Every year, the independent market research institute Skytrax surveys some twelve million passengers from over 160 countries on the quality of service at nearly 400 airports. On the basis of the results, the major international hubs receive awards in various categories.

The service programme run by Fraport AG with its slogan 'Great to have you here' has proved very successful and helped Frankfurt Airport win the award for World's Most Improved Airport. Fraport's concept ensures greater convenience for arriving and departing travellers as well as quick transfers between connecting flights. To complement the airport's prayer rooms, other services will be offered in future to reflect the many different languages and cultures of passengers.

Originally launched as part of the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010, the EMSCHERKUNST summer of art is making a return this year. From 22 June to 6 October 2013, numerous places along the Emscher river, a tributary of the Rhine, will serve as a stage for German and international artists. Art will be on display in the open-air at a range of unusual public places – from industrial sites to open countryside. Participating cities include Duisburg, Oberhausen, Essen and Gelsenkirchen.

Information centres and people who are there especially to explain what the art is trying to express make the installations more easily accessible to visitors.

Other top events in the Ruhr region include the Ruhrtriennale and the Ruhr Theatre Festival.

Music theatre is spectacularly brought to life every year at the opera festival in Munich, the most traditional festival of its kind in the world. From 27 June to 31 July, the 2013 Munich Opera Festival at the Bavarian State Opera will focus on two composers celebrating an anniversary this year, Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi. Discounted tickets are available for families on family afternoons, and also for young people, who can purchase cheap tickets through the Junges Publikum programme.

The anniversaries of Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi are being celebrated throughout the year in Germany. For the 2013 Wagner Year , special concerts are taking place across the country from Leipzig to Bayreuth.

Every year spectators and participants enjoy a unique mix of competitive action, fantastic running, unspoilt scenery and holiday atmosphere at the EWE Nordseelauf run. The 12th EWE Nordseelauf will be taking place beside the North Sea from 15 to 22 June 2013 with eight sections from Borkum to Cuxhaven. It's up to the runners whether they run all of the stages or just individual sections or single legs – the main thing is the taking part. The Nordseelauf also sends out a message of anti-violence every year, doubling as a protest run against violence in society.

The event is a fantastic opportunity to see the natural scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Lower Saxony Wadden Sea at close hand and can easily be combined with a holiday on Germany's coast.

The classic maritime event Kiel Week continues to delight crowds year after year. From 22 to 30 June 2013 Kiel plays host to one of the world's biggest competitive sailing events. Sailing enthusiasts and international elite sailors race in thrilling regattas that will have all types of visitors on the edge of their seats. There's also a variety of music and food & drink in store for spectators on the beaches and in many other spots along the Kiel Fjord and in the city centre. During Kiel Week, the Krusenkoppel open-air theatre is transformed into a huge adventure playground, where younger members of the family can let off steam under supervision. The highlight of the festival is the tall ships parade featuring a great many sailing ships, steamships and yachts.

Of course, Kiel is also worth a visit at any time of year and offers a range of other events, including the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – one of the world's biggest classical music festivals.

Every year since 2003 the DMY in Berlin has brought together the movers and shakers in the world of contemporary design for products and industry. At the DMY – International Design Festival exhibitors from 30 countries offer insights into the latest design production techniques and feature current trends as well as future fashions. The DMY is a platform for designers to showcase their work and exchange ideas, which provides a launch pad for young creatives in particular. This year's event takes place from 5 to 9 June 2013.

All across Berlin you can discover an exceptional variety of art demonstrating the influence of a wide range of different cultures. And with 2013 being the year of ' Diversity destroyed ', the spotlight is on the development of Berlin's art in relation to the city's history.

From 20 to 23 June 2013, Talavera park on the bank of the river Main in Würzburg becomes the venue for the 26th Umsonst & Draussen Festival . At Würzburg's answer to Woodstock, German musicians show what they're made of and create a relaxed atmosphere during the three-day outdoor event. Besides a wide spectrum of musical genres, visitors can also expect some more unusual festival highlights, such as an art exhibition, variety performances and children's activities, which make the event a great day out for the whole family.

Many other German towns and cities take part in this series of free open-air festivals, including Dresden from 18 to 20 July 2013 and Stuttgart from 2 to 4 August 2013.

The Bach Festival returns to Leipzig from 14 to 23 June 2013, this year with the theme of 'Vita Christi'. Leipzig is the perfect venue for such a festival because it is home to the St. Thomas choir as well as many sites associated with Bach. The extensive programme reflects the diversity of Bach's works and highlights his connection to the music city of Leipzig. It places emphasis not only on theatre and music but also on the subject of religion. The wider programme includes other events such as 'BACHmosphäre' and the family programme 'b@ch für uns'.

From 18 to 20 May 2013 the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen plays host to 'agilia – the fun starts at 50'. The leisure and recreation consumer fair for young-at-heart people aged 50 and over gives the region's clubs in particular the chance to present themselves. From bridge to golf, dancing to self-defence, a whole spectrum of leisure activities is showcased. But the event is not just for those with a passion for sports or health and wellness – it also provides information on social concerns, such as loneliness and poverty among the elderly. There will be a programme of talks and musical performances as well.

The positive response from the 20,000 visitors to agilia 2012 in Wiesbaden proved that people aged 50 and over really are in the prime of their lives and place great importance on leisure, entertainment and quality of life. agilia returns to Wiesbaden from 29 November to 1 December 2013.

The Fête de la Musique began life in France in 1982 and has long since established itself as an annual music festival across 340 locations worldwide. The popularity of this music event is evident from the growing number of participating towns and cities. A total of 34 German destinations now take part in the celebrations, including Berlin, Bremen, Hannover and Cologne.

On 21 June 2013, the official start of summer, audiences will once again be treated to music of every style imaginable. Bands, orchestras, choirs and soloists will be taking to the stage to perform at the free concerts.