Tag Archives: Germany

It was announced by Yamina Sofo, Director Sales and Marketing German National Tourist Office GCC Countries that Germany will partner at the fifth Gulf Travel Show under the theme sustainable tourism as silver partners. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) 5.0 to be held on 28th and 29th September 2022 will focus on the need of the time, sustainable tourism. Over the years, sustainability in travel, tourism and hospitality had been in the shadows working its way slowly but steadily. However, when UNWTO announced its commitment for the year on sustainability, all attention and initiatives will be to ensure that this becomes a focus across the globe. Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB: “As Silver Partners at the 5th edition of the Gulf Travel Show, we are looking forward to  connecting with a diverse number of potential partners from across the GCC, one of our primary source markets. We are pleased that this year’s theme is sustainability as this aligns with our overall vision which is to continually develop our eco-friendly and barrier-free travel. Recent initiatives we’ve launched on our official website include our CO2 calculator, interactive map which identifies eco-friendly accommodation, as well as a raft of sustainable travel tips.” Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across …

With new flight services operating from Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the destination strengthens direct connectivity with a major source market. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a new strategic airline partnership connecting the Emirate with major cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich. Starting from 1 November 2022, Corendon Airlines will operate seven direct weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, effectively meeting strong demand from Germany. Marking the latest in a series of strategic airline partnerships forged by the Tourism Authority, the new flights cement an important tourism market, delivering a significant weekly increase in visitors to an Emirate popular for its outstanding natural and cultural attributes, global hotel brands, as well as its unrivalled adventure tourism offering and year-round sunshine. The announcement strengthens the Tourism Authority’s ongoing strategy to enhance accessibility and accelerate connectivity by working closely with leading tour operators. Within a five-hour flying time, Germany is already a top five tourism source market for Ras Al Khaimah; the launch of new direct flights to the Emirate is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in the destination. “We’ve seen first-hand the impact of direct connectivity as one of the main drivers of tourism, especially in a post-pandemic period.  We also know that tourists who arrive directly to the destination, stay longer and really take the time to discover our nature emirate,” commented Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “He added: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism vision gains momentum, working with valued trade partners and securing new airline alliances builds on this progress, and delivering additional tourism from three major German …

With schools out for summer and the mercury rising in the GCC, travellers looking to explore Europe eco-consciously can revel in Germany’s plethora of sustainable offerings. With the popularity of rail travel on the rise and the hunt for eco-aware methods becoming ever-more necessary, Germany is moving to meet demand by announcing an affordable public transport option for all. Now just €9 (Dh33), travellers can enjoy a month of unlimited travel on regional trains, S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, as well as buses and trams. The offer is valid for travellers until August 31, 2022. “Sustainable tourism is something Germany is serious about,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of the German National Tourist Board. “We recognise the demand for eco-conscious offerings and want to ensure that those are accessible for all, regardless of budget. Germany is a treasure trove of natural beauty and we’re confident that GCC travellers will be blown away by the diverse landscapes.” While long-distance journeys are not included in the incredible €9 offer, by linking the various transport associations, it is still easily possible to explore the whole of Germany with local transport. Some of the key landmarks easily accessible by train include the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park in Brandenburg, which is known as the Land of Lakes and home to more than 300 lakes, moors, rivers, and streams. Visitors can participate in all kinds of water activities, such as canoeing, swimming, or cycling along the shores. How to get there: From all across Germany, it is possible to travel comfortably to Berlin with Intercity Express or Intercity connections. A regional train will then take …

