THE German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the local affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) in Dubai recently concluded its road show “Dallal fi Almania” (“Feel Good in Germany”)  across several GCC countries.

“Figures for travellers from the Arab Gulf states are increasing at a faster rate than ever; with this, the GCC countries continue to represent one of the top twenty source markets in the German tourism industry,” said Antje Roeding-Boudier, director of the marketing and sales office of the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in the Gulf region.

According to statistics from the Federal Statistical Office, overnight stays by travellers from the GCC totalled 1,216,490 in the first eleven months of 2012. This equates to an impressive increase of 27.7 per cent compared with the same period of the previous year. Moreover, visitors from this region are particularly high spenders: according to IPK International’s World Travel Monitor, their average spending on a trip to Germany was €3,850 ($4,977) in 2011. By comparison, the average for visitors from Europe was €511 ($660).

“Given the family-oriented demand characterising this important region, the GNTO and its partners aimed at providing with this year’s workshop theme a more detailed view on the multitude of offers that make Germany the ideal holiday destination for Arab families and young travellers,” Roeding-Boudier said.

“For spending a holiday together as an Arab family, Germany is the perfect destination. Visitors of all ages will love going to theme parks, water parks, castles, museums and fun pools, getting close to nature in the national parks, and engaging in active pursuits such as cycling, swimming and walking; moreover, young people will find that travelling to Germany is simple, safe and affordable, and there are lots of special offers. Getting around is quick and easy thanks to the excellent roads and the superb infrastructure for coach and train travel,” she explained.

In total, twenty-two partners, representing the accommodation, attractions, tourism services, transportation and healthcare services sectors in Germany, supported the realisation of the road show “Dallal fi Almania” 2013.  This networking and the informative dialogue established between the German and Arab counterparts continue to be the most appreciated aspects of this successful promotional tool created by GNTO.