The GCC is one of Germany’s top three overseas source markets
Dubai, UAE – The German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) is geared up to further focus on the GCC with its participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, taking place 16-19May at Dubai World Trade Centre, supported by a delegation of six German partners.
Germany registered 89.9 million overnight stays by international visitors, pre-pandemic, in 2019, and plans to accelerate this further by outlining plans and targeting GCC travellers across its best performing areas, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia with it’s capital Düsseldorf.
GNTB’s participation at ATM will look to dually reinforce the country’s recent efforts to provide a safe travel experience and further position Germany as a leading cultural and sustainable destination.
“The deep cultural and economic ties between Germany and the GCC have seen travellers from across the region explore the country’s offering year after year, and while the recent pandemic has stalled travel plans, regional travellers’ appetite to visit Germany’s cultural sites, national parks and urban destinations remains unabated,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB.
“ATM is an ideal platform to communicate and engage with our wider stakeholders in person, as well as strengthen crucial relationships with trade partners and media visiting the region’s leading industry-specific exhibition.”
The country’s tourism body will lead a strong delegation of German representatives from Baden-Baden Tourism Board, the official representative for the city; visitBerlin, the official tourism and convention office for the capital of Germany; OutletCity Metzingen, the outlet shopping destination in southern Germany; Munich Airport VIP services; Munich Tourism Office; the official tourism office of the Bavarian capital, and Studiosus Incoming, the[SY1] touristic service group based in Munich.
Ralf Ostendorf, visitBerlin’s Director Market Management & Media Relations, commented: “Our main aim at ATM 2021 is to build regional awareness of the German capital and secure updated market knowledge from B2B partners. We have direct links to Berlin through the GCC and we’re hoping to develop these even further as restrictions ease and travel increases.”
Outletcity Metzingen’s Sales and Tourism Manager, Angela Rieger added: “The GCC is in our top five global source markets and we’re looking forward to welcoming travellers back to enjoy our luxury brands in exclusive outlet shopping with up to 70 per cent discount and tax-free shopping. Prior to the pandemic, we received 4.2 million visitors from around 185 countries per year and we’re hopeful those numbers will return in-line with ease of restrictions through Frankfurt and Munich, which are our two closest international airports.”
The hybrid approach taken at this year’s ATM will see a live four-day event at Dubai World Trade Centre from 16-19 May, followed by virtual webinars and video meetings from the 24-26 May.
ATM 2021 will also see a strong focus on local culture at the Germany stand to celebrate the unique and diverse flair of its cities, and to highlight the authenticity of local culture in both rural and popular locations. Find us at stall EU2350.
Partnering with visitBerlin, GNTB will host an official press conference during ATM at 12-noon on 17 May at the Al Ain A & B on the first floor of Concourse 1 to provide further updates.