The 2017 GTM gets underway in Nuremberg

The eyes of the travel world were on Germany this weekend as the Germany Travel Mart kicked off for 2017 in scenic Nuremberg. After arriving in time to experience the city’s famous Blaue Nacht event on Saturday evening, the international media and travel trade were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony last night at the Nuremberg State Opera House, followed by dinner and festivities at Germanisches National Museum.

The opening ceremony, hosted by Sandra M. Gronewald and featuring a show-stopping performance from the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, marked the beginning of the annual forum that allows German suppliers to liaise with buyers from the international travel trade. This year’s GTM is its first appearance in Bavaria since 2008, and sixth overall in the state, with guests from more than 50 countries converging on Nuremberg for the 2017 convention – a new GTM record.

Speaking at the ceremony, Franz Josef Pschierer, Bavarian vice minister of economic affairs and media, energy and technology, noted the importance of international tourism to the state, with nearly one in five of its overnight stays in 2016 made by international guests. Describing Bavaria as ‘traditionally different,’ he highlighted the state’s support of tourism professionals moving into the digital age and proudly noted the importance of sustainability and responsible tourism to both Bavaria and Germany for the future.

All roads lead to Nuremberg this week for the beginning of the 2017 Germany Travel Mart.

Meanwhile, Petra Hedorfer, chief executive officer, German National Tourist Board, paid tribute to the warm welcome extended to international guests, noting that the Bavarian and Franconian hospitality on display indicated a rapidly growing trend in the nature of tourism. "This is the new tourism," she commented, "experiencing with locals and sharing with locals."

She noted that a lot had happened around the world since the last GTM, and affirmed Germany as a country that stands for openness and tolerance. Declaring the GTM officially open, Hedorfer urged everyone to embrace this commitment to diversity.

"Tourism can make the world a little better," she concluded.

The show is just getting started, with much more to come during the week. In the meantime, be sure to follow PAX on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for further GTM updates.