Tourists from the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the leading source of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors to Germany, accounting for up to 30 percent of the region’s arrivals, according to officials at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025.
Yamina Sofo, Director of the German National Tourist Office GCC, confirmed that UAE citizens and residents made up the largest share of Gulf tourists to Germany in 2024. The country welcomed nearly half a million visitors from the GCC last year, generating 1.2 million overnight stays—a figure expected to rise in 2025 with the expansion of air links, including a new direct route between Abu Dhabi and Berlin.
Germany’s presence at ATM 2025 features 27 exhibitors showcasing key destinations such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Munich. The lineup includes hotels, medical centres, luxury shopping outlets, and destination management companies, underscoring the broad appeal of German tourism for Gulf travellers.
Jens Ihsen, Managing Director of Visit Düsseldorf, highlighted that the UAE is the top source market for his city, which ranks third among German destinations for Gulf visitors. Known for blending leisure and medical tourism, Düsseldorf attracts high-spending travellers, with Gulf tourists averaging €900 in daily expenditure—more than any other group.
Ihsen also stressed the city’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035. He noted that events like ATM play a vital role in fostering partnerships in sectors such as medical tourism and preventive healthcare, which continue to gain traction among regional travellers.
With growing demand, enhanced connectivity, and focused marketing, Germany is positioning itself as a top destination for UAE and GCC tourists in the year ahead.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
