The Emirates is the largest tourist market for Germany in the Gulf… and 7.7% growth in the flow of tourists in the first 10 months

The CEO of the German National Tourism Board, Petra Hedorfer, confirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have become one of the most important pillars of support for the German tourism industry, noting that the Gulf market today ranks third in the world in terms of importance after the United States and China, with a continuous growth in the number of visitors coming to Germany.

Hedorfer said that the UAE is the largest Gulf market for tourism to Germany, as it alone accounts for about 30% of the number of Gulf tourists to Germany, and about 46% of flights from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries heading to German cities. Germany also recorded a 7.7% growth in the number of tourists coming from the Emirates during the period between January and October 2025, while the number of flights between the two countries increased by 14.4% compared to the same period last year, which reflects the strength and continuity of demand.

Hedorfer revealed that the number of nights of stay recorded by tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries reached 1.2 million during the past year, while Germany recorded 900,000 nights for Gulf tourists during the first nine months of this year, in a clear indication of the strength of the Gulf market.

She indicated that the German National Tourism Council is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its continuous presence in the Gulf countries, stressing its established partnerships and dedicated interaction with travelers in the region, noting that with the volume of spending reaching 2.3 billion euros in 2024, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have consolidated their position as the third largest foreign market exporting tourists to Germany.

She stated that as we celebrate 20 years in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, our commitment to the region has become stronger than ever. The Gulf countries have become one of our most important overseas markets, driven by travelers who value quality, comfort, cultural discovery, and personalized service.

She added: Over the past two decades, our understanding of the expectations of visitors to the Gulf countries has deepened, and we have worked closely with our partners to provide offers that meet their needs. In the future, we will continue to invest in innovative tools, digital interaction and tailored experiences, to ensure every traveler from the Gulf countries feels welcome and inspired when exploring Germany.

She pointed out that about 40% of Gulf visitors visit Germany for work purposes, while the rest come for tourism and entertainment purposes. Also, 70% of Gulf travelers are repeat visitors, most of whom visited Germany more than four or five times, which reflects the level of loyalty and trust in the destination.

She added that a significant number of Gulf citizens now own real estate properties in Germany, especially in the south of the country and the areas surrounding Munich, where many have purchased apartments and villas over the past years, which strengthens their long-term tourism and economic connection to Germany.

She said that Germany recorded 37.5 million tourists in 2024, and received 28.5 million visitors during the first nine months of 2025, making it the ninth most visited destination in the world, and the fourth largest European destination for travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Hedorfer confirmed that tourism represents 11% of Germany’s gross domestic product, while foreign tourists’ spending amounted to about 77 billion euros, making the sector an essential element in the German economy.

Regarding the favorite destinations of Gulf tourists, Hedorfer said that Bavaria tops the list by a clear margin, especially the city of Munich, Garmisch and their surrounding areas. She added that Hamburg is witnessing an increasing growth in demand thanks to direct flights, its quiet coastal character and its maritime culture, while Berlin, the capital, attracts a wide segment of the young generation thanks to its diverse artistic and cultural character and vitality.

Hedorfer stressed that Germany is committed to providing high-quality tourism with a focus on environmental sustainability, and said that German tourism agencies are working to measure the carbon footprint of travelers and raise environmental awareness, at a time when Germany is keen to preserve its environment as part of its tourism identity.

She pointed out that the German National Tourism Office launched the “Halal Travel in Germany” guide, which is a reference designed to help Muslim travelers plan comfortable trips that are in harmony with their cultural heritage in various parts of Germany. The guide is available in English and Arabic, and is an important step towards providing a travel experience that takes into account the religious and cultural needs of Muslim travelers, especially from the Gulf countries.

She said: The German National Tourism Council is strengthening its strategic presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which reflects the growing influence of the region as one of the most prominent German tourism markets abroad.