Tag Archives: GNTO

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is providing inspiration for GCC tourists to visit Germany this year, by relaunching their highly successful German.Local.Culture. campaign, as well as launching its ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign in the GCC, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022. The campaigns form a compelling tourism proposition that appeal to GCC travellers, with harmony between generations, traditions and different cultural influences. It reflects authentic, local experiences in urban destinations while shining a light on rural areas and their sustainable tourism. “We want to inspire GCC travellers. Germany is a diverse destination and ideal for longer holidays for the culturally minded, for families and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and natural beauty,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing for the GCC, at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). Germany is once again becoming an extremely popular destination for GCC Nationals. Pent up demand from GCC Nationals, resulted in 518,516 overnight stays in Germany during 2021, an 82.3% increase over 2020. In December 2021 alone, despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Germany recorded over 54,493 overnight stays from GCC Nationals, an increase of 335%, compared with the same period in 2020, “These figures show that Germany is a preferred destination for GCC Nationals. Visitor numbers in 2021 rebounded significantly, which is even more impressive given COVID travel restrictions in Germany only eased end of June 2021. The GCC is now the highest inbound performing region within Asia, Australasia and South Africa,” added Sofo. This has clearly been supported by the way in which the GCC countries have responded to the pandemic, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has been recognised by the European Cultural Travel Network (ETCN) for ongoing commitment to placing sustainability at the forefront of its global tourism campaigns. As Germany’s tourism industry experiences an increase in international travel demand, the country’s global brand image has been further enhanced with two major Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021 accolades for GNTB campaigns. Two of Germany’s leading 2021 campaigns were recognised during the ETCN’s annual meeting in Athens. The ‘Feel Good’ campaign took second place in the ‘Walking Tourism and Slow Travel – Synergies with Cultural Tourism’ category, while the ‘Wanderlust Germany’ campaign, aimed at inviting travellers to discover the country’s nature-based highlights through a dedicated walking and cycling tours, won the National Level title in the ‘Special Jury Prize – Assessing the Impact of the Pandemic’ category. The Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021 was co-hosted by European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the Network of European Regions for a Sustainable and Competitive Tourism (NECSTouR). “Sustainability has always been a priority and central theme for positioning Germany as an outdoor travel destination. These awards further demonstrate a direct link between Germany’s excellent reputation, and a growing willingness to adapt to sustainable practices,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. “Our marketing activities and successful recovery strategy for restarting incoming tourism have positioned Germany as the leading travel destination despite the increasingly fierce competition among other destinations.” According to SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index, hotel bookings for foreign guests in German hotels increased by 30.8 per cent across 400 global hotel booking channels, as of …

In a recent interview with Yamina Sofo – Director of – German National Tourism Office (GNTO) in Dubai for GCC countries shared with us that they are hopeful about summer as most tourism establishments opens for guests in Germany.  At the press conference it was revealed that Berlin would be one of the first destinations to open for fully vaccinated travellers with those recommended by the EU whereas other travellers may have to undergo PCR tests, however, more details are to be shared very soon. Sofo reiterated, “we are very hopeful for the summer, so already by next week, a lot of the tourism establishments are reopening for guests from Germany itself, the neighboring countries, and then hopefully summer and maybe already in June for overseas customers. So it’s going to be in phases. But by the time our valued GCC guests can travel to Germany, Germany is well up and running and the safety standards are very high and in place. The GCC countries are the third most important overseas market for Germany incoming tourism so they’re very high and extremely important for our tourism industry profits, and they’re highly appreciated and