Following a successful debut last summer, the German National Tourism Board’s ‘German.Local.Culture’ campaign returns highlighting more of the many ways to experience the country’s national traditions. As a result of the encouraging news that visitors to Germany no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test, the country’s tourism board is looking forward to a rise in arrivals from the GCC and the opportunity to offer them a variety of cultural experiences and insights into the country’s customs. “Our German.Local.Culture campaign encourages visitors to focus on unique elements of Germany’s culture; experiences you simply cannot get in other countries,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany has a rich tapestry of traditions ready for tourists from the GCC to enjoy – from industrial architecture and traditional craftmanship to local festivals.” Below are just a small selection of some of the sights and experiences on offer, with a specific insight for each of the German.Local.Culture campaign’s four pillars: Green: Hiking with a View in Baden-Baden Shining a light on Germany’s sustainable travel options, Baden-Baden is filled with stunning valleys and incredible views. The Panorama Trail is an ideal way to see as much of the city as possible. Venturing through beautiful gardens filled with plentiful flowers, across the Geroldsau waterfall, and through the Rhine Valley, the 45km trail is known for being one of the most breath-taking in all of Germany. Craft: Glass Art in Harz Mountains Glass art in Germany is steeped in history, dating back as far as the 17th Century. Visitors to the country can enjoy one of the few places still …

Recognising an increased demand for outdoor experiences this summer among visitors from the GCC, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is debuting the brand-new Embrace German Nature campaign that focuses on highlighting sustainable, open-air activities. Germany is home to more than 130 protected natural landscapes, including a plethora of stunning forests, lakes, valleys, and hiking and cycling trails just waiting to be explored. It also boasts three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks, and 106 nature reserves. “We understand that GCC travellers are keen to visit countries that possess ideal summer climates with a wide range of things to do,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany’s diverse selection of outdoor activities ensures something for everyone, from hiking trails to relaxing spa towns. Our Embrace German Nature campaign will improve access to and information about these opportunities even further, in a sustainable way.” Four unique picks that fit the campaign are: Arnsberg Forest Nature Park Covering a total area of 482 square kilometers between the Möhne and Ruhr Rivers, the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park is sighted as one of the beautiful recreation lands in the Ruhr area. Nature lovers can enjoy the pristine mountain landscapes complete with springs, branching brooks and dense forests. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve For water lovers, this UNESCO biosphere reserve is shaped around the river Spree, which was formed during the last ice age. Visitors can enjoy the 276km of river via ‘punting boats’, a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. Still used to this day by local fishers, the surrounding area is home to more than …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has outlined its key strategic framework ahead of the return of wholescale international tourism, with various additions and adjustments to meet the needs of global travellers in a post-pandemic world. Addressing the results of recent independent surveys and reports, GNTB intends to focus on three key areas to help grow the national tourism industry: digitalisation, sustainability, and remote work.   Digitalisation “As international travellers continue to grow more confident once more, it is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as a global destination,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, GCC. “For this reason, we have studied public opinion and identified various way to improve our offerings. We are now in the process of constructing modern, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for our visitors to feel comfortable when travelling.” According to a 2021 IPK International survey, 75 per cent of travellers prefer digital offers when planning a trip. Online booking not only allows for easier accessibility, but also removes physical contact during the transaction. Similarly, the use of e-guides and tour books has grown in popularity because of pandemic protocols. Germany will look to develop and widen the availability of these options this year. Sustainability Travellers’ values have also shifted towards sustainable tourism. According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 61 per cent of international travellers regard the COVID-19 pandemic as the main motivator to travel sustainably. Germany, for its part, starts from a strong position in that regard. GNTB’s Feel Good campaign won the World Travel Market’s ‘World Responsible Tourism Award’ last year, as well as the European Cultural Travel Network’s Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Award for 2021. Likewise, the 2021 Sustainable …

Germany is firmly establishing its position as a leading destination for outdoor tourism, encouraging travellers to consider its nature and outdoor activities following the lift of post-pandemic travel measures, with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) leading the charge in presenting the country’s offering to GCC travellers. The European country is the ideal travel destination for its array of outdoor locations, wildlife, sports, and adventure tour offerings, favoured by both domestic and international travellers. Germany’s tourism sector is inviting visitors to explore its parks, nature trails, and other open spaces with all the family. “Travellers from the GCC are eager to explore while ensuring they are keeping their families safe,” Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries said. “We are encouraging future travellers to consider nature-oriented holidays as an option, and Germany boasts a wealth of offerings across the regions, suitable for families, or solo travellers.”

