Germany Travel Mart 2026 sends positive signal for inbound tourism

Germany

High satisfaction rates and strong business results underline industry confidence

The 52nd Germany Travel Mart™ (GTM), organised by the German National Tourist Board, concluded with positive results for Germany’s inbound tourism sector. Held from 19 to 21 April 2026 in Oberhausen, the event brought together 200 international buyers and 165 tourism companies and organisations. Around 4,500 appointments were arranged via the GNTB’s digital booking system, highlighting the continued importance of structured B2B platforms in global tourism.

Feedback from participants reflects a high level of satisfaction. According to an on-site survey, 94 per cent of attendees were satisfied or very satisfied with the event. A total of 98 per cent reported successful business outcomes, while 85 per cent expressed their intention to return for future editions.

Strong platform in a complex market environment

Against a challenging geopolitical backdrop, the event reaffirmed its role as a key marketplace for international tourism. Buyers and suppliers from more than 30 countries used the format to strengthen partnerships and initiate new business.

“Especially in the current challenging geopolitical situation, GTM has once again proven itself as a strong platform for successful business contacts in our globally connected industry,” said Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board. “Representatives of the international travel industry from more than 30 countries confirmed this in numerous discussions.”

She also highlighted the role of the host region: “With a varied supporting programme, we were able to present to our international guests the dynamic transformation of the Ruhr region into an attractive destination with a broad cultural offering.”

Bremerhaven to host GTM 2027

At the close of the event, the hosting role for the next Germany Travel Mart™ was officially handed over to Bremerhaven. The port city will stage the 53rd edition from 29 May to 2 June 2027.

Michael Gerber, Managing Director of Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH, emphasised the significance of the award: “That the Germany Travel Mart™ 2027 has been awarded to Bremerhaven in the year following our city’s 200th anniversary is both an honour and a recognition of our work. Hosting GTM underlines Bremerhaven’s importance within German tourism.”

He pointed to the city’s diverse offering, ranging from the German Emigration Centre and Klimahaus to the German Maritime Museum and Zoo am Meer, positioning Bremerhaven as both a city destination and a gateway to the North Sea.

Momentum for future tourism development

Andreas Hugle, Head of Destination Development at Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH, underlined the long-term impact of hosting the event: “With SAIL, we regularly host major international events – and GTM will also bring the world to us. This opportunity gives us additional momentum for our future tourism development.”

GTM 2026 was hosted by OWT Oberhausener Wirtschafts- und Tourismusförderung GmbH, with Deutsche Lufthansa and Sixt supporting the event as premium partners.