Singaporeans like visiting Germany, which is why the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) will set up an office here next year.
In the sudden confusion that Brexit has wrought, now may be a good time to head to Europe.
With the advent of cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation options and the creation of new travel opportunities, the road out of Singapore is one that is well traversed. And the road to Europe is one that has grown in popularity over the years.
While France remains the most visited destination in the world, Germany has been climbing the rungs, and is poised at seventh spot, with 35 million inbound tourists in 2015.
German tourist numbers have seen some keen competition.
Inbound tourism into Germany has seen a jostling for second spot. Asia has overtaken the USA to sit behind leaders Europe, and this has given the German tourism industry reason to take a more serious position in the region. Admittedly the numbers are boosted by two factors — the China visitors, a phenomenon that sees year-on-year growth of 25%, and the inclusion of the Gulf countries in the Asia segment — but the GNTB is keen to set up its office in Singapore early next year, says Till Weigl, its International Market Relations Manager for Asia and Australia.
Big-Spending Singaporeans
Around 10% of the 6.7 million outbound trips from Singapore have been to Germany, according to GNTB data. Of this slightly more than half (55%) are leisure travellers.
Singaporeans are among the highest spenders in Germany, chalking up EURO 3,060 per visitor in 2015, behind the Arab Gulf States (E4,470) and Australia (E4,199). The main draws would be shopping, leisure activities and dining. To cater to this affluent group, GNTB has developed a Singapore segment in its “smart luxury” category.
The GNTB, which opts for theme-based marketing will try and move tourism away from the usual visits to big cities to more coastal activities. With 40 UNESCO Heritage sites, 16 national parks and 71 theme parks, Germany reckons it can further sweeten the deal with average room rates that are around EURO 100, which is lower than many other major European cities.
In all the confusion leading up to Brexit’s gears grinding into motion, there might be deals aplenty in Europe to be had.
For more information, visit www.germany.travel
