Latest news with #GermanNationalTouristOffice
Gulf Today
04-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Germany considers 5-year multiple entry Schengen visa for UAE residents
Yamina Soufou, Director of Marketing and Sales at the German National Tourist Office for the GCC, revealed that Germany is considering granting five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas to residents of the UAE, particularly those who have visited the country multiple times, aiming to address the high demand for travel from the UAE to Germany. Speaking to Al Khaleej newspaper on the sidelines of Germany's 10th participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Soufou said, "We are facing significant demand from UAE residents for Schengen visas. We have proposed granting frequent travelers to Germany a five-year multiple-entry visa, similar to what is offered to GCC citizens, and we hope this will be announced soon.' Soufou added that over 10,000 Schengen visas were issued to UAE residents in the first quarter of 2025. In 2024, more than 36,000 visas were issued to UAE residents, marking a 26% increase compared to 2023. She emphasised that tourists from the UAE rank first among GCC countries, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Germany concludes strong ATM 2025 presence with sustainability at the forefront
Dubai: The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) GCC concluded a highly successful showing at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reinforcing Germany's commitment to the Gulf region and underlining the growing appeal of its culturally immersive and sustainable travel experiences. The German pavilion at ATM featured 27 co-exhibitors, covering 135 square metres of the Europe Hall. Representatives from German destinations, hotels, airports, airlines, healthcare partners, retail and travel service providers held numerous meetings with regional travel agents, tour operators, and media professionals over the four-day event, strengthening bilateral tourism ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration. Germany's participation showcased various offerings through its leading campaigns: Cultureland Germany, Simply Feel Good, and Embrace German Nature. These initiatives spotlighted Germany's world-renowned cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, eco-certified travel options, and its alignment with GCC travel preferences, including Arabic-language services, Halal-friendly dining, family attractions, and wellness experiences. In 2024, the number of visitors from the GCC to Germany reached over 489,689, reflecting a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2 per cent and a significant rise of 21 per cent compared to total visitor numbers in 2022. This growth demonstrates the ongoing appeal of Germany as a preferred destination for Gulf travellers and highlights the effectiveness of GNTO's targeted regional engagement and marketing strategies. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC, said: "Arabian Travel Market is an essential platform for engaging with our regional partners and understanding the evolving expectations of travellers from the GCC. Germany is seeing sustained growth in this market, and we are committed to offering experiences that combine authenticity, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. From vibrant city breaks to peaceful natural escapes, Germany continues to meet the needs of GCC families, couples, and explorers alike." The German delegation also highlighted the country's strong air connectivity, with direct flights from multiple GCC hubs to German cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich and Stuttgart. This ease of access and tailored hospitality continue to position Germany as a preferred European destination for Gulf travellers. A highlight of GNTO's participation was the announcement of the Sustainability Media Award 2024, revealed during its press conference on the opening day of ATM. This award is part of a global initiative by the German National Tourist Board that recognises outstanding journalism covering sustainable travel in Germany. First introduced in the GCC in 2023, the award has since grown in scope and impact, encouraging local media to highlight the importance of environmental awareness within the tourism sector. This year's submissions were evaluated under the supervision of the Emirates Environmental Group, with a jury of three sustainability experts assessing entries based on journalistic quality, originality, research depth, and the broader societal impact of their messages. