South West Germany and the region of Stuttgart recently held a press conference in Mumbai to promote 2014 spring and summer holiday offers and wine tourism in the destination. The special focus was to promote outdoor activities during this period. According to Hans-Joerg Hadbawnik, Regional Director for Russia and India, Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, there has been a 6.5 per cent increase in Indian arrivals to Stuttgart, with the region receiving 155,000 overnights from the source market, the highest in Europe.
In his presentation Hector D’Souza, Director – India, South West German Tourism promoted boating in Lake Constance, Lake Titisee and Lake Turbingn; cruising in River Neckar and River Danube; swimming in lakes and pools across the destination; sun bathing; self driving; hiking in the Black Forest, Swabian mountains and Stuttgart; camping in Black Forest and Freiburg; jogging; ballooning in Baden Baden and Constance; paragliding in Baden Baden; and relaxing as outdoor activities for the summer season.
He further promoted MICE activities. “Stuttgart, Heidelburg and several other cities have excellent convention centres, and the region’s infrastructure can cater to conferences and events year round,” said D’Souza.
Speaking about the importance of educating the travel trade in India, D’Souza revealed that there are 410 Cuckoo Specialists across the country currently, with another 1200 registrations for the programme. He further added that an online sales guide has now been made available with real time access to information and the ability to carry out hotel bookings immediately. The guide also has information on special tours.
Promoting wine tourism is a new initiative by Stuttgart Marketing and TMBW. “Stuttgart, Baden Baden and Heilbronn are wine growing areas, and August and September are the best times to visit. South West Germany is home to 26,000 hectares of vineyards, of which 430 hectares are in Stuttgart. Furthermore, the largest wine festival – Wine Village, takes place in Stuttgart through the last week of August, and receives one million visitors. There is also a wine museum in Aulbach, making wine tourism a must on tourists’ itinerary,” D’Souza concluded.
South West Germany also hosted a wine tasting soiree in Mumbai for the travel trade and media in Mumbai.
