VISIT Berlin is strengthening its tourism marketing efforts in Asia through cooperation with the regional travel trade and airlines, and is positioning the German capital as the gateway to central Europe.
According to Visit Berlin sales director, Ralf Ostendorf, the destination marketing agency started promotions in India three years ago in a joint-effort with other German cities, and began this year its online strategy in China through the local travel trade.
“We now plan to attract more visitor numbers from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia,” he said, noting that arrival figures from these markets were small at present.
Although there is no specific marketing campaign, Visit Berlin’s strategy for its push in Asia includes the positioning of the German capital as the gateway to Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria.
This position will be further strengthened when the new Capital Airport Berlin Brandenburg International, with a total annual capacity of 27 million passengers, opens in June next year.
Ostendorf added that Berlin was a destination for all seasons, with music and street festivals being held in the city throughout the year.
Last year, 88 airlines operated via Berlin to 171 destinations, including 127 European cities. The German capital is also connected to longhaul destinations such as New York, Bangkok, Phuket, Beijing, Doha, Dubai, Miami and Mombasa.
By Sirima Eamtako
