Germany Travel Mart 2025 Sets New Standards with Record-Breaking Success in Networking and Business Deals

 Thursday, April 3, 2025 

The 2025 Germany Travel Mart (GTM) has emerged as a pivotal event for tourism professionals worldwide, offering a prime platform for networking, collaboration, and the exploration of emerging industry trends. The event spotlighted crucial topics such as sustainable tourism practices, the role of digital innovation, and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Its resounding success highlights the German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) commitment to promoting Germany as a premier travel destination on the global stage.

Key partners for GTM 2025 included Dorint Hotels Betriebs GmbH and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, with Sixt SE providing support as a mobility services partner. These strategic collaborations underscore the growing prominence of the event as a vital gathering for the international travel and tourism community.

As the 51st Germany Travel Mart wrapped up, Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board, presented the GTM trophy to Rainer Suhr, Head of Tourism and Marketing at OWT Oberhausener Tourismus- und Wirtschaftsförderung GmbH. The city of Oberhausen, renowned for its industrial history and vibrant cultural offerings, will host the 52nd GTM from April 19-21, 2026. With its dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, Oberhausen is set to offer an exceptional GTM experience, reinforcing Germany’s influential position in the global tourism landscape.

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, explains: ‘The new GTM 360° format proved to be a resounding success. The emphasis was on collaboration and dialogue – with the aim of generating new business, strengthening markets and raising the international visibility of Germany as a travel destination. Oberhausen will be our host in 2026 and serves as a prime example of the dynamic transformation of the Ruhr region into a vibrant tourist destination with a rich cultural offering. The old zinc factory as a GTM event venue is a reflection of this development. I am confident that the OWT will provide an excellent framework for presenting the performance and innovative strength of the German tourism industry to international buyers.’

OWT Managing Director Dr Andreas Henseler emphasises: ‘The award of the GTM to Oberhausen is a proof of trust and at the same time a special recognition of our development to date. It presents a significant opportunity to establish Oberhausen as a destination for international city breaks.’

Rainer Suhr, Head of Tourism and Marketing at OWT, considers the GTM to be ‘a very important milestone’ in Oberhausen’s tourism development. ‘We are a young destination with a high leisure and adventure value. An event as prestigious as the GTM will strengthen our long-term image and provide a significant boost to our business.’

Oberhausen’s presentation will highlight the region’s green transformation, with a spotlight on the upcoming International Garden Exhibition Ruhr 2027. This event will serve as a compelling incentive for international visitors to explore the area in the year ahead.

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