Dubai Career Diary

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has announced a significant 15% increase in travellers from the GCC region, with a total of 1,297,256 overnight stays recorded in 2023.

A Regional Leader in Tourism
The GCC region has solidified its position as one of the top three markets for arrivals, alongside the US and China. This growth is a testament to Germany’s enduring appeal among GCC travellers, with the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and sustainability efforts making it a top destination.

Marketing Efforts Pay Off
Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), attributes the increase to the continuous marketing campaigns across both B2B and B2C channels. “We are delighted to witness our destination maintaining its position as a top choice for travellers from this region,” Sofo said.

Capitalizing on Euro 2024
For 2024, the aim is to capitalize on Euro 2024, positioning Germany as an all-year-round holiday destination and encouraging longer stays. This initiative will be supported by increased flights, with over 200 operating from GCC to Germany, including direct flights from Munich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Berlin, and Hamburg.

New Flight Additions
New flight additions this year include routes from Doha to Hamburg by Qatar Airways and from Manama to Munich by Gulf Air, as well as more routes by Eurowings and Flynas.

Germany’s warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and exclusive retail opportunities will continue to enhance the visitor experience, making it an attractive destination for GCC travellers in 2024.