Latest news with #YaminaSofo
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@ |
Hi Dubai
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Tourists Make Up 30% of Gulf Visitors to Germany, Says GCC Tourist Office
Tourists from the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the leading source of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors to Germany, accounting for up to 30 percent of the region's arrivals, according to officials at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Yamina Sofo, Director of the German National Tourist Office GCC, confirmed that UAE citizens and residents made up the largest share of Gulf tourists to Germany in 2024. The country welcomed nearly half a million visitors from the GCC last year, generating 1.2 million overnight stays—a figure expected to rise in 2025 with the expansion of air links, including a new direct route between Abu Dhabi and Berlin. Germany's presence at ATM 2025 features 27 exhibitors showcasing key destinations such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Munich. The lineup includes hotels, medical centres, luxury shopping outlets, and destination management companies, underscoring the broad appeal of German tourism for Gulf travellers. Jens Ihsen, Managing Director of Visit Düsseldorf, highlighted that the UAE is the top source market for his city, which ranks third among German destinations for Gulf visitors. Known for blending leisure and medical tourism, Düsseldorf attracts high-spending travellers, with Gulf tourists averaging €900 in daily expenditure—more than any other group. Ihsen also stressed the city's commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035. He noted that events like ATM play a vital role in fostering partnerships in sectors such as medical tourism and preventive healthcare, which continue to gain traction among regional travellers. With growing demand, enhanced connectivity, and focused marketing, Germany is positioning itself as a top destination for UAE and GCC tourists in the year ahead. News Source: Emirates News Agency
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.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC visitor numbers to Germany grow to over 489,689 in 2024
The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) announced that GCC visitors to Germany have grown steadily to over 489,689 in 2024, a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2% and a 21% increase when compared with the total visitor numbers in 2022. The announcement was made during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, 'We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic. 'These figures underscore Germany's increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025. With direct flights from the GCC countries to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg, this year we want to encourage GCC residents to visit Germany and experience our diverse year-round tourism offering.' Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, commented: 'Lufthansa Group is proud to team up this year with the DZT as their official carrier. We connect the GCC with Germany nonstop since 1960 with its flights to Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa and Eurowings offer both to our passengers German hospitality already on board. Lufthansa, as a premium carrier, offers stable and year-round connections to Frankfurt and Munich from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam. Our value-airline Eurowings is expanding substantially since 2023 in the GCC by offering more direct connections to other German such as Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hanover. They meet their GCC customers much closer to their homes as they offer departures also from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The strong increase in demand for these new routes show that we cater to the need to reach different cities in all parts of Germany. Starting from October 2025, the Lufthansa Group airlines will offer over 120 connections per week between the GCC and Germany. The comfort and travel experience with the Lufthansa Group airlines starts already while booking the ticket via our award-winning apps, that accompany each passenger during the whole trip.' In addition to connectivity, the GNTB has also unveiled a series of marketing campaigns and special themes. Cultureland Germany, as the name suggests, highlights Germany's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, from art, to design, or music, Germany offers a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country. 2025 also marks the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, with dozens of events lined up to commemorate his life and music. Embrace German Nature is promoting its three UNESCO natural world Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 104 nature parks, all of which can be easily explored along hiking routes and cycle paths. The GNTB's Simply Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign is focused on Germany's natural landscapes, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities with over 1,540 sustainably certified accommodation establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. One special theme this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the German Fairy Tale Route. Spanning 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, this scenic route connects around 70 locations, including Rapunzel's tower and the castle where Sleeping Beauty slept for 100 years, bringing fairy tales to life. Additionally, Germany's digitalisation campaign, featuring Emma – the new state-of-the-art AI travel companion – shines a spotlight on the country's top destinations through innovative travel experiences. The #EmmaTravelsGermany initiative seamlessly blends technology with culture, positioning Germany as a must-visit destination for modern travellers. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
