Greetings to the Dresden 2025 travel trade fair

Dear trade fair
visitors and exhibitors,

Saxony's tourism industry can look back on an eventful but successful 2024. The Saxons' wanderlust remains unbroken, and their longing for new travel destinations has perhaps even grown. I am therefore delighted to welcome you back to the travel fair in Dresden this year and am sure that there will be plenty of new things to discover once again. Not only in the wider world, but also in our wonderful travel destination of Saxony.

The Saxon tourism industry is once again in a very good position in 2024, with an estimated 8 million arrivals and almost 20 million overnight stays, almost reaching pre-coronavirus levels. We at the Ministry of Tourism have used the past year to work with the industry—companies, associations, and stakeholders—to develop concrete plans for the further development of tourism in Saxony. We will focus on issues that are important to the tourism industry, such as skilled workers, digitalization, mobility, year-round tourism, and sustainability, with targeted measures.

The industry still needs support, because the challenges are great. Nevertheless, I am confident about the year 2025. Saxony's hosts are known for their great commitment and inventiveness. In order for them to be able to use this potential for their guests, they need the right framework conditions. I am committed to this both in Saxony and in federal politics.

Tourism is important. It is a strong economic factor, creates jobs, and contributes significantly to the quality of life of our residents. Saxony has a lot to offer in competition with other destinations in Germany and worldwide—and our companies will impressively demonstrate this at this trade fair. Of course, I can well understand the desire to discover the world. But there are also many beautiful destinations in Saxony. The close connection between unique nature and diverse culture is hard to find anywhere else. With Chemnitz as the Capital of Culture, we have a very special highlight to offer this year. There are many cultural tourism highlights on the program, not only in the city itself but also in the surrounding area.

Let yourself be inspired by these and the many other travel opportunities on your tour of the fair and enjoy the anticipation of your next vacation—perhaps this time with a destination in the Free State of Saxony.

Yours

Barbara Klepsch
Saxon State Minister for Culture and Tourism