German Tourism Board Allows Crypto Payments For Its Services 🚨 This article is 7 years old...
German Tourism Board Allows Crypto Payments For Its Services
2 min read
Updated: Mar. 24, 2020 at 6:55 am UTC
Photo by Björn Grochla on Unsplash
In a move to promote innovation within an otherwise low-lying industry, the German National Tourism Board (GNTB) has recently announced the incorporation of crypto assets into its framework for regular service payments.
The GNTB announced that travelers, both local and international, now have full freedom to pay for their sojourns in Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies through any of their 32 offices spread across the globe.
While this move in itself is quite radical, the GNTB has further announced the implementation of various blockchain technologies to streamline its governance as part of its “medium term” plan.
Petra Hedorfer, Chairman of the Tourism Board, further added:
“We have further expanded our leading position as a business travel destination, as a trade fair location and as a convention destination. Furthermore, Germany is booming on the international market as a holiday destination.”
Since blockchain technology is offering a complete overhaul of the existing payment and transfer setups being used worldwide, many government establishments have started to take note of this change and are adapting accordingly.
The GNTB is no different – it aims to deploy crypto platforms to facilitate international payments so that travelers can save on time as well as unwanted added expenses.
The Backstory
Tourism in Germany continues to remain dormant, with the country only bringing in 600 more people this year as compared to 2016. In the same breath, the Asian tourist market seems to have blossomed tremendously within the past decade.
Countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam are now becoming go-to destinations since they offer fantastic holiday experiences at really affordable rates.
However, the GNTB is now rebranding itself and is promoting Germany from a perspective that combines its vibrant historical and cultural identity.
The tourism board has developed strategies that will enable connoisseurs of classical art, architecture, and music to experience the European powerhouse in all her glory and magnificence.
On its website, the GNTB also mentions that it will work with local travel companies, merchants, and other organizations to market itself more efficiently and open itself up to foreign travelers looking to explore Germany and Europe.
Looking Ahead
With nations like Switzerland, the Netherlands adopting a friendly stance towards cryptocurrencies and blockchain innovations, it is becoming clear that this revolution is seeping into diverse domains of everyday life across the globe.
Even in Germany, the Federal Finance Ministry recently announced that Bitcoin is not a taxable entity when being used for payments. The notice also recognizes the crypto asset as a legitimate legal currency.
Since a majority of crypto holders lie between the ages of 20 and 40, melding tourism with digital currencies is not only a welcome move but also a brilliant one.