With the continuous increase of Gulf travellers to Germany recording 1.8 million overnight stays in 2018 compared to 770,000 in 2009, the vibrant city of  ‘Heidelberg’ and luxury shopping destination ‘Breuninger’ have stepped up to the plate to attract Gulf visitors. Heidelberg is a famed university city courting GCC travellers with its café-hopping, restaurant and confectionery culture combined with rich historic attractions. The city hosts the original Vetter’s Brauhaus inn, which has exported its culture of freshly brewed drinks, sausage and over-fresh pretzels worldwide. Considered a haven for foodies, Heidelberg visitors can ride the funicular up to the castle and dine in ‘Scharffs Schlossweinstube’, the elegant Michelin-starred restaurant in Heidelberg Castle with amazing views of the old town and the river. To attract family visitors during the festive winter break, Heidelberg is underscored with an abundance of colourful season markets. “Heidelberg is also a member of Germany’s barrier-free concept, which has provided great access to attractions and activities for the physically challenged and the city has produced the HeidelbergCARD which offers a host of benefits and discounts to visitors. For the visually impaired, we have tailor-made excursions in German and English, including the ‘Discover Heidelberg by ‘Sensing, Smelling, Feeling’ guided tour. This brings the city’s history to life by sensing the environment, feeling monuments and smelling the scents of the city,” said Nina Koch, Director Sales of Heidelberg Marketing. Meanwhile, Breuninger one of Europe’s leading department stores, is anticipating its luxury retail experiences will attract high-end GCC shoppers to 11 stores throughout Germany. Breuninger has been in the fashion and lifestyle business for over 135 years, offering an exclusive selection of international designer brands, aspiring new-to-market brands and outstanding services. …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has further strengthened its position in Europe with a multi-city roadshow in the UK and Germany last month that brought together more than 370 tour operators and travel agents. In a bid to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021, increased emphasis has been put on growing further awareness in key European markets. The European roadshow covered key cities including Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Edinburgh to meet industry representatives and introduce Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse and spectacular beach, desert, mountain, and adventure offerings.  Held at iconic venues such as the Emirates Stadium in London and Edinburgh Castle, the roadshow allowed participants an opportunity to discover Ras Al Khaimah’s unique proposition and its tourism products via presentations, networking events, and interactive quizzes. Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “With a unique combination of authentic Arabian hospitality, pristine beaches and outdoor adventure pursuits, Ras Al Khaimah has a great appeal to holidaymakers from all over Europe. We have seen a significant growth in the number of visitors from Europe over the last couple of years, and therefore, our ongoing roadshow programme is a great vehicle to tell the story of the accessible Arabian hospitality. As we look towards our goal of 1.5 million visitors by 2021 and 3 million by 2025, it is essential to personally connect with travel professionals from our source markets to give them a real flavour of everything Ras Al Khaimah has to offer our visitors.”  

The Higher Organising Committee of IWAS World Games Sharjah 2019 confirmed that 1,462 participants from 50 countries are set to compete in the world’s largest wheelchair and amputee sports championship in Sharjah from February 10-16. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member Ruler of Sharjah, the IWAS World Games has returned to the emirate for the second time after its successful debut in the city in 2011. The eighth edition of the world championship brings together seven games including archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. New details of the upcoming biennial sports championship were revealed at a press conference held recently at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Global athletes landing in Sharjah over the next few days are set to represent 50 competing nations confirmed by the Higher Organising Committee which include the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Kenya, Russia, China, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Poland, Pakistan, Norway, Kenya, Latvia, Macau, Azerbaijan, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Serbia, France, Georgia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Belarus and Comoros.