Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 April 2025: The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) revealed today (Monday, 28th April) that the number of GCC tourists to Germany has consistently risen to surpass 489,689 in 2024, marking a steady annual growth of 1.2% and a remarkable 21% rise in comparison to the total visitor count from 2022.
The declaration was issued at a press conference conducted on the inaugural day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025.
Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), a branch of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), remarked, “We have seen significant growth in the number of visitors from the GCC nations since the pandemic concluded.
These statistics highlight Germany’s growing post-pandemic appeal among GCC travelers and signal positive prospects for 2025. “Offering direct flights from the GCC nations to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Hamburg, we aim this year to motivate GCC residents to explore Germany and enjoy our varied tourism options available throughout the year.”
Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East for Lufthansa Group Airlines, stated: “Lufthansa Group is honored to partner this year with the DZT as their official airline. Since 1960, we have provided nonstop flights connecting the GCC and Germany, including Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa and Eurowings provide our passengers with German hospitality right from the start of their journey. Lufthansa, being a premium airline, provides consistent and year-round flights to Frankfurt and Munich from Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam. Our value-airline Eurowings has been significantly expanding in the GCC since 2023 by providing additional direct flights to other German cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Hanover.
They connect with their GCC clients closer to their residences by providing departures from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah as well. The significant rise in demand for these new routes indicates that we address the requirement to access various cities across Germany. Beginning in October 2025, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group will provide more than 120 weekly connections between the GCC and Germany.
The comfort and travel experience with Lufthansa Group airlines begins right at the ticket booking stage through our award-winning apps, which support each passenger throughout their entire journey.
Alongside connectivity, the GNTB has launched a range of marketing campaigns and unique themes.
Cultureland Germany, as indicated by its name, showcases Germany’s lively and varied cultural landscape. From art to design and music, Germany presents a plethora of intriguing sites of cultural and historical importance for tourists from the GCC.
This encompasses Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, positioned in the Saxony area of the nation. The year 2025 will also celebrate the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s passing, featuring numerous events planned to honor his life and musical contributions.
Embrace German Nature is showcasing its three UNESCO World Heritage natural sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks, and 104 nature parks, all of which are easily accessible via hiking trails and cycling paths.
The GNTB’s Simply Feel Good—Sustainable Travel in Germany initiative emphasizes Germany’s natural terrains, highlighting the vulnerability of ecosystems. Germany boasts 20 regions and cities with sustainable certification, featuring more than 1,540 sustainably certified lodging options and 350 health and wellness resorts.
One unique theme this year, marking its 50th anniversary, is the German Fairy Tale Route. Stretching 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, this picturesque path links about 70 sites, featuring Rapunzel’s tower and the castle where Sleeping Beauty rested for a century, making fairy tales a reality.
Furthermore, Germany’s digitalization initiative, featuring Emma – the cutting-edge AI travel assistant – highlights the nation’s leading attractions through creative travel experiences. The #EmmaTravelsGermany project effortlessly integrates technology and culture, establishing Germany as an essential destination for contemporary travelers.
The Germany stand at ATM has expanded considerably this year, featuring 27 co-exhibitors/participants across 135 square metres, situated in the Europe Hall at Stand number EU5150. ATM 2025 occurs from April 28th to May 1st.
For a selection of destination images and spokesperson headshots, please refer to the following link.