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group – Dubai, commented: "Sustainability is not a trend but a necessity. It is a way of life that we must all embrace, especially in how we travel. Initiatives like the Sustainability Media Award play a vital role in encouraging the media to champion this message and inspire travellers to make conscious choices that help protect our environment." Imad Saad, Sustainability and Climate Change Expert and Head of the Jury, said: "This year's entries were rich in content and insight. Each one contributed meaningfully to the public conversation around sustainable tourism. Using engaging storytelling and well-researched perspectives, these journalists help readers understand the value and impact of responsible travel practices." Building on the award's success momentum, GNTO will continue promoting sustainable tourism as a core part of its international outreach. Yamina Sofo added: "The Sustainability Media Award reflects our long-term commitment to inspiring responsible travel and supporting meaningful environmental storytelling. By recognising outstanding media coverage, we are empowering local voices to drive change and highlight how sustainable choices can shape a better future for travel and beyond." As 2025 progresses, Germany will continue to highlight unique offerings through seasonal promotions, cultural events, and digital innovations like the AI-powered virtual travel assistant Emma. These efforts will further personalise the travel experience for GCC audiences while strongly focusing on Sustainability and cultural authenticity. For more information about destination Germany and to plan your trip, visit: About the GNTB The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) works on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to represent Germany as a tourist destination and is funded by the Ministry in accordance with a decision taken by the German Bundestag. Working closely with the German travel industry and private-sector partners and trade associations, the GNTB develops strategies and marketing campaigns to promote Germany's positive image abroad as a travel destination and to encourage tourists to visit the country. The GNTB's primary strategic areas of action are: Conducting targeted market research and analysis of market-specific customer demand in relation to various aspects of travel in the context of sustainability and culture among those with values-based lifestyles. Supporting the travel industry, which is dominated by small and medium-sized businesses, through relationship management and the sharing of knowledge. Raising awareness of the Destination Germany brand and enhancing the brand profile with a focus on sustainability and climate change mitigation. Focus on sustainability and digitalisation The GNTB promotes forward-looking tourism in line with the objectives of the German government. The focus here is on sustainability and digitalisation. To make inbound tourism more sustainable and competitive, our organisation follows a three-pillar strategy that combines the sharing of knowledge with external partners and a supporting communications strategy with our internal sustainability initiative. The GNTB positions Germany as a sustainable and inclusive destination in the international travel market. The GNTB is a pioneer when it comes to using immersive technologies (virtual, augmented and mixed reality), voice assistants and other conversational interfaces, and artificial intelligence applications such as chatbots. To ensure that tourism offerings are visible on AI-based marketing platforms, the GNTB coordinates the German tourism industry's open-data/knowledge graph project. The GNTB has 19 foreign agencies that it manages from its head office in Frankfurt. Follow GNTO's accounts on social media: For further information and media queries, please contact: Bashar Antoun | Director of PR | Neo Social & PR germany@ |
Trade Arabia
27-03-2025
- Trade Arabia
Germany reveals sustainable holiday experiences
Whether exploring peaceful nature reserves, cycling through historic towns, or relaxing in heritage hotels committed to green living, Germany provides something for every eco-conscious traveller. Experience Germany's Car-Free Holiday Islands For those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty, Germany's car-free islands offer a rare escape from modern noise. The island of Juist, a narrow strip in the North Sea, replaces taxis with horse-drawn carriages, creating a serene, storybook atmosphere. Likewise, Heligoland, Germany's only offshore island, bans bicycles to preserve its peace and pace. Other serene sanctuaries like Baltrum, Spiekeroog, and Hiddensee welcome visitors with sand dunes, panoramic walks, and timeless charm ideal for family-friendly, slow-travel holidays. Sustainable Cities and Green Urban Mobility Germany's cities are leading the way in sustainable living, offering eco-conscious ways to explore urban life. In Karlsruhe, e-bikes glide through scenic nature reserves on the 48-km NaturRADtour, while Lübeck's e-boat experiences drift silently past UNESCO-listed architecture. In the Upper Black Forest, nature park restaurants combine local foraging with regional