Virtual, Digital, and Live – The Year of Tourism 2021

The 2021 tourism season also faces unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that there will be no major trade shows or conferences in the region during the first half of the year, few to no international visitors, and no concerts or large-scale events. Reason enough for Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH to present the numerous highlights and offerings of the Hannover Holiday Region virtually, digitally, and—as soon as possible—in person. With its cycling, hiking, and nature experiences, combined with the cultural and culinary offerings of a major city, Hannover is the perfect destination for a city break after the lockdown.

Hans Nolte, Managing Director of HMTG: “Participating in digital formats allows us to showcase Hannover to the world even amid the current restrictions. By using our own digital marketing tools across various channels and participating in digital trade shows and workshops, we can stay in touch with our customers and partners. This builds directly on our activities and positive experiences from last year.” 

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH will kick off the virtual presentation of the Hannover Holiday Region at IMM Germany (International Media Marketplace) on February 23–24, 2021. Around 120 journalists have registered so far for this media networking event for the travel industry. During one-on-one meetings with editors and influencers, Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH plans to discuss post-restart activities and trips.

ITB, the leading trade fair for the global tourism industry, is launching ITB NOW from March 9–12—its first-ever digital platform for connecting with the global travel industry. Scheduled networking events and an interactive marketplace offer a variety of formats and broad access to the latest developments and news from the tourism industry. HMTG is leveraging these diverse opportunities to showcase the products and advantages of the destination in both the leisure and business sectors. At the trade fair special “ITB Congress,” the digital trade fair and congress destination will virtually showcase its venue and conference facilities through e-magazines and immersive 360° panoramas. Currently, around 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world have registered.

At the same time, the Berlin Travel Festival, a relatively new platform, is also taking place online. New perspectives on travel, as well as environmental and social responsibility, are central to the festival’s philosophy—and these are precisely the themes that HMTG addresses with “Hannover Living.” The initiative introduces a young audience to the city’s diverse neighborhoods, offers tips on local dining and sustainable shopping, and features graffiti tours.

From April 27–29, HMTG will also be participating in the virtualGTM Germany Travel Mart™ 2021. The largest incoming tourism event for Germany as a travel destination offers the opportunity to showcase Hannover to approximately 450 high-profile international buyers and tour operators from 27 markets in Europe and overseas.

© HMTG

Restarting Leisure and Independent Travel

The custom-designed experience packages offer unique live experiences with the necessary safety measures, allowing for free cancellation or rebooking up to seven days before the start of the trip. HMTG is currently seeing increased demand for tourist destinations in the Holiday Region. Steinhuder Meer, the Deister, and the Adventure Zoo are particularly popular with families and couples. As was the case last year, inquiries from independent travelers are primarily coming from northern Germany. The “Discover Hannover” package, featuring a guided tour, a visit to the Herrenhausen Gardens, and a city tour, offers first-time visitors to Hannover a perfect overview. Hotel stays combined with a visit to Marienburg Castle or a bike tour to the Deister also make for the perfect city break with a touch of nature.