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News
Germany prepared to welcome GCC visitors
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has revealed that cities across the country are ready to welcome highspending GCC nationals as soon as travel restrictions lift later this year. Therefore, Germany is showcasing its array of attractions and tourism sites at ATM to raise awareness of all that the country, and Berlin, in particular, has to offer. Nature and culture enthusiasts from the GCC countries will find the facets and flair of Germany ideal for exploration. Visitors can discover immersive customs, crafts, local food and drink, culture, architecture and the varied countryside on the doorstep of many German cities. The German capital, Berlin, is also looking forward to welcoming visitors
from across the GCC to discover a reinvented city with a fascinating mix of heritage and innovation. Despite a difficult 12 months, this year has seen many landmark projects launch in the city, such as the opening of the reconstructed city palace – the Humboldt Forum – and the reopening of Berlin’s leading art address – the Neue Nationalgalerie at the Kulturforum. The U5 metro line also has a new section connecting Berlin’s many cultural attractions, while the new international Berlin Airport (BER) is also now open. Under the Berlin Health Excellence Initiative, launched by Visit Berlin in early 2020, the city will also open its doors to medical tourists from the Middle East who come seeking the
medical expertise and cutting-edge services that the city is renowned for. Speaking during the ATM press conference, Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office - Gulf Countries (GNTO), said: “With the success of the national vaccination programmes in the GCC countries, particularly in the UAE, where more than 11.5 million doses have been administered so far, we remain optimistic that the pre-crisis level of incoming travel from the UAE to Germany can be regained by the end of 2022. “It gives us immense pleasure to be here at ATM and to showcase our unique German culture to not only GCC travellers but tourists across the Middle East. We hope to encourage demand for city and nature holidays, coupled with sustainable tourism, which draws attention to the many different ways of discovering Germany with its wide range of traditions and attractions.” Germany is extremely popular with GCC visitors. The country recorded 1.6 million overnight stays from the Gulf region in 2019 and has a goal of reaching 3.6 million overnight stays by 2030. Commenting on Berlin’s readiness for the return of inbound tourism, Burkhard Kieker, Chief Executive Officer, Visit Berlin, said: “Berlin is poised for yet another new start in 2021 – off into the future – when we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the changes to our city, Berlin always
retains an irresistible fascination and a multitude of possibilities – from big-city thrills to unwinding, from adventures to relaxation, and from inspiring culinary adventures to traditional food and drink.” Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management and Market & Media Relations Manager - Asia, Australia, Middle East, Visit Berlin, said: “As a vibrant cosmopolitan city, you can explore living history, internationally renowned museums, unique galleries, UNESCO sites and major historical buildings. “Still, there is also space for waterside activities and the beautiful countryside to discover around the city.” VISIT STAND EU2350
Saudi Arabia reopens its doors as flights resume Saudi Arabia is open for business – that was the clear message at the first session of the Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit, which took place yesterday at ATM. The country’s Vision 2030, a bold plan that aims to attract 100 million visitors to the kingdom annually by 2030, was the focal point. Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Tourism Authority, Fahd Hamidaddin, and other key players fronted an engaged audience on the event’s Global Stage with stunning pictures of the destination as the backdrop. Hamidaddin emphasised that the benefits of the plan would be
far reaching. “I think this is not about tourism,” he said. “This is about the new Saudi Arabia.” He highlighted the kingdom’s varied offerings, including its potential as a winter destination for sustainable travel to the Arabian dunes, a summer escape to the Arabian mountains in the south or the Red Sea in the north and as a cultural trip encompassing sites like AlUla. In a historical move, the kingdom opened its doors for the first time to international tourists in October 2019, prior to the pandemic changing the travel industry and the world. Majed Bin Ayed Alnefaie, Acting CEO at Seera
Jumeirah Al Qasr
Group, the largest travel and tourism group in the MENA region, said that the timing of the crisis inspired a valuable internal interest in the country. “We wish to restart because we now have high demand from domestic travellers looking to explore their country and we are also seeing a lot of interest from international visitors.” Saudia Airlines CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, said that he expected strong demand in domestic travel to be followed by a significant increase in international
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traffic visiting Saudi Arabia. This will be boosted by the new regional hub at Jeddah Airport following the country resuming international flights on May 17. “We foresee demand becoming much bigger and stronger by 2024,” he said. “Don’t be too surprised if you see aircraft purchases being made to meet that demand.” VISIT STAND ME4410, ME4440, ME4408
5/17/21 7:34 PM
