The workshop was addressed by Christine Schönhuber, Managing Director, Tourismus Marketing Baden-Wuerttemberg; Pascal Rastetter, Managing Director, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus; and Hector Dsouza, Representative, SouthWest Germany.
Christine Schönhuber delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the region’s diverse tourism offerings. She showcased Stuttgart and its iconic car museums, the cultural and technology hub of Karlsruhe, the romantic castle town of Heidelberg, the enchanting trails of the Black Forest, the scenic Lake Constance with its cross-border views and boat rides, and the many picturesque castles dotting Baden-Württemberg. She noted that the state records nearly 60 million overnight stays annually, with 20% international visitors and 80% domestic travellers.
Pascal Rastetter focused on Karlsruhe’s key attractions, including the Karlsruhe Palace and the upcoming Light Festival 2026, scheduled from August 13 to September 13 at Karlsruhe Castle. He also highlighted the Centre for Art and Media (ZKM), the Doshi Retreat, and the Vitra Campus—renowned for its striking contemporary architecture. Rastetter emphasised the city’s strong hospitality infrastructure, with approximately 8,000 hotel rooms catering to international visitors.
Hector Dsouza spoke about connectivity, booking platforms, and the state’s readiness to cater to modern, luxury, and discerning travellers. He underlined Baden-Württemberg’s product differentiation, reliable transportation, seamless connectivity, and strong accommodation inventory across the region.
The speakers collectively encouraged Indian tour operators to position Baden-Wuerttemberg and Karlsruhe as must-visit and stay destinations for Indian travelers—now ranked among the top five outbound markets globally—particularly during the Spring, Summer, and the festive Christmas Market season.
Following the workshop, delegates attended the ‘Stuttgart Meets Mumbai’ Wine Festival, where they enjoyed a curated selection of wines from Baden-Wuerttemberg, including Riesling, Trollinger, Heinrich, and Lemberger, alongside wines from Nashik. The evening also featured a sumptuous spread of German and Indian cuisine, celebrating cultural and culinary ties between the two regions.
— Hector Dsouza
