Latest news with #DiscoverEuropeTravelSummitmeetsMarhaba2025
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Spain welcomes over 200,000 visitors from UAE in 2024
Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, including both Emirati nationals and residents, stated Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, reported WAM. He noted that this figure reflects an increase of approximately 17% compared to 2023, signalling a continued gradual recovery in tourist movement between the two countries following the pandemic years. Speaking to the media during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, González highlighted that the spending levels of tourists from the UAE, and the Gulf region in general, surpass the average spending of tourists globally. He pointed out that visitors from the UAE and the broader GCC are among the highest spenders, with the average expenditure per tourist estimated at around €3,000 per trip, roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who make up the majority of Spain's visitors. González further explained that about 90% of Spain's tourists come from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France. However, spending by GCC visitors significantly exceeds that of other tourists. González emphasised that Spanish interest in the region, particularly in the UAE, is steadily increasing, despite the fact that most Spaniards traditionally spend their holidays within Spain or in neighbouring European countries. He underscored the growing importance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism, both in terms of visitor numbers and visitor quality.
Hi Dubai
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Spain Sees 17% Rise in UAE Visitors in 2024
Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year. The growth reflects a steady recovery in tourism between Spain and the UAE, as travel resumes following the pandemic. Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, shared the news during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, held in Dubai. He highlighted that the UAE, alongside the broader Gulf region, is one of Spain's top sources of high-spending tourists, with an average expenditure of €3,000 per visit—nearly double that of European tourists. While Europe remains the dominant source of Spain's visitors, with the UK, Germany, and France leading the way, González noted that the spending habits of GCC tourists far outstrip those of their European counterparts. This significant economic impact positions the UAE as a key player in Spain's tourism strategy. González also observed that Spanish interest in the UAE is on the rise. Traditionally, most Spaniards vacation within Spain or in nearby European countries, but the appeal of the GCC market is growing, especially in the UAE. Looking ahead, González expressed confidence in the region's potential for further tourism growth. He concluded, 'We are committed to further developing our relations in the region and believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years.' News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Spain welcomes over 200,000 visitors from UAE in 2024
Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, announced that Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, including both Emirati nationals and residents. He noted that this figure reflects an increase of approximately 17% compared to 2023, signalling a continued gradual recovery in tourist movement between the two countries following the pandemic years. Speaking to the media during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, which concluded on Saturday in Dubai, González highlighted that the spending levels of tourists from the UAE, and the Gulf region in general, surpass the average spending of tourists globally. He pointed out that visitors from the UAE and the broader GCC are among the highest spenders, with the average expenditure per tourist estimated at around €3,000 per trip, roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who make up the majority of Spain's visitors. González further explained that about 90% of Spain's tourists come from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France. However, spending by GCC visitors significantly exceeds that of other tourists. González emphasised that Spanish interest in the region, particularly in the UAE, is steadily increasing, despite the fact that most Spaniards traditionally spend their holidays within Spain or in neighbouring European countries. He underscored the growing importance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism, both in terms of visitor numbers and visitor concluded, "We are committed to further developing our relations in the region. We believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years." WAM
Al Etihad
27-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Austrian Minister praises UAE for its values of excellence, global openness
27 Apr 2025 17:12 DUBAI (WAM)Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister of Labour and Economy of Austria, praised the UAE for its values of excellence and global openness, which he experienced during his recent during the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025 event, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, he stated, "From the UAE, I learned two essential things: a steadfast commitment to excellence and a spirit of global openness, qualities that we need to further strengthen in Austria."The Austrian minister emphasised that his visit was not limited to forging economic partnerships but also served as a journey of learning and highlighted the remarkable hospitality he received, noting that Austria and the UAE share joint values. This shared spirit, he added, forms a solid foundation for strengthening economic relations. Currently, trade between Austria and the UAE stands at approximately 1 billion euros, with ambitions to expand it further in the near 2024, Austria welcomed around 146,800 tourists from the UAE, who spent a total of 447 overnight stays during their Minister stressed the importance of encouraging more Austrian tourists to visit the UAE and attracting even greater numbers of Emirati tourists to also pointed out that Austria's foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UAE amounted to around 12.339 million euros in also indicated that his visit to the UAE reflects Austria's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, especially given the many commonalities between the two nations, whether in terms of geographic size, population, or shared further explained that areas of collaboration include energy, particularly renewable energy, and construction, with leading Austrian companies actively participating in major projects across the also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, as well as pharmaceutical and medical industries. He emphasised the importance of free trade agreements, stressing the Austrian government's support for the launch of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the UAE.
Hi Dubai
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Europe Unites in Dubai: Travel Giants Join Forces for Discover Europe Travel Summit Meets Marhaba 2025
Austria Tourism, Atout France Middle East, the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO), and the Spanish Tourist Office are collaborating for the first time to launch Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025 in Dubai, taking place on 25–26 April. This landmark event will bring together 130 tourism suppliers from Austria, France, Germany, and Spain, offering GCC, Levant, and Indian travel professionals access to 5,720 pre-scheduled meetings across two days. The summit serves as a key networking platform for destination marketing organisations, DMCs, hospitality providers, and transport specialists to forge long-term partnerships with 150 qualified buyers. Each participating country brings unique appeal for GCC travellers. Austria continues to attract visitors with its alpine landscapes and cultural cities. Michael Tauschmann of Austria Tourism said the summit is ideal for promoting authentic experiences in lesser-known regions. France remains a favourite for its landmarks, shopping, and luxury experiences. Atout France Middle East's Maulin Dominique sees the summit as a chance to strengthen ties and showcase high-end offerings. Germany is known for its heritage, green spaces, and efficient infrastructure. Yamina Sofo of GNTO GCC highlighted the opportunity to promote wellness and family-oriented travel. Spain's cultural vibrancy and geographic diversity continue to resonate with the region. Carlos Ruiz González of the Spanish Tourist Office noted the summit's role in deepening Spain's presence in this strategic market. By joining forces, the four tourism boards underscore Europe's shared vision of delivering world-class, year-round travel experiences—making this summit a powerful driver for regional travel collaboration and growth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
