Bundesverband der Deutschen Tourismuswirtschaft (BTW)

About the BTW

Who we are and what we stand for

Can you feel it? An evening with friends at your favorite Italian restaurant? Wanderlust for countries and cultures with smells that are completely new to you? Walking on the Baltic Sea beach during a storm? A family outing to an amusement park? Tomato juice above the clouds or the view of the mountains from your hotel room? We, the tourism industry, create these experiences. Our common goal is to offer millions of customers unique experiences that enrich our lives. At the same time, as an industry, we create many jobs and added value, connect cultures and promote international understanding, provide public living rooms and passionate service providers.

Our industry is diverse, cosmopolitan, and a strong economic pillar—both worldwide and in Germany. As the umbrella organization for the German tourism industry, we at BTW advocate for the necessary and appropriate political framework in dialogue with the government and parliament, as well as with the public. Our work as an umbrella organization focuses on the common, overarching interests and needs of one of the most economically significant industries in Germany: our businesses generate around 4 percent of the value added in this country. Almost 3 million people work in tourism in Germany alone. The tourism industry is on a par economically with sectors such as the automotive industry and mechanical engineering.