Hanover for Bus Groups

Baroque garden design, a Neo-Gothic castle, “Afi Mountain,” and the Amazon

Hanover Showcases Its Unique Mix at the RDA Workshop in Cologne! Hanover Marketing and Tourism GmbH (HMTG) will be presenting itself alongside the Erlebnis-Zoo, the Herrenhausen Gardens, and Marienburg Castle at the RDA Workshop in Cologne from July 5 to 7, 2016.

The RDA Workshop is considered the largest industry gathering for companies across the entire European coach travel market. It is organized by the “RDA International Coach Tourism Association” – which has approximately 3,000 member companies and affiliated associations in more than 40 countries and over 70 sectors.

New town hall — New City Hall overlooking Human Rights Square, formerly Trammplatz.

“Planning for the 2017 tourism season is already in full swing—highlights such as Afi Mountain and Amazonien, as well as the International Fireworks Competition and the IdeenExpo, are already generating excitement. And thanks in no small part to its central location, the Hanover region is an excellent destination for day trips,” explains Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of HMTG. For the 2017 program, HMTG has worked with its partners to put together a diverse range of offerings, including guided tours, all-inclusive packages, events, and Hannover highlights. A comprehensive brochure featuring all the offerings, as well as a dedicated website for bus tour operators, summarizes the various travel opportunities.

Summer Residences of the Guelphs

For 123 years, the kings of Hanover ruled the British Empire, thereby shaping world history. The Guelphs, Europe’s oldest princely dynasty, have also left numerous traces in the city and region of Hanover. The Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover have been world-famous—and not just since U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit in April. More than half a million visitors enjoy the charm of the Great Garden each year. During the summer months, the Great Garden provides a stunning backdrop for a diverse program of events. Among them is the International Fireworks Competition, which is also featured in the itineraries of many bus tour operators. On five dates from May through September, world-renowned teams of pyrotechnicians present top-class musical fireworks displays.
The authentically preserved summer residence of the Guelphs, Marienburg Castle, is one of Germany’s most significant neo-Gothic architectural monuments. The romantic castle is located about 20 kilometers south of Hanover and enchants visitors with its varied facades, diverse tower and roof shapes, and elaborate interior design. Classic guided tours through the historic castle rooms and the special exhibition “The Path to the Crown” round out the offerings.

Zambesi River Boat Ride at Hannover Adventure Zoo — Hannover Adventure Zoo

Amazon Panorama at the Zoo

With the Panorama at the Zoo, a new highlight will open in Hanover in late summer 2017. The specially constructed rotunda will initially showcase the 360° panoramic mural *AMAZONIA* by artist Yadegar Asisi, which spans 30 x 100 meters and four levels. Like a clearing in the forest, the view from the visitor platform opens up far into the Amazon landscape: to the treetops of gigantic rainforest trees, fascinating plants in every shade of green, and numerous animals native to the region. Here, visitors can explore the rainforest from various perspectives—right down to sloths in the trees or parrots in the treetops. As early as mid-2017, the new themed area “Afi Mountain” will open at the Erlebnis-Zoo: passing by the chimpanzee enclosure, through a lush wet savanna with a waterfall and massive baobabs, the path winds its way deep into the rainforest. A group of endangered drills lives here in peaceful coexistence with lively vervet monkeys. Just a few meters further on, the polyphonic chirping of colorful parrots, sabre-billed stints, stilts, crocodile watchers, and fork-tailed ravens welcomes visitors and accompanies them all the way to the mountaintop, the imposing Gorilla Mountain.

Preview of the VPR VIP Gathering 2017

The VPR (International Association of Tour Operators)’s annual kickoff event will take place for the first time next year from February 2–4 in Hanover. Approximately 400 representatives from the bus and group tourism industries are expected to attend interesting workshops and an informative supporting program.

Latest overnight stay figures

Between January and April, the Lower Saxony State Statistical Office recorded a total of 719,902 overnight stays for the state capital, representing a 3.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. A total of 1,190,858 overnight stays were recorded for the Hanover region, an increase of 1.1 percent compared to 2015. This marks a continuation of the growth trend following the record year of 2015, which saw 3,866,030 overnight stays in the Hanover region.

“However, with Brexit, we face a major challenge in the tourism sector over the next few years, as many experts expect the British pound to depreciate, and the UK is an important source market for us,” Nolte points out. Personalized mailings, press releases, and a campaign focusing on tourism and the economy in the UK are currently being planned and implemented.

Photos and text for editorial use are available in our press section at: www.hannover.de/presse-hmtg.

Published: July 5, 2016