The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has said that the GCC is now the third largest non-European market for Germany after the US and China.
Gulf visitors grew 4.4 per cent between January and June. The numbers are expected to increase in Q4, as Emirates, which already operates three flights a day to Munich, will start daily three-class A380 services to Hamburg from October 29.
The GCC is in the top 15 source markets globally for Germany and Gulf guests are highly courted as their average spends are €5,000 ($5,841), with their stay ranging 11 nights.
The GNTO said that it is focusing on food tourism to attract more visitors. Currently, foreign tourists have said that visiting restaurants and cafés is their second most popular holiday activity after sightseeing.
Germany now has a more cosmopolitan flavor. Quality has also improved with 287 restaurants having One Michelin Star, and 11 featuring three stars.
Sigrid de Mazieres, director for the Gulf countries at the German National Tourist Office said: “Food and drink are often the highlight – if not the main reason for holidays and short breaks. Germany as a year-round travel destination offers a wide range of travel occasions to taste and experience the German food scene.”
Dubai airline Emirates also plans to serve seasonal menus to tie in with Oktoberfest, which starts on Saturday, September 22.
