Germany Travel Mart by GNTB 2026 in Oberhausen - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is pleased with the outcomes of this year's GTM 360°. Around 150 accredited buyers from the international travel industry used the GNTB's online booking system to arrange more than 3,200 meetings with the 129 tourism companies and organisations at the workshop.

87 per cent of participants in an on-site survey confirmed that they were satisfied or very satisfied with this year's GTM. 98 per cent successfully established new business contacts and 85 per cent intend to take part in the GTM again in the future.

Premium partners for the organisation of GTM 2025 were Dorint Hotels Betriebs GmbH and Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The mobility service provider Sixt SE was on board as a cooperation partner.

At the end of the 51st Germany Travel MartTM, 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 Ruhr area city will host the 52nd GTM from 19 to 21 April 2026.

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.’

A particular focus of Oberhausen's presentation will be the green redevelopment of the region and the International Garden Exhibition Ruhr 2027, which will provide an additional reason for guests from abroad to visit the following year.

Image Credit: © DZT/Jens Wegener