cuisine, and Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains uses electric trains and biogas buses to connect travellers with breathtaking mountain trails, which are all free for overnight guests through the Harz holiday ticket (HATIX). Water Adventures with a Light Footprint Germany serves as a playground for water enthusiasts with more than 12,000 lakes and 15,000 rivers. Sustainable canoeing and kayaking tours on the Müritz, Danube, Lahn, or Isar rivers offer moments of calm and connection with unspoiled landscapes. Adventurous visitors can enjoy canyoning in the Bavarian Alps or eco-conscious rafting in Oberstdorf or Bad Tölz, while families may prefer serene water hikes through the lakes of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. E-Bike Discovery Tours for All Ages Cycling has long been a beloved activity in Germany, and it is now easier than ever to explore the country's diverse landscapes thanks to a growing network of e-bike-friendly routes. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) spotlights seven exclusive e-bike trails, offering visitors a sustainable and effortless way to discover the beauty of Germany. Whether cycling around the Bavarian Sea (Lake Chiemsee), navigating the Northern Black Forest, or tracing the Danube Cycle Path, these routes provide curated experiences enhanced by nature, culture, and sustainability. Particularly unique is the Prima Climate Tour in the Swabian Alb, where travellers encounter solar panels, wind turbines, and a biogas plant on their way to Rottenburg's historic town centre. Sustainability at the Core of German Tourism Germany continues to set benchmarks in sustainable travel. The country ranks 4th in the 2024 UN SDG Index, reinforcing its leadership in climate action and sustainable development. The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is also a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) member, aligning its strategy with international sustainability standards. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, stated, 'Sustainability is no longer a niche and is more of a necessity. We've seen growing interest from GCC travellers who are mindful of the environment but still seek enriching experiences. We offer a diverse portfolio of destinations and activities where they can explore nature, culture, and history, all while contributing positively to the planet.' From boutique eco-hotels and forest spas to electric mobility and culinary adventures using local ingredients, 'Simply Feel Good' presents Germany as a sustainable haven catering to conscious, comfort-seeking travellers. More than 2,100 certified accommodations and many TourCert-certified destinations across Germany ensure that every journey—whether urban or off-grid—aligns with sustainability goals, hospitality, and quality.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
No Hula-Hooping, no peeing in the ocean: 11 rules that might surprise travelers
In Venice's historic center, thou shalt not do a lot of things. No eating or drinking outside restaurants, cafes or bars in St. Mark's Square. No feeding the pigeons or seagulls, pedaling or carrying a bike, or wading or swimming in the canals. It's not a rule, but the residents also ask visitors to kindly refrain from loudly rolling their luggage over the bridges. Venice is but one of many tourist destinations around the world restricting seemingly harmless behaviors by legal decree or codes of conduct. The point of such ordinances is not to rain on your fun but rather to preserve historic infrastructure or landmarks, ensure public health and safety, or protect the community peace. Flout the rules and you could do more than just irk the residents: You could end up paying hundreds of dollars in fines. In Florence, a law forbids people from eating and drinking on the street in select locations during peak meal times. Snack on a porchetta panini in the wrong place at the wrong time and risk a ticket, according to Debra Levinson, founder and owner of Mr. & Mrs. Italy, a tour operator. The more minor regulations are not always widely-known or clearly displayed. If you don't see signage, ask a tour guide or hotel concierge, or pick up cues from the locals. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' Levinson said. 'Look around. Do you see people sitting on the Spanish Steps?' That violation can get you into some trouble. Enforcement might be lax, but the law is the law. So follow these rules, no matter how peculiar they may seem. - - - In Spain, the ocean is not a loo In Spain, some beachy destinations prohibit swimmers from treating the sea or sand like a giant toilet bowl. In May 2021, the town of Vigo enacted a ban on 'physiological evacuation in the sea or on the beach,' finable by about $785, according to Spain's tourism office in New York. Málaga, on Costa del Sol, has a similar law against public tinkling, in addition to rules banning such recreational activities as juggling a soccer ball or playing paddle tennis during peak summer months. - - - Don't run out of gas on the Autobahn On Germany's Autobahn, driving fast is allowed; running out of gas is not. Cars are not allowed to stop on the side of the super-speedy thoroughfare for avoidable reasons, such as an empty tank. Also, passing on the right can result in hefty fees. 