The year 2010 marked for Germany a booming year for inbound tourism from the Gulf, according to the recent data released by the World Travel Monitor/IPK International.

With a total number of 307,000 travels from the region, Germany positioned itself as the number one destination in Europe for Gulf Arabs. For the first time, Germany surpassed the other European countries in the share of trips, out of the registered 1,261,000 travels from Arabs to Europe in 2010.

Another trend regarding inbound tourism from Gulf countries to Europe points to an average 12 nights of stay. In addition, German National Tourist Board (GNTB) figures for 2010 showed an impressive increase of 26.4 percent in overnight stays as compared to the 2009 data, with the total number of overnight stays reaching 968,336 last year, a statement from the company said.

“The German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the local affiliate of the GNTB in Dubai always aims at further strengthening throughout the GCC region the international reputation of Germany as a diversified country, offering plenty of attractions to its Arab guests,” said Antje Roeding-Boudier, director, marketing & sales office, GNTO, Dubai.

“Germany not only has vibrant towns and cities, which are a mix of cultural richness and an eventful life but it also offers a vast countryside, and an endless series of breath-taking landscapes. Wellness and medical tourism in Germany is another reason why it is a favourite of GCC and other international travellers,” she added.

Boudier said that excellent flight connections, high-quality infrastructures and hospitality services specifically targeted to visitors coming from GCC countries, have over the years built up Germany’s reputation as preferred destination for inbound tourism from the Arabian Gulf.

“Nevertheless, also the diversified natural scenery, the abundance of greenery and the several shopping opportunities are particularly important when presenting in this region the main features of tourism to Germany,” she said.

GNTO has embarked on a strategy of engaging the GCC travel industry directly in the region through various activities including roadshows and participation in the most important trade fairs and workshops worldwide, the statement said.

In 2011, a roadshow focussing on health-related tourism was held in September and touched Qatar, Kuwait and UAE. Given the increasing relevance of the health and wellness sector in Germany, the GNTB also decided to dedicate an important part of its 2011 marketing campaign to this theme, which so far received a remarkable attention in the entire GCC region, it said. – TradeArabia News Service