Strong Post-Pandemic Recovery for German Tourism from the GCC
Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), commented on this positive development. “We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic,” she stated during the press conference at ATM 2025. “These figures underscore Germany’s increasing post-pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025.”
Enhanced Connectivity and Diverse Offerings
Sofo further highlighted the ease of travel between the GCC and Germany. “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,” she added.
Lufthansa Group: Official Carrier Connecting GCC and Germany
Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, expressed pride in their partnership with the German National Tourist Board as the official carrier. “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,” Monreal said. He also noted the German hospitality offered onboard Lufthansa and their value airline, Eurowings. Eurowings has been expanding its direct connections from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah to various German cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Hanover since 2023, catering to the increasing demand for diverse German destinations. The Lufthansa Group airlines will offer over 120 weekly connections between the GCC and Germany starting from October 2025. Monreal also emphasized the user-friendly booking experience through their award-winning apps.
Exploring Germany’s Cultural and Natural Highlights
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is actively promoting Germany’s diverse attractions through various marketing campaigns. “Cultureland Germany” showcases the country’s rich cultural scene, including art, design, and music, as well as historically significant sites. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, and numerous events commemorating the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death.
The “Embrace German Nature” campaign highlights Germany’s UNESCO natural world Heritage Sites, biosphere reserves, national parks, and nature parks, all easily accessible via hiking and cycling trails.
Focus on Sustainable Travel
The “Simply Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany” campaign raises awareness about the fragility of ecosystems and promotes Germany’s 20 sustainably certified regions and cities, along with over 1,540 sustainably certified accommodations and 350 spa and health resorts.
Celebrating the Enchanting German Fairy Tale Route
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the German Fairy Tale Route, a 600 km scenic journey connecting around 70 locations that bring famous fairy tales to life, such as Rapunzel’s tower and Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
Innovative Digital Experiences with AI Travel Companion Emma
Germany’s digitalisation campaign features Emma, a state-of-the-art AI travel companion designed to showcase top destinations through innovative travel experiences. The #EmmaTravelsGermany initiative blends technology and culture to position Germany as a leading destination for modern travelers.
Larger German Presence at ATM 2025
Germany has a significantly larger presence at ATM this year, with 27 co-exhibitors/participants covering 135 square meters at Stand number EU5150 in the Europe Hall. ATM 2025 is taking place from April 28th to May 1st.
