GCC visitors to generate 3.6m overnight stays in Germany

Taking into consideration the importance of the GCC market to Germany, the German National Tourist Board, GNTB, has announced that it will be showcasing a range of key destinations at Arabian Travel Market, ATM, 2019, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28th April to 1st May.

According to the latest forecast from the GNTB, GCC nationals visiting Germany are expected to grow to 3.6 million overnight stays by 2030, compared with 1.8 million guest nights from Gulf nationals recorded in 2018, with key markets being UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The forecast increase is being attributed to the collective efforts of all German Tourism stakeholders identifying and accommodating the travel requirements of GCC nationals, not to mention the excellent connectivity provided through flights from the GCC to Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Berlin. In Germany’s hospitality and retail sectors, it is common to meet Arabic speaking staff, familiar with Islamic culture and tradition. Hotels offer copies of the Quran and prayer mats on demand, connecting family rooms, plus restaurants serving halal food are easy to find.

The GCC market is Germany’s third-largest non-European source market behind China and the US and is important for Germany. GCC travellers tend to stay an average of 11 nights and spend on average $5,300 per person per trip, significantly more than other international travellers.

Underscoring the relevance of ATM to ‘Destination Germany’, Sigrid de Mazieres, Director for the Gulf countries at the German National Tourist Office, GNTO, an affiliate of GNTB, commented, “ATM presents us with an ideal opportunity to showcase our wide-ranging tourism offering from dynamic cities to breathtaking countryside with fairytale castles, lush forests and mountains. In addition, there are great family attractions, excellent shopping centres and superb sightseeing opportunities - visitors will be fascinated by the incredible diversity that Germany has to offer.” Participants from Germany partnering with the GNTB this year include the ‘Hotel Palace Berlin’; ‘Frankfurt Tourist and Congress Board’; ‘Baden-Baden Tourism Board’; ‘OUTLETCITY METZINGEN’, the State Tourist Board SouthWest-Germany (Baden-Württemberg Tourismus) and the Black Forest Highlands (Hochschwarzwald Tourismus).

The GNTB’s tourism partners covering local tourist boards, luxury hotels, hospitality, retail, spas and theme parks, each has its own unique proposition, whether spring, summer, autumn or winter, emphasising that Germany is a diverse and unique all year-round travel destination.

Germany’s attraction as a destination of choice for tourists, is further illustrated by the number of visitors recorded in 2018. Last year, Germany’s inbound tourism figures reached record levels for the ninth year in a row. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, there were 88 million international overnight stays recorded (in accommodation establishments with at least ten beds) – an increase of 5% compared with 2017.

According to IPK World Travel Monitor’s annual survey, in 2017, Germany was the top ranked country among European tourists for cultural trips and with 13.1 million inbound business travellers from Europe, it ranked number one as a business destination in 2018.  

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) will be at ATM 2019 stand no. EU5930.

Nora Waggershauser, CEO of the Baden-Baden Tourism Board said, “As the “European capital of living culture”, Baden-Baden is looking forward to welcoming its Arab guests this upcoming summer. Beautifully located at the foothills of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden’s rich culture and heritage combines both relaxation and excitement in a unique way.”

Christian Gross, Director of Incoming, Sales & Marketing, Convention Bureau, Touristinformation Centres & Services of Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH said,“Casting all of the Black Forest clichés of the Cuckoo Clock, Black Forest Gateau and the Bollenhut Hat aside, the region offers sunny peaks, glittering lakes, dark forests, deep gorges and roaring waterfalls and is therefore the perfect hide-away to calm down and take some deep breaths of the fresh mountain air at the heart of an idyllic natural setting.”

Michael Frenzel, General Manager, Hotel Palace Berlin said, “Hotel Palace Berlin offers everything a traveler is looking for in the heart of Berlin: luxurious shopping close by, fantastic culinary options including a beef only restaurant, a spa including an indoor pool and a Club Floor level for more privacy.” Christina Gobil, Head of Sales & Tourism, OUTLETCITY METZINGEN said, “We are thrilled about our latest rating as Europe’s No 1 Outlet, which is motivating us especially for our big expansion plan. Starting in 2019, we will enlarge our sales area by 30% of our previous area and welcome numerous premium and luxury brands and Hugo Boss will open its worldwide biggest flagship outlet store.  The headquarters of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) are in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Agencies