Home » GERMANY TRAVEL NEWS » Germany Travel Mart 2025 a successful event – GTM 360° connects the German tourism industry with the international travel industry all year round – next live event, GTM 2026, will take place in Oberhausen
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
The Germany Travel Mart™ (GTM) 2025 has concluded on a resounding high note, reinforcing Germany’s pivotal role in global tourism. This year’s edition, powered by the GTM 360° model, achieved unmatched success with over 3,200 scheduled meetings between 150 international buyers and 129 premier German tourism stakeholders.
Behind the numbers is a story of strategic innovation, borderless collaboration, and Germany’s unwavering focus on transforming visitor experience. Hosted in partnership with Dorint Hotels, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, and Sixt SE, the event showcased the finest in Germany’s travel offerings—blending culture, technology, and sustainability into a single compelling narrative.
Digital Connections Fuel Human Impact
What sets GTM 2025 apart is not just the size, but the quality of its connections. The online booking engine, implemented by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), allowed seamless matchmaking between global buyers and local partners, enabling precise, high-value meetings.
This digital-first strategy did not dilute human interaction. Instead, it amplified it.
87% of participants reported satisfaction with the event, while 98% successfully formed new business relationships. These metrics speak volumes. Not only is Germany making a global comeback in tourism post-COVID, but it is doing so with laser focus and long-term intent.
More than just an event, GTM 360° is now a year-round engagement platform, ensuring Germany’s tourism industry remains connected to the world regardless of geography or season.
Germany’s Tourism Blueprint for the Future
Germany’s travel economy is evolving with vision. GTM 2025 reflects a blueprint designed around resilience, digitization, and regional diversity. By rotating host cities and embracing experiential venues, the event injects fresh energy into every edition.
The transition to Oberhausen for GTM 2026 is a powerful move—one rooted in transformation. Once an industrial stronghold, Oberhausen is now a rising beacon of sustainable redevelopment in the heart of the Ruhr region.
Hosting the next GTM at an old zinc factory—now a cultural icon—underscores Germany’s narrative of reinvention. It’s a bold choice that blends past, present, and future into a unique setting that international buyers won’t soon forget.
Oberhausen 2026: Green Tourism Takes Center Stage
The focus in 2026 will be crystal clear: green transformation. The city of Oberhausen is not just another host—it is the embodiment of Germany’s sustainable tourism ambitions.
Set against the backdrop of the International Garden Exhibition Ruhr 2027, GTM 2026 will act as a preview of a major environmental and cultural showcase that’s already drawing global attention. For travel professionals, this is more than a venue—it’s a statement.
Germany is signaling that green travel is no longer a niche. It’s the new standard. And Oberhausen will be the epicenter of this shift.
Rising Appeal Among Indian Buyers
This year’s GTM saw strong participation from India, a key outbound tourism market with increasing appetite for immersive, responsible travel. Indian buyers tapped into curated meetings, exclusive previews, and high-value B2B connections throughout the event.
Germany’s approach resonated. Its focus on local culture, sustainability, and innovation aligns closely with the preferences of today’s Indian traveler—especially millennials and Gen Z explorers looking for authenticity over luxury.
With GTM 2026 already on the horizon, Germany is ensuring that its message to Indian travel stakeholders is clear: You’re not just welcome here—you’re essential to our growth.
GTM’s Role in Post-COVID Travel Recovery
As the global tourism sector rebuilds, events like GTM serve as a compass. They set the tone for business recovery, policy alignment, and innovation. GTM 2025 proved that hybrid events can lead to real-world economic uplift.
Airlines like Lufthansa played a strategic role, offering streamlined travel for delegates, while hospitality brands such as Dorint Hotels highlighted Germany’s upgraded accommodation ecosystem ready for the next wave of tourists.
The emotional undercurrent of this year’s GTM cannot be overstated. For many attendees, it wasn’t just about business—it was about reconnecting with purpose.
Convention Tours: Germany’s Hidden Gems Unlocked
One of the signature draws of GTM remains its convention tours—immersive experiences that go beyond brochures. These are hand-crafted to show the side of Germany often missed: boutique towns, nature trails, repurposed industrial spaces, culinary secrets, and art enclaves.
As these tours expand in scope and creativity, they give travel agents and media real stories to share. That narrative value creates long-term return on investment and deepens emotional bonds with the destination.
What Comes Next? Momentum and Anticipation
With GTM 2025 now a success story, all eyes shift to Oberhausen. Preparations are already underway to host the 52nd edition from April 19–21, 2026.
The GNTB is banking on Oberhausen to deliver not just logistics, but inspiration—a living case study of what modern, sustainable tourism looks like.
This isn’t just another travel fair. GTM 2026 promises to be a milestone moment in global tourism. It’s where the past meets the future, and where every meeting could shape the next big travel trend.
Conclusion
GTM 2025 has set a new benchmark. From record-breaking meeting numbers to bold announcements about future editions, Germany’s flagship tourism event is more than a calendar highlight—it’s a bellwether for the global travel industry.
The transition to Oberhausen in 2026 is already sparking anticipation. With a strong focus on green redevelopment, new-age tourism, and experiential engagement, the stage is set for a transformative year ahead.
Germany has made its position clear: it’s not just ready for the future of travel—it’s leading it.
Tags: European travel events, German National Tourist Board, germany, Germany Travel News, GTM 2025, GTM 2026, Indian outbound tourism, International Garden Exhibition Ruhr 2027, New Delhi, Oberhausen, post-COVID travel Europe, Ruhr region, sustainable tourism, tourism marketing Europe, travel industry B2B events
