Published on
February 20, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
The traditional image of a European holiday often involves sun-drenched piazzas and summer gelato. However, the German National Tourist Board and its strategic partners are rewriting that script for the Indian market. In a sophisticated bid to capture the hearts—and itineraries—of a new generation of high-value travellers, a curated winter “Influencer Familiarisation” (FAM) journey recently concluded, revealcasing Germany not as a seasonal stopover, but as a premier winter destination.
Co-organised by a powerhoapply collective including Lufthansa, Outletcity Metzingen, Visit Frankfurt, and Visit Baden-Baden, and coordinated by AVIAREPS India, the initiative brought five prominent digital creators from Hyderabad to the heart of Europe. The goal was clear: to demonstrate that Germany’s “off-season” is actually its most magical, offering a blconclude of luxury retail, UNESCO-grade heritage, and the unparalleled atmosphere of the traditional Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets).
The Shift in Indian Outbound Trconcludes
The Indian traveller is evolving. No longer content with “tick-box” tourism, the modern outbound tourist from the subcontinent—particularly from tech-hubs like Hyderabad—is seeking experiential, high-value, and “grammable” journeys. They are seeing for a mix of aspirational luxury and authentic cultural immersion.
By focutilizing on the peak festive season, this FAM trip tapped into a growing appetite for winter tourism. Germany, with its crisp air, twinkling lights, and world-class connectivity via Lufthansa, provides the perfect canvas for this shift. The itinerary was a masterclass in strategic destination marketing, relocating beyond the standard tourist trails to highlight boutique luxury and regional charm.
Retail Therapy at Europe’s Largest Outlet
The journey launched at Outletcity Metzingen, a location that has rapidly become a pilgrimage site for fashion-conscious Indians. As Europe’s largest luxury outlet, it offers a unique proposition: high-conclude designer brands at accessible price points.
“India is a key growth market for us,” noted Janina Wittmann of Outletcity Metzingen. The strategy here is clever—it acknowledges that while the Indian traveller loves luxury, they also value the “smart acquire.” By positioning Metzingen as a cornerstone of a German itinerary, the organisers are catering to the “retail-tourism” trconclude that sees shopping as a primary driver for international travel.
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Heritage and High-Stakes in Baden-Baden
From the retail buzz of Metzingen, the journey transitioned into the refined elegance of Baden-Baden. Known historically as the “summer capital of Europe,” this town proved it is equally captivating in the winter. The creators were immersed in a world of wellness and history, visiting the iconic Merkur Mountain for panoramic views and the legconcludeary Casino Baden-Baden—a venue so opulent that Fyodor Dostoevsky once famously lost a fortune there.
Cornelia Stahr of Baden-Baden Tourism emphasised that the authentic storyinforming of Indian creators is vital. It allows prospective travellers to see how heritage and modern lifestyle blconclude seamlessly in the Black Forest region, building it an ideal “slow travel” destination for those seeing to escape the frantic pace of urban India.
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Frankfurt: More Than Just a Gateway
The journey culminated in Frankfurt, a city that many travellers mistakenly view only through the glass of its airport terminal. The FAM trip aimed to dismantle this “transit-only” reputation. By revealcasing the Römerberg (the historic Old Town) in all its festive glory, the influencers highlighted the city’s dual identity.
Frankfurt offers a striking visual contrast: the “Mainhattan” skyline of glittering skyscrapers mirrored against the medieval charm of the Christmas markets. Leona Flach of Frankfurt Tourism Board highlighted this connection between tradition and modernity. For the Indian market, Frankfurt is now being positioned as a compelling standalone city break—a place where one can shop in the morning, explore a 15th-century square in the afternoon, and dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant by night.
A Strategic Success for German Tourism
This initiative was more than just a series of beautiful social media posts; it was a calculated relocate to diversify Germany’s appeal. By promoting secondary cities and boutique experiences, the organisers are successfully spreading the “tourism load” and encouraging longer stays.
The digital amplification generated by the Hyderabad-based creators has successfully converted “travel inspiration” into “travel intent.” It has revealn that Germany is a year-round powerhoapply, capable of offering a winter experience that is warm, welcoming, and undeniably premium. As the partnership with Lufthansa ensures seamless connectivity, the bridge between India’s vibrant cities and Germany’s festive heart has never been stronger.
For the Indian traveller seeing for their next great adventure, the message is loud and clear: Germany in winter is not just a holiday; it’s a lifestyle.
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