The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in Dubai, the local affiliate of the German National Tourism Board, is looking to boost tourist arrivals from the Gulf region through its new tourism campaign, highlighting the country's top sights.

The GCC is one of the top 20 source markets for Germany and the third largest non-European source market, after China and US. In 2016, Germany ranked top among GCC travellers, even ahead of UK, Turkey and France.

Every year, the GNTB conducts an international survey asking visitors to name their favourite places in Germany. From the more than 32.000 votes from travellers of more than 60 nations, GNTB has compiled a list of the country's Top 100 sights.

The list includes:

1. Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg – the world’s biggest model railway exhibition
2. Europa-Park, Rust
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
4. Lake Constance with Mainau Island
5. Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
6. Old quarter of Dresden, with Zwinger palace, Semper Opera and Cathedral
7. Heidelberg Castle and old quarter of the city
8. Phantasialand
9. Hellabrunn Zoo Munich
10. The picturesque Moselle Valley

Other popular tourist attractions are listed on the GNTB’s website and the Top 100 sights can also be downloaded as an app to help visitors discover all the treasures Germany has to offer.

Highlighting the potential of German leisure tourism, Sigrid de Mazieres, director of the GNTO for the Gulf countries, said: “Since January 2018, we are experiencing growing demand from the Gulf region and overnight stays from Gulf nationals in Germany increased in comparison to the same period last year.:

"Those contemplating to travel to Europe for their summer vacation can be assured that “Destination Germany” ticks all the boxes. No matter if nature and recreation are high on the agenda, or shopping in one of our vibrant cities like Hamburg, Cologne or Berlin, travellers will be amazed by the country’s vast touristic diversity, while being offered great value for money," she said.

In 2017, international visitor numbers reached record heights, further exemplifying Germany’s attractiveness as a destination of choice for tourists worldwide.  According to the Federal Statistical Office, there were 83.9 million international overnight stays recorded in accommodation establishments with at least 10 beds. For the eighth consecutive year, the number of visitors to Germany in 2017 reached record levels, showing a 3.6 per cent increase overall to 2016. - TradeArabia News Service