QTA ‘Reisesommer 2025’ – A Success Story Continues in Mainz - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The QTA Travel Summer returned for its second edition and once again transformed Mainz’s Halle 45 into the beating heart of Germany’s travel industry. More than 1,300 travel professionals attended the event, making it the largest travel sales event of the year and recording over 30 percent growth compared with 2024. Over 120 exhibitors showcased their latest offerings and innovations — from leading European destinations and tour operators to international partners from overseas, including Destination Canada, this year’s official top partner.

A fusion of community, knowledge and inspiration

The QTA Travel Summer 2025 once again proved to be a successful mix of congress, trade fair, workshop series, and networking event. With more than 30 masterclasses and interactive workshops featuring over 40 speakers, participants gained valuable insights and practical know-how for the coming travel season. Around 150 key account partners attended a pre-event gathering the day before, setting the stage for a full day dedicated to dialogue and collaboration across the industry.

Focus on the future of travel sales

The event’s main theme was “Looking Ahead.” Expert talks and panels explored how artificial intelligence is transforming travel distribution, presented new perspectives on sustainability, and discussed succession planning and attracting young talent to the retail travel sector. The initiative “MACHERINNEN #Touristik powered by Reiseland”, which highlights women shaping the industry, also drew strong interest, underlining the sector’s diversity in both people and ideas.

An open platform for the entire industry

The QTA Travel Summer has established itself as an inclusive industry event promoting cooperation across group boundaries.

“This is a joint project for the entire sector. It’s not about logos — it’s about people, ideas, and the shared future of travel sales,” emphasized QTA spokesperson Thomas Bösl, expressing gratitude to sponsors and partners who make such a large-scale event possible.

Notably, about one-third of participating travel agencies were not QTA members, a fact Bösl celebrated as proof that the entire industry came together “to talk with each other, not about each other.”

Politics and industry leaders in attendance

The event’s growing significance was reflected in a distinguished guest list: among those present were Albin Loidl, the newly elected DRV President; Sören Hartmann, President of the German Tourism Association (BTW); Manuela Matz, Economic Affairs Councillor of Mainz; and Alexander Schweitzer, Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate.

“Tourism is a key economic driver in Rhineland-Palatinate, with around 13,500 businesses. It’s vital that we safeguard this strength for the future,” said Minister President Schweitzer. “Our updated tourism strategy places sustainability at its core. This state has so much to offer its guests, and we are committed to supporting the industry’s continued growth.”

He also praised QTA’s strategic partnership with Ahrtal Marketing, supporting the flood-affected Ahr Valley region.

In his first public appearance as DRV President, Albin Loidl thanked policymakers for their pandemic support programs: “Without the bridging assistance, this industry would no longer exist in its current form.” He also addressed bureaucracy, travel regulations, and taxation, urging for “lower levies to ensure fair pricing and accessible holidays for everyone.”

QTA’s Thomas Bösl appealed directly to the Minister President to advocate for a reduction in Germany’s aviation tax to keep the country competitive, while Sören Hartmann noted positively: “There has never been a coalition agreement with so many tourism-related points included.”

A day full of encounters, insights, and emotions

Between exhibition stands, workshops, and panel sessions, there was ample time for networking and connection. The day concluded with an energetic finale by the band “New City Beats,” transforming Halle 45 into a vibrant party venue.

“If you work hard, you should celebrate hard — let’s go for it!” encouraged Bösl, to loud applause from the crowd.

“What we’ve created here goes far beyond a trade event,” summarized Dennis Conrads, Head of Marketing & Procurement and initiator of the Travel Summer. “Our goal was to make QTA Travel Summer even bigger, more informative, and more inspiring — and that’s exactly what we achieved.”

Destination Canada as Top Partner

Highlighting the event’s international scope, Destination Canada captivated visitors with an impressive booth, inspiring presentations, and authentic Canadian flair that sparked wanderlust and showcased the country’s diverse travel experiences “from the Atlantic to the Pacific.”

With its second edition, the QTA Travel Summer has firmly established itself as a fixture in the German travel industry calendar.

“Our mission is clear,” concluded Bösl. “We aim to build bridges between people, markets, and ideas — and to reignite the joy of travel again and again.”

Plans for QTA Travel Summer 2026 are already underway — and after this year’s success, it’s certain to be another must-attend event for the industry.

Image Credit: QTA Speaker Thomas Bösl, © QTA