Kuwaiti tourists visiting Germany have doubled; 40,000 visas in '23
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 30: The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kuwait Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz revealed that the consular section issued over 40,000 visas in 2023, indicating that, 'We may reach the same number this year.' In a statement to reporters during the promotional exhibition hosted by the German National Tourism Office for the Gulf States at his residence, the ambassador indicated that this figure does not reflect the actual number of Kuwaiti tourists, as many hold multiple-entry Schengen visas from other European countries. He stressed that Germany is a popular travel destination, and the embassy organizes this exhibition annually to promote travel to Germany and showcase new attractions.
Ambassador Hans-Christian acknowledged that it can be challenging for Kuwaitis to learn about Germany's tourism offerings in just one hour, but he highlighted their commitment to making this information accessible. He explained that the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Germany has doubled for various reasons, including investment, tourism, and medical care. Despite the existing academic cooperation between the two countries, students are often hesitant to study in Germany, primarily due to the requirement to master the German language. Although approximately 40 percent of programs offer bachelor's and master's degrees in English, this language barrier remains a challenge. To address this, more German language instructors will be recruited to Kuwait, something that can be expedited through cooperation between the two countries in this area. Studies in Germany are mostly practical than theory, as students often work in companies to gain hands-on skills. This practical focus is essential for Kuwait's development in nonoil sectors.
Studies
German universities participate in educational exhibitions in Kuwait, but the educational system in Germany expects students to be self-reliant. This self-directed learning is intended to equip students with real-life experience beyond just a university degree. Also, university education in Germany is free for all students, regardless of nationality, with only accommodation and food costs to cover. Ambassador Hans-Christian said, 'Our approach to university education promotes independence, allowing students to choose their paths and learn autonomously, which is reflected in their assessments.' Regarding the interest of German companies in Kuwait projects, Ambassador Hans-Christian stated that these companies are actively monitoring Kuwaiti offers to identify opportunities that align with their interests.
On health cooperation with Germany, he emphasized that German clinics and the healthcare sector have long been recognized for their excellent reputation. The ambassador highlighted the availability of specialized clinics that provide comprehensive patient check-ups and accurate diagnoses, along with tailored recommendations for treatment. He also highlighted the existence of renowned rehabilitation clinics, explaining that treatment visas can be issued for extended periods depending on the nature of the treatment. In terms of security cooperation between the two countries, he expressed optimism, revealing that they are currently preparing a memorandum of understanding in this area, which is set to be signed soon. In addition, the Director of Marketing and Sales at the German National Tourism Office for the Gulf States Yamina Sofo revealed that they are collaborating with specialized travel agencies to highlight the beauty of Germany's tourist areas to travelers from Kuwait. She affirmed that Germany offers a wealth of attractions for Kuwaiti tourists, including archaeological sites, cultural heritage areas, shopping malls, and luxury hotels available year-round.
Sofo highlighted their efforts to introduce Kuwaiti tourists to German regions that many have yet to explore, indicating that there are currently no direct flights from Kuwait to Germany, but travelers can fly via Qatar, the Emirates, or Istanbul. She reported that approximately 1.3 million Gulf tourists visited Germany in 2023, marking a 15 percent increase compared to 2022. While the numbers were promising up until mid-year, she said statistics from last summer have not yet been released. Nevertheless, Germany has consistently remained a favored destination for Gulf tourists.
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