SHORT HAUL FEATURE 61
short haul germany
Wunderbar die Sommerfrische*
Already well-established for its fairytale castles, cosmopolitan cities and atmospheric Christmas markets, there are more reasons than ever in 2014 to sell Germany, says Jeannine Williamson
F
ew European countries are doing more – and arguably have more – to tempt UK tourists
than Germany. Two years ago Germany was named the top cultural travel destination for Europeans (by IPK International) so it is appropriate that for 2014 the German National Tourist Offi ce (GNTO) has two major campaigns with history as the hook. UNESCO World Heritage – Sustainable Cultural and Natural Tourism is the banner being used to highlight the country’s 38 diverse World Heritage Sites. The sites, incorporating music,
arts and history, can be experienced on city breaks to destinations that include Cologne, Berlin and Aachen – Aachen’s cathedral was the fi rst German site added to the UNESCO list in 1978 while Wilhelmshohe
Park in Kassel was the most recent addition last year - or on tours of regions such as the Rhine Valley. With increased airlift and a wide
choice of budget and scheduled carriers, Germany is very accessible. For independent travellers major cities are linked by effi cient, high speed ICE train and escorted coach, rail and river itineraries offer a relaxing and easy way to take in sightseeing highlights. This year also marks the 300th
anniversary of the Hanoverian accession to the British throne, which can be traced from George I to Queen Victoria. The GNTO has unveiled the Royal Heritage Route, enabling visitors to follow the Anglo-German royal link through palaces, castles and gardens, such as Herrenhausen near Hanover and romantic Marienburg Castle.
GERMANY Special events and exhibitions to
mark both themes are taking place throughout the year and several tour operators have introduced new itineraries to highlight UNESCO sites, royal landmarks and 2014 anniversaries, such as the annual Bach Festival in June and 150th anniversary of Richard Strauss. “Germany has been a popular
choice with our customers for many years, providing great value for money,” says Huw Williams, Marketing Manager at Leger Holidays. “As well as a host of cultural and historical landmarks it’s incredibly picturesque and there really is something for everyone.” Lawrence Peachey, UK Sales Manager at Fred.\ adds: “This is a great year to go to Germany, especially the Hanover area which is commemorating the 300th anniversary of the fi rst king of Hanover. There will be special exhibitions and it will be a must for history-loving clients.” UK visitor numbers to Germany
have been on the rise in recent years 2,162,489 arrivals in 2012 and a 6.9% increase in overnight stays from 2012 to 2013.
www.sellinglonghaul.com
“This is a great year to go to Germany, especially the Hanover area which is
commemorating the 300th anniversary of the
first king of Hanover” LAWRENCE PEACHEY, UK SALES MANAGER, FRED.\
* Wonderful summer This page clockwise: Lake
Furttensee World Heritage beach forest; the new Potsdam Palace and Wiesbaden vineyards
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72