Creative Germany is the slogan for a new, young and creative side to Germany as a travel destination. "Germany is traditionally known as the country of poets and philosophers", says Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). But even now, people in our country are still setting trends every day, coming up with innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries of art. The famous 'Made in Germany' label has evolved into a 'Created in Germany' brand. De facto brand ambassadors include popular contemporary painters such as Neo Rauch, Bernhard Heisig, Werner Tübke and Wolfgang Mattheurer, all exponents of the Leipzig School who have made a name for themselves around the world. Germany has also become a magnet for international architects, designers and creators of fashion, and it's pulling in the visitors too. The latest Quality Monitor survey of the German tourism industry shows that 52 per cent of travellers from abroad come to Germany because of its art and cultural scene. At www.germany.travel holidaymakers can find out all about Creative Germany in the categories of architecture, art, design, music, fashion and events. Germany's major cities are the youngest, most innovative and most inspiring places of all. There is so much creativity to discover in places such as Berlin, the buzzing capital and cultural hub, Hamburg, home of the Elbe Philharmonic Hall and of musical life in northern Germany, and Cologne, the city of art on the Rhine.

Five days of art in Cologne

Those who don't just want to admire outstanding works of art – but also perhaps to purchase them – are recommended to visit Art Cologne from 18 to 22 April 2012. In carefully compiled presentations, around 200 international galleries offer an insight into the art of the 20th and 21st century. Few other art fairs can match it in terms of quality and breadth.

2012 Potsdam Dance Festival

This international festival of contemporary dance and performance, which runs from 23 May to 3 June 2012, offers a stage for acclaimed choreographers and companies, up-and-coming talents and new discoveries, and premiere shows and established favourites. The vibrant, dynamic and prestigious world of modern dance and performance is represented in all its many facets here. Workshops for professionals, amateurs and the curious and a family day offer the chance to get better acquainted with dance across a range of genres and styles.

Coburg Design Festival

The 24th edition of the Coburg Design Festival takes place between 5 and 10 June 2012. Courses of study such as integrated product design, architecture, interior design and civil engineering provide the main focus for the event. Insight is given into current student projects and interactive exhibitions, which not only confront visitors with the creative works of young designers but also encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions.

movimentos 2012

For the tenth movimentos festival, Autostadt Wolfsburg once again provides the venue for contemporary dance ensembles, classical, jazz and pop concerts, and dramatised readings and talks. From 10 April to 20 May, a number of artists will be making a welcome return, including the Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui who will be presenting his latest work TeZukA – an homage to Manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Joining a host of other international acts is the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan.

To celebrate 50 years of Italian immigrants in Wolfsburg, this year's festival includes six concerts starring great Italian vocalists such as Salvatore Russo, Stefano Bollani & Enrico Rava and Ludovico Einaudi. To round it all off, rock and pop icon Peter Gabriel will be making a guest appearance at the KraftWerk.

Information about other events is available at www.germany.travel.