Press release: DZT intensifies dialogue to safeguard inbound tourism stability under volatile conditions

Frankfurt am Main, 16 April 2026 – The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is responding with comprehensive measures to the ongoing Middle East conflict and its potential impact on inbound tourism to Germany. A dedicated crisis task force has been established to coordinate the continuous analysis of data relating to current developments. The weekly consolidated monitoring forms the basis for the agile adjustment of measures in the global marketing of Destination Germany.

For partners from the German tourism industry and the political sphere, the GNTB has initiated a new dialogue format. For the first time, it informed around 200 participants in two webinars held on 14 and 15 April about the impact of the Iran war on inbound tourism to Germany. In addition to outlining possible scenarios and forecasts for demand development in international markets, the GNTB presented its ongoing strategic approach. Budget reallocations, campaign adjustments and short-term marketing initiatives are among the initial responses to the volatile market situation. Relevant information is now available online on the GNTB website at www.germany.travel and will be continuously updated.

The GNTB will also use the 52nd Germany Travel Mart™ (GTM), taking place from 19 to 21 April 2026 in Oberhausen, to assess the current market situation through constructive dialogue with representatives of the international travel industry and international media, going beyond the established framework of the sales event.

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, commented:
“In times of economic uncertainty and geostrategic conflict, maintaining personal contacts within the industry is more important than ever. A key element of this year’s GTM will therefore be the strategic exchange with key accounts from tour operators and online travel platforms on the current geopolitical situation and the foreseeable impact of the Middle East conflict on inbound tourism to Germany. The GTM also provides us with an opportunity to highlight the assets of Destination Germany and to showcase its competitive advantages within Europe, such as excellent value for money, outstanding hospitality and service quality, as well as numerous product innovations.”

The GTM is the largest sales event for inbound tourism to Germany. As part of the event, the GNTB informs 200 key accounts from the international travel industry as well as around 80 media representatives from over 30 countries about the latest trends, developments and tourism products in Germany. The host of GTM 2026 is OWT Oberhausener Wirtschafts- und Tourismusförderung GmbH. By selecting Oberhausen as the venue, the GNTB is also sending a strong signal for IGA 2027 in the Ruhr region, where Europe’s greenest industrial region will host the world’s most important garden festival. Deutsche Lufthansa and Sixt are supporting the event as premium partners.

At the heart of the GTM is the two-day workshop held at the Rudolf Weber Arena, where 165 German destinations, transport providers, hotels and service companies present their offerings to international buyers, establish new business contacts and negotiate contracts for the coming year. Even before the official start of the GTM, international participants have the opportunity to learn about current tourism developments in North Rhine-Westphalia through various pre-convention tours. The host region presents itself through live experience tours. Media representatives will take part in an international press conference and a comprehensive information programme. Additional networking opportunities are provided by the accompanying programme, including a get-together at Topgolf and a networking event at the Metronom Theatre.