'It's considered dangerous because drivers expect overtaking to happen on the left side,' said German National Tourist Office spokesperson Liv Boeing. - - - Clog ban on Capri On the ritzy Italian island of Capri, clogs are footwear non grata, but not because they are a fashion crime. On the cobblestone streets, the clunky wooden shoes can sound like a stampede of wild horses. 'This is more of a historic regulation than a widely enforced law,' Levinson said, 'though the noise nuisance aspect is real.' Also in the Italian shoe department: For precipitous cliffside treks, Cinque Terre National Park requires 'clothing and equipment appropriate to the degree of difficulty of the routes undertaken,' according to the park's bylaws. Translation: no flip-flops or sandals that show off your pedi. The dress code requires 'closed shoes, with sculpted and non-slip soles, preferably waterproof and covering the ankle.' In Greece, high heels are not welcome at ancient landmarks, such as the Acropolis, Parthenon and Epidaurus Theatre. The spiky shoes can damage the fragile flooring. - - - No building sandcastles in Italy The small Italian beach town of Eraclea, in the Venice area, discourages beachgoers from building sandcastles, because it considers them potential obstructions. Levinson said enforcement is more about maintaining beach access than issuing fines. - - - Ditch the giant Hula-Hoop in Vegas Even though Fremont Street's pedestrian mall resembles a circus, the Las Vegas City Council does not permit such cirque contraptions as unicycles or Hula-Hoops wider than 4 feet. However, the more common 3-foot hip-swingers are allowed. - - - Leave the seashells on Sardinia's seashore On the Italian island of Sardinia, beachcombing is a no-no. Visitors can face up to about $3,100 in fines for pocketing sand, pebbles, stones or shells. Transportation officials will check passengers' bags for the pilfered goods. An activist group called Robbed and Plundered Sardinia estimates that visitors abscond with about five tons of organic material each year. 'Enforcement has increased,' Levinson said, 'and airport officials actively inspect for contraband sand.' Getting busted for sand thieving is pricey: around $530 to $3,100. - - - Coin limits in Canada In Canada, if you want to lighten your coin purse by paying in change, the law says not so fast. The Currency Act limits how many coins you can use per purchase, such as $10 on denominations between 10 cents and $1. Overall, you can't exceed 20 toonies ($2 coins) or 25 loonies ($1) in a single payment. The Public Behaviour Bylaw in Calgary covers the usual bad behaviors, such as fighting and spitting, plus a restriction on the placement of feet in public places. They don't belong on tables, benches, planters or sculptures. The price for putting your tootsies on the outdoor furniture? Up to about $200 in fines. - - - In Singapore, flush after using Singapore is known for its decorum rules, such as no spitting or chewing gum. Add to the list having to flush after using a public toilet. If you skip the final step, you could face a penalty of up to about $110 for a first offense, plus a max of about $30 for each day your transgression remains in the bowl. To tackle 'table littering,' the National Environment Agency requires diners at food courts, coffee shops and 'hawker centers,' an open-air complex of stalls, to clear their trays and dishes. Leaving trash could result in a warning or fine. - - - No stashing cloudberries in Norway In Norway, you can pick cloudberries, the Nordic fruit that resembles salmon roe, in 'open country.' Landowners in three counties - Nordland, Troms and Finnmark - can forbid foraging on their property unless you consume the berries 'on the spot,' according to the Norwegian Environment Agency. - - - Banish the condiments in Uruguay If you're looking to sprinkle salt or squirt mayo or ketchup on your restaurant meal, you won't find it. As part of a health movement, the capital city of Montevideo banned dining establishments from setting out the high-sodium condiments. - - - Go naked or go home in Germany Rostock, Germany, recently announced new regulations for its nudist beaches, requiring beachgoers to wear their full birthday suits - no swimwear allowed. The public order office will enforce the rules, which the city hopes will ease tensions between naturists and clothed sunbathers. Boeing, the German tourism spokesperson, said violators will not face fines but will be asked to leave the nudist areas if they refuse to strip down.
