Business and cultural links between Bristol and its twin city Hanover are being strengthened this week as officials from the German city and a team of international journalists visit the West.
The Mayor of Hanover, Frau Regine Kramarek, is among the delegation, having arrived at Bristol Airport on Monday on the inaugural flight by bmi between the two cities.
She was greeted on the aircraft steps by Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Peter Main and Chairman of North Somerset Council Cllr Alan McMurray. Frau Regine Kramarek along with business leaders from Hanover and the international journalists have since visited a number of tourist attractions, including the M-Shed, and businesses.
Flights to Munich also started on Monday, while frequency on the recently-established Frankfurt route increased from one to two flights a day.
These bring the number of German routes operated from Bristol Airport by bmi regional to four following the launch of direct flights to Hamburg last month.
To mark this expansion, the airport’s check in area was transformed into a traditional German market with passengers invited to find out more about the destinations and pick up some freebies courtesy of their respective tourist boards.
Bristol Airport aviation director Shaun Browne said: “It is exciting to see these vital European destinations served once again from Bristol Airport. Each city has much to offer both business and leisure passengers, and the new routes represent a great opportunity for the local tourism economy to tap into new overseas markets.
“The visit of the delegation from Hanover demonstrates the positive role direct flights can play in fostering business and cultural links between cities.”
A daily service to Milan’s Malpensa Airport was also launched from Bristol Airport this week by bmi, strengthening links with Italy, Low cost rival Ryanair already flies from Bristol to nearby Bergamo.
