Greetings to the Dresden 2024 travel trade fair
Barbara Klepsch
Saxon Minister of State for Culture and Tourism

Dear trade fair visitors and exhibitors,
Saxony's tourism industry can look back on a good year in 2023. The Saxons' desire to travel is unbroken, and the yearning for new destinations has perhaps even grown. And so I am delighted to welcome you back to the travel trade fair in Dresden this year and I am sure that there will once again be plenty of new things to discover at this year's trade fair. Not only in the wider world, but also in our wonderful travel destination of Saxony.
2023 was not only the first "post-corona year" in terms of tourism. No one could predict how the pandemic would affect travel behavior in the medium term. Will German destinations remain on trend or will people be increasingly drawn abroad again? It was not to be expected that we would be able to immediately build on the record results of 2019. However, the Saxon tourism industry is already very well positioned again in 2023, with over 8 million arrivals and over 20 million overnight stays expected, thus reaching the level of 2018.
As the Ministry of Tourism, we have used the past year to discuss the future of tourism in Saxony with the industry - companies, associations and stakeholders - and to jointly develop a master plan that offers a coordinated and binding vision for the future for all tourism professionals in Saxony. The focus will be on topics that concern the industry such as skilled workers, digitalization, mobility, year-round tourism and sustainability.
At the same time, we are aware that the challenges are great. But I am confident. Saxony's hosts are known for their great commitment and wealth of ideas. I am very grateful to all those who work tirelessly every single day and ensure that Saxony has such an attractive tourism offering. Tourism achieves a great deal in Saxony and is of great value as an economic factor and for the quality of life here in the Free State.
This strength is reflected in the figures for 2023 and makes me optimistic for the future. Saxony has a lot to offer in competition with destinations in Germany and worldwide - and our companies can impressively demonstrate this at this trade fair. As Minister of Culture and Tourism, I am happy to play my part in convincing as many people as possible to come to our wonderful Free State to enjoy culture and nature.
Now I wish you wonderful inspiration for your next trip at this trade fair!
Yours
Barbara Klepsch
Saxon State Minister for Culture and Tourism