ETW Staff – Mumbai
India has been declared as the second fastest growing market for SouthWest Germany (SWG). Indian visitors to SWG (Baden Wurttemberg) stay for an average of 7.1 days per visit as compared to the average of 2.4 days per visit from other nations. The total number of overnights from India reached 39,488, representing a 34.6 per cent increase for the period January-March 2015 as compared to the same period last year. SWG had 165,000 overnights from India in 2014. Based on the statistics of three months, ending March 2015, India is now the second fastest growing market in percentage terms after China.
The online training programme launched by SWG Tourism at www.going-cuckoo.com recently met with success in India. There are 475 specialists who have completed the training programme, which included frontline staff working with tour operators and travel agents. There are 1500 agents who are registered with the programme, one in three who register are qualified specialists.
At the 2014 Golden Ticket Awards, the ‘Best of the Best’ title was conferred to Europa-Park in Rust, SWG. Europa-Park draws over five million visitors a year and welcomed its 100-millionth visitor in 2014. Divided into 13 European themed areas, with more than 100 attractions and shows, the park boasts of the Gazprom Blue Fire mega coaster, with the highest loop of a launch-coaster in Europe, as well as five themed, luxury hotels. Colosseo, the largest hotel, has a Roman theme. Europa-Park is two hours southwest of Stuttgart.