First Week with the New German Tourism Coordinator

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

It is a truly exciting and important task. Because in Germany, the tourism sector is both very valuable in terms of its economic contribution, and it is also an area that connects different cultures and countries. For this reason, we as the federal government have made it very clear: We want to support tourism in Germany and around the world.

Germany: The Tourism Factory of the World?

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

Yes, definitely important. People getting to know other countries and cultures changes their perspective 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 Turkey has become one of the most important travel destinations for Germans. This increases mutual understanding. We also welcome our guests from Turkey to Germany. Not only because of the people of Turkish origin living here, but also because they get to know the beauties of Germany.

Tourism Strategy and the Government's Plan

So what will happen in German tourism going forward? What are the government's plans in the new period?

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

Visa Process: It Should Be Easier

It is especially difficult to get a visa to Germany from Turkey. You have to wait 3-4 months even for an appointment. Will there be an improvement in this regard?

Yes, we want to facilitate 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 Turkey.

Turkey Experience

Have you been to Turkey before?

Yes, I have been to Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Wonderful people, great food… I loved Turkish cuisine. It is a very hospitable culture. I also have many Turkish-origin friends and acquaintances 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 like to see you as the 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 AFTERWARDS INTERVIEW SUMMARY

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

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

“This task is a great responsibility, but it is just as inspiring.”

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

“Turkey is one of the most valuable destinations for Germans.”

Ploß stated that Germans love Turkey and that this increases mutual cultural understanding, and also said that they want visitors from Turkey to Germany to get to know the beauties of the country.

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

In the new legislative period, reducing the air transport tax, reducing bureaucracy and creating a national tourism strategy together with sector representatives are on the agenda. “We want to make Germany-Turkey flights more attractive,” said Ploß, stating that a period of open cooperation has been initiated.

“Visa processes should no longer be an obstacle.”

Ploß, who found the criticisms regarding the long waiting times in visa applications justified, stated that this process should not discourage travel. He conveyed that special improvements are planned for strategic countries such as Turkey.

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

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

️ GM Special Note:

We hope that tourism ties between Germany and Turkey will be further strengthened in the new period. The openness and willingness to cooperate shown by Mr. Christoph Ploß in the first days of his tenure is a valuable start for the sector.