Overnight stays by visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Germany rose steadily to 1.2 million in 2025, up 9% from the previous year, according to the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC).
GCC travellers spent
€3 billion ($3.5 billion) in Germany last year, more than 30% above the average expenditure of
overseas visitors.
The figures were
announced during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market
(ATM) 2026 in Dubai, where Germany is promoting its year-round tourism
offering.
Yamina Sofo, Director
of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, said: “We have now witnessed
steady growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries as well as a
considerable increase in travel expenditure from 2022 to 2025.
“However, after a
promising start in January 2026, when overnight stays increased by 4.7% to
68,455, the remainder of the first half of the year saw some moderation in
overnight stays from the GCC. This reflects the exceptional disruption to air
traffic across the Gulf during the period, which understandably affected
passenger flows and direct travel to Germany. Even so, the figures continue to
underline Germany’s enduring appeal among GCC travellers and the resilience of
demand from the region.
“This year at ATM, we
are here to showcase Germany’s year-round appeal, support our local partners
and highlight the breadth of experiences available to GCC travellers. The GCC
remains Germany’s third strongest overseas market, and we are confident that there
will be a swift recovery when flight schedules return to normal, particularly
with so much pent-up demand.”
Germany’s presence at
ATM includes Visit Berlin, Lufthansa Group, Value Retail Management, Munich
Airport and Studiosus Incoming, highlighting the country’s connectivity and
range of tourism experiences.
Munich Airport is also
strengthening its focus on Middle Eastern travellers with the opening of its
new 95,000-square-metre Terminal 1 Pier.
The facility can
accommodate up to six million additional passengers and will primarily serve
airlines operating between Munich and the region.
Around 1.6 million
passengers travelled between Munich and Gulf destinations in 2025, representing
18% of the airport’s long-haul traffic. Munich is currently connected to 15
destinations across 10 MENA countries by 15 airlines.
The Bavarian-Arab
Society has also opened an office at Munich Airport to provide Arab travellers
with a dedicated point of contact and personalised support.
“Together with the
German National Tourist Board, Munich Airport remains committed to
strengthening connectivity, hospitality, and cultural ties between Germany and
the Arab world, while positioning Germany and Bavaria as a premier destination
for family, leisure, medical, and luxury travel,” said Corinna Born, Director
International Media Relations at Munich Airport.
Germany’s 2026–2027
tourism campaigns will promote sustainable travel, nature, culture, gastronomy
and seasonal experiences. Campaigns include Simply Feel Good, Next Stop: Travel
Destination Germany, Culinary Germany, Family & Friends in Nature and Season’s
Greetings from Germany.
Major cultural events
will also feature, including the 150th anniversary of the Wagner Festival in
Bayreuth, BTHVN 2027 marking 200 years since Beethoven’s death, documenta 16 in
Kassel and IGA 2027 in the Ruhr region.
The initiatives aim to
reinforce Germany’s position as a diverse, year-round destination for GCC
travellers, combining cultural attractions, outdoor experiences, gastronomy,
sustainability and strong air connectivity. -TradeArabia News Service