The Golden City Gate 2025: 25 Years as a Creative Platform for Tourism Films - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The jubilee event took place at the elegant Astor Film Lounge in Berlin as part of the prestigious International Tourism Exchange (ITB), once again emphasizing its significance as a global platform for creative tourism films.

With 167 films from 25 countries, the competition once again demonstrated its relevance as a forum for innovative film productions in the tourism industry. A total of 50 awards were presented, recognizing outstanding achievements in tourism film production.

A Competition for Creative Excellence

Films were presented in various categories, including countries, regions, cities, and hotels, all aimed at inspiring and captivating travelers. An international jury evaluated the entries based on the criteria of emotional impact, creativity, and ecological responsibility.

Among the German award winners of 2025 are:

          •        AIDA

          •        German National Tourist Board (DZT)

          •        Visit Berlin

          •        North Sea Resort Cuxhaven

          •        The Ahr Valley

          •        Sixt

Additionally, “AIDA” was awarded the “Diamond Award”, the highest honor across all categories.

Films as Bridges Between Cultures

Within the global context of ITB, The Golden City Gate provides a unique platform to push the boundaries of creative tourism communication. Films have a special ability to bridge cultures and foster understanding of diverse perspectives. The submitted works not only raise awareness of global issues but also strengthen intercultural dialogue.

Special Awards for Outstanding Achievements

As part of the awards ceremony, the longstanding media work of the Cologne Pride movement was honored with a Special Award.

The annual honorary award was presented this year to Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in recognition of 20 years of the travel magazine “WUNDERSCHÖN.” With its engaging presenters, the program takes viewers on inspiring journeys through different countries and cultures, making a valuable contribution to Germany’s travel culture.

In the past, notable personalities have been honored for their lifetime achievements, including Ray Bloom (IMAX) in 2018 and Ali Ihsan Barut in 2022 for his exceptional dedication to the hospitality industry.

The international jury team evaluates the submitted entries based on emotional impact, creativity, and ecological responsibility, helping to set new standards in the tourism film industry.

For inquiries, please contact:

Wolfgang Jo Huschert

Tel.: 0171 427 4271

Image Credit: © The Golden City Gate