Contiki Puts The Spotlight on Europe, Germany

It was a social media night – #ContikiGermany – as travel media and bloggers got together with Contiki and the German National Tourist Office during a trade event at Otto’s Berlin Doner in Toronto, highlighted by German cuisine and beer and the scoop on Contiki’s 2016 European program.

The program, designed for travellers 18-35, is now available for booking and features 102 unique itineraries in 105 cities. Eight new tours were introduced, including journeys in Iceland and the Balkans. In keeping with the theme of the night, Germany is a featured destination in 63 of Contiki’s itineraries.

“Most of our top sellers go through Germany,” Contiki president Brad Ford told PressToday. “Germany has been outstanding for us. You don’t realize what it has to offer until you actually go there. There’s so much to see and do.”

Ford noted that hot trends for Contiki include adventure and experiential travel, which is coming across in tours booked.
For agents, Ford noted that Contiki is still taking applications for its Dec. 2-8 Europe Christmas Market Fam. The trip is free with agents only having to pay for their airfare. Applications can be sent [email protected] up until Oct. 15.

Also on hand for the evening event was Antje Splettstoesser, director of marketing & sales, Canada, German National Tourist Office, who noted that Germany is seeing an increase in visitors and is once again a “hot” destination to visit. She told PressToday that the biggest increase in numbers is coming from the Millennial market and added Germany is popular because it’s affordable and safe.

Pictured at the event are (l-r) Sheralyn Berry (Contiki), Splettstoesser, Ford, and Lauren Howard (Contiki).