects of Germany which would make it
appealing to the Indian traveller?
For the travel trade, Germany is marketed as the “The Travel
Destination” and for the consumer as “Simply Inspiring.”
India has had a long history with Germany. Even the fact that
Mumbai is a sister city of Stuttgart makes for interesting
reading. There are many aspects of Germany that would appeal to
the Indian traveller. The castle of Disneyland was created based
on the Neuschwanstein Castle, which resides in one of the most
beautiful areas of Bavaria. The theme-parks of Germany such as
Europa Park and Legoland are some of the best in the world.
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What are your
favourite leisure destinations in Germany?
Germany has many fabulous areas whether they be the charm of
old and new in Frankfurt, the hospitality and warmth of the people
of Bavaria or Munich with its fabulous beer gardens, museums and
fascinating people. Berlin and Hamburg offer culture, cruises and
of course, great nightlife. Germany has a lot to offer depending
on your tastes. For me, the balance of international metropolises
with the charm of smaller towns is amongst my favourite aspects. |
