German Tourism Association

Since 1902, the German Tourism Association (DTV) has represented the interests of various destination management organisations (DMOs) of the German federal states, regions and cities in Germany. We devise formal positions, initiate projects, facilitate discussions and promote the exchange within the industry.

We are advocating for a new framework structure to future-proof German tourism. Committed to strengthening tourism as an economic driver in Germany, we support the expansion of tourism infrastructure in a needs-based manner, thereby ensuring sustainable quality tourism.

There are approximately 125 members involved in the association. These include state, regional and municipal tourism organisations, and municipal umbrella associations; as well as companies and associations within public transportation, leisure, camping, caravanning, and trade fair sectors. Members contribute by participating in the association’s working groups that address issues such as tourism policy, the future of DMOs, standards and customer orientation.

Bringing together stakeholders from tourism, politics and business, we participate in various organisations where the interests of German tourism are negotiated. We maintain partnerships and cooperations with associations, alliances and companies while also networking and promoting information exchange within the industry at conferences, working groups, seminars and workshops.

The tourism industry is constantly investing in the quality of tourism services. We create the impetus for sustainable and quality-driven tourism, continually develop quality systems and quality tourism stakeholders. For example, we check and evaluate holiday accommodation, certify tourist information (i-Marke) and services (ServiceQualität Deutschland).

As the biggest professional conference of German tourism organisations, the German Tourism Day is the most important networking event of the year. Addressing  representatives of tourism organisations, trade associations, politics and business, it offers the perfect platform to discuss current issues.

Each year, during German Tourism Day, we present the German Tourism Award. In addition, the national innovation award recognises new ideas, honouring forward-looking tourism services and projects across Germany.
 
In various projects in cooperation with partners, we highlight current topics, analyse trends and provide recommendations for action. These include, for example, federal competitions honouring exemplary commitment to environmentally and socially compatible quality tourism that have been carried out in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection as well as the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.