Photos’ Credit: Embassy of India, Berlin
India and Germany held discussions to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation during the ITB Berlin 2026 travel trade fair, held from March 3 to March 5, 2026, as India sought to expand its presence in the European travel market.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met Dr. Christoph Ploß, Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism of Germany, on the sidelines of the Tourism Ministers’ Conclave at the event.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the talks focused on increasing tourism flows, expanding cooperation between tour operators, promoting sustainable travel practices, and improving connectivity between the two countries.
Shekhawat highlighted the importance of Germany in India’s tourism landscape.
“Germany is India’s 8th largest inbound tourism market, reflecting the strong connect between our nations. Our discussions focused on further strengthening India–Germany tourism cooperation, enhancing bilateral travel flows, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, and expanding partnerships between tour operators,” he said.
India Showcases Tourism Vision at ITB Berlin
India used the global tourism platform to showcase its diverse travel offerings and infrastructure expansion initiatives.
Addressing the media during ITB Berlin 2026, Shekhawat reaffirmed India’s intention to deepen tourism partnerships with Germany and the wider European market. “India invites the world to experience not just a destination, but a living civilisation rooted in heritage, innovation and shared prosperity,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of India’s tourism sector, the minister said the country recorded 20.09 million international tourist arrivals and over 4.13 billion domestic tourist visits in 2025, reflecting continued growth in travel demand.
He added that the government is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and connectivity.
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are strengthening connectivity, expanding road and rail infrastructure, developing airports, leveraging digital public infrastructure and AI-driven destination management, and promoting sustainable, community-based tourism,” Shekhawat said.
India Pavilion Highlights Culture, Heritage and Wellness Tourism
On March 3, 2026, Shekhawat inaugurated the “Incredible India Pavilion” at ITB Berlin, a 700-square-metre exhibition space designed to present India’s tourism offerings to international stakeholders.
The pavilion brought together 37 Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and six Indian state governments, showcasing themes such as heritage tourism, spirituality, wildlife, wellness travel and experiential tourism.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shekhawat said the pavilion reflects India’s approach to sustainable and experience-driven tourism.
“India is showcasing its diverse tourism offerings to the world, from heritage and spirituality to wildlife, wellness and emerging destinations. The India Pavilion reflects our commitment to sustainable, inclusive and experience-driven tourism,” he said.
He added that the pavilion also serves as a platform for Indian states, travel operators and global stakeholders to engage with international tourism markets.
Tourism Growth and Connectivity with Europe
Officials said the discussions with Germany also explored ways to improve air connectivity and travel facilitation, which are seen as critical to increasing visitor flows between the two countries.
The Ministry of Tourism noted that stronger connectivity between Indian and European aviation hubs could support both leisure and business travel.
Germany has traditionally been one of the key European source markets for visitors to India, with strong interest in heritage tourism, wellness travel, cultural experiences and wildlife tourism.
India’s presence at ITB Berlin also included an “Incredible India” press conference, attended by Shekhawat and India’s Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte, where officials highlighted the country’s tourism infrastructure expansion and market engagement strategies.
India Expands Global Tourism Outreach
During the event, India also launched tourism promotion films created in partnership with Netflix, aimed at showcasing Indian destinations through cinematic storytelling to international audiences.
Officials said the initiative highlights India’s culture, festivals, cuisine and landscapes, targeting a global audience of travellers and digital viewers.
The Ministry of Tourism said India’s participation at ITB Berlin reflects a broader effort to strengthen tourism partnerships with Europe and position the country as a major global destination.
With Germany continuing to be one of India’s leading European tourism markets, the discussions at ITB Berlin signalled a renewed push to expand India–Germany tourism exchanges, sustainable travel collaboration and industry partnerships.
