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Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE tourists account for 30% of Gulf visitors to Germany: National Tourist Office GCC
DUBAI: Tourists from the United Arab Emirates, including both citizens and residents, account for between 25 and 30 percent of all Gulf visitors to Germany, representing the largest share among GCC countries. Yamina Sofo, Director of the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 that Germany's participation in this year's exhibition features a broad representation of 27 exhibitors from across the tourism sector. These include destinations such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich, as well as hotels of various categories, medical centres, destination management companies, and luxury shopping outlets. She emphasised the significance of the GCC market to Germany's tourism sector, particularly the UAE, noting that around half a million visitors from the GCC travelled to Germany in 2024, generating 1.2 million overnight stays. This reflects continued growth and increasing demand for German destinations. Sofo anticipated a stronger performance in 2025 and beyond, supported by enhanced air connectivity, notably the launch of a new route between Abu Dhabi and Berlin by Eurowings – the first direct connection between the two capitals. Jens Ihsen, Managinf Director of Visit Düsseldorf, said the city's tourism strategy is focused on attracting visitors from GCC countries. Düsseldorf ranks as the third most-visited German destination for Gulf tourists, after Munich and Frankfurt. He added that the UAE accounted for the largest share of visitors to Düsseldorf, which offers a blend of medical and leisure tourism, and is known as a welcoming destination for families and lovers of culture and the arts. Gulf tourists are also the highest spenders in Düsseldorf, with the average visitor spending around €900 per day, followed by markets such as China. Ihsen affirmed that sustainability remains a top priority for the city, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2035, strengthening its position as a responsible tourism destination. He also highlighted the significance of Arabian Travel Market as a platform for showcasing tourism potential and building partnerships, particularly in the areas of medical tourism, conferences and preventive healthcare, which are of growing interest to regional visitors.
Daily Tribune
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Germany sees GCC visitor growth in 2024
TDT| Dubai Germany recorded strong growth in visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2024, with a 1.2 percent year-on-year increase and a 21 percent jump compared to 2022, officials announced during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) revealed that over 489,000 GCC nationals visited Germany last year, contributing to more than 1.2 million overnight stays. Direct flights linking GCC cities to major German hubs like Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Hamburg have played a significant role in making Germany more accessible to regional travellers. Yamina Sofo, Director at GNTO GCC, said Germany's appeal to Gulf visitors continues to grow thanks to its cultural diversity, natural attractions, and enhanced connectivity. 'Germany has witnessed considerable growth from the GCC region post-pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2025,' she said. Strengthening this trend, Lufthansa Group Airlines announced an expansion of its services to Germany, with over 120 direct connections per week from the GCC set to begin in October 2025. Lufthansa's Senior Director of Sales for the Middle East, Luis Monreal, noted that increased demand has led to new routes through airlines like Eurowings, offering more direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah to German cities beyond Frankfurt and Munich. Germany is also stepping up its tourism campaigns this year. Cultural attractions are in the spotlight under the 'Cultureland Germany' initiative, featuring destinations such as Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025. In parallel, the 'Embrace German Nature' campaign promotes the country's UNESCO-protected natural reserves and scenic hiking trails, while the 'Simply Feel Good' campaign focuses on sustainable travel options, highlighting Germany's 20 sustainably certified regions and cities. Celebrations also mark the 50th anniversary of the German Fairy Tale Route, a 600-kilometre scenic trail connecting around 70 locations tied to famous fairy tales such as Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. Additionally, Germany's digital push was unveiled with 'Emma', an AI-powered travel companion designed to guide visitors and enhance their experience through personalised digital interaction. Germany's increased presence at ATM this year includes 27 co-exhibitors occupying 135 square metres, reflecting the country's growing efforts to attract more Middle East travellers.
