DUBAI: Tourists from the UAE now make up the largest group of Gulf travellers to Germany, with UAE travel to Germany accounting for nearly 30% of all GCC visitors. This growing trend was confirmed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 by Yamina Sofo, Director of the German National Tourist Office GCC.

Sofo revealed that GCC citizens and residents together contributed around half a million visits to Germany in 2024, resulting in 1.2 million overnight stays. As per records, in 2024, the number of visitors from the GCC to Germany reached over 489,689, reflecting a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2 per cent and a significant rise of 21 per cent compared to total visitor numbers in 2022.

The figures reflect strong demand for German destinations, especially from high-spending, culturally engaged Gulf travellers.

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Germany’s presence at ATM 2025 featured 27 exhibitors, representing top cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf. Exhibitors also included medical centres, luxury hotels, and shopping outlets — all key draws for Gulf visitors.

Interestingly, a new direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Berlin by Eurowings is expected to further boost UAE travel to Germany in 2025 and beyond. This direct connection between the two capitals is the first of its kind.

Jens Ihsen, Managing Director of Visit Düsseldorf, said the UAE is the top Gulf market for the city, which combines medical excellence, cultural richness and family-friendly experiences. “Gulf visitors are also our highest spenders — averaging €900 per day,” Ihsen said.

Düsseldorf is now the third-most visited German city for Gulf tourists, following Munich and Frankfurt. The city also champions sustainability, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2035.

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Germany continues to target the GCC with offerings in wellness, conference tourism and preventive healthcare — areas of growing interest across the region.

Meanwhile, platforms like Arabian Travel Market help reinforce the bond between Germany and the Gulf, with UAE travel to Germany set for another record-breaking year.