First Week with the New German Tourism Coordinator

Hello, this is your fifth day in office. It might sound a bit strange to say this to a tourism coordinator, but… How does the fifth day feel?

It's a really exciting and important role. Because in Germany, the tourism sector is both very valuable in terms of its economic contribution and an area that connects different cultures and countries. Therefore, as the federal government, we have made it very clear: we want to support tourism in Germany and around the world.

Germany: Tourism Factory of the World?

Germany is really like a tourism factory. How do you think this balance between domestic and foreign tourism is working? Is this a balance in terms of both incoming and outgoing tourists?

Yes, it's definitely important. When people get to know other countries and cultures, it changes their outlook on the world. Someone who only stays in their own country may have difficulty developing an understanding of other nations. That's why traveling is so valuable. I am very pleased that Türkiye has become one of the most important travel destinations for Germans. This increases mutual understanding. Likewise, we are happy to welcome our guests from Türkiye to Germany. Not only because of the people of Turkish origin living here, but also so that they can get to know the beauties of Germany.

Tourism Strategy and the Government's Plan

So what's next for tourism in Germany? What are the government's plans for the new term?

We will develop a new national tourism strategy during this legislative period. In the coming weeks, we will meet with industry representatives and receive their suggestions. Our aim is to improve the framework conditions for tourism. For example, we want to reduce the air passenger tax. This will make air travel more affordable and increase flights both from Germany to other countries and from countries such as Türkiye to Germany. Reducing bureaucracy that makes travel difficult is also a priority for us.

Visa Process: It Should Be Easier

It is very difficult to get a visa to Germany, especially from Türkiye. Even for an appointment, people wait for 3-4 months. Will there be an improvement on this?

Yes, we want to simplify the visa processes. The current situation makes travel unattractive, and many people give up traveling because of this. Therefore, improving the visa system is a clear priority for us. The situation may be different for each country, I cannot say all the details for now, but we will pay special attention to this issue in important countries like Türkiye.

Türkiye Experience

Have you been to Türkiye before?

Yes, I have been to Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Wonderful people, delicious food… I loved Turkish cuisine. It's a very hospitable culture. I also have many friends and acquaintances of Turkish origin in Germany. This bond is strong.

Have you ever been to Antalya?

I haven't been there yet. But it's on my list.

Then let's start on October 22nd! We would be happy to see you as a guest of honor at the Antalya Tourism Fair. Both the Turkish and German tourism sectors would be very happy. I will send you the invitation.

Thank you very much, thank you for your invitation. I took note of it, I will evaluate it. See you soon.

EVENT AFTERMATH INTERVIEW SUMMARY

First Interview with New German Tourism Coordinator Christoph Ploß | GM Exclusive

Germany's new Federal Tourism Coordinator, Christoph Ploß, conveyed both Germany's tourism vision and his view of Türkiye in his exclusive interview with GM in the very first week of his tenure. Here are the highlights of the first contact:

“This task is a great responsibility, but it is also very inspiring.”

Answering our questions on the fifth day of his tenure, Ploß pointed out that tourism is not only economic but also a cultural binder. He emphasized that tourism should be supported in Germany and around the world.

“Türkiye is one of the most precious destinations for Germans.”

Expressing that Germans love Türkiye and that this increases mutual cultural understanding, Ploß also said that they want visitors coming from Türkiye to Germany to recognize the beauties of the country.

“A new national tourism strategy is on the way.”

In the new legislative period, reducing the air passenger tax, reducing bureaucracy, and creating a national tourism strategy together with industry representatives are on the agenda. Saying "We want to make Germany-Türkiye flights more attractive," Ploß stated that a period open to cooperation has been initiated.

“Visa processes should no longer be an obstacle.”

Finding the criticisms regarding the long waiting periods in visa applications justified, Ploß stated that this process should not deter travel. He conveyed that special improvements are planned for strategic countries such as Türkiye.

“I have been to Türkiye, but I have not been to Antalya yet.”

Stating that he has visited Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, Christoph Ploß praised Turkish cuisine and hospitality. We, as GM, conveyed our invitation to the coordinator, who said that he had not seen Antalya yet, to be a guest of honor at the Antalya Tourism Fair on October 22. Ploß gladly took note of this invitation.

️ GM Special Note:

We hope that tourism ties between Germany and Türkiye will further strengthen in the new period. Mr. Christoph Ploß's openness and cooperative approach in the first days of his tenure is a valuable start for the industry.