Bracing for an eventful year, Germany expects to welcome over 2.7 million spectators in stadiums and an additional 7 million for public viewings during the upcoming 2024 UEFA Football Championship.

With less than four months to go before the commencement of 2024 UEFA European Football Championship on June 14, Germany is preparing for a significant influx of visitors, notably international tourists.

According to a press statement by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the country expects to welcome over 2.7 million spectators in stadiums and an additional 7 million for public viewings.

Beyond sports fans, Germany is also targetting other visitors from India with a variety of attractions ranging from unspoiled landscapes to authentic culinary delights, urban attractions to historical sites. Indian visitors can immerse themselves in off-the-beaten-path locations and experiences, it says.

GNTO says it is extending an open invitation for explorers seeking inspiration this summer, whilst aligning with its sustainably focussed narrative, ‘Germany Simply Inspiring’.

The statement adds that in anticipation of this major sporting event, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is channelling global attention towards the host cities and the rich array of attractions in nearby regions. An integral part of this strategy involves providing accessible, comprehensive information about the host cities to facilitate travel plans.

GNTO says that for art-loving travellers, this year is special as it is celebrating 250th birth anniversary of renowned 17th-century artist, Caspar David Friedrich. It adds that visitors eager to trace his works can visit the chalk cliffs on Rügen Island and the Zittau Mountains which are but a few destinations echoing his artistic spirit. His timeless message of embracing nature’s beauty resonates today, encouraging a slower, more mindful travel experience amid a world increasingly valuing sustainability and reconnecting with nature.

“Under the narrative ‘Germany Simply Inspiring,’ the country aims to highlight its positive image amongst the Indian audience whilst promoting travel tips. Germany not only stands as a leading travel destination but also harbours a rich artistic heritage depicted vividly in architectural marvels and the works of Caspar David Friedrich. His allegorical landscapes captivate with contemplative figures set against dramatic natural backdrops, reflecting his deep connection with nature,” says Romit Theophilus, Director of Marketing and Sales Office, India at the GNTO.

Theophilus also emphasises on sustainable aspects across several tourism segments throughout the country be it in the city or the countryside. In honour of Friedrich’s 250th birthday, which is next year, there will be an extensive programme of events in his hometown Greifswald, the statement adds.

It says that visitors can embark on picturesque road trips that wind through Germany’s breath-taking landscapes, offering laid-back explorations. Enthusiasts can traverse treetop trails, discover standing stones, explore silver mines, or savour the allure of the fish-route. This leisurely mode of exploration caters to families and offers delightful experiences along the way, presenting various travel routes and scenic options for every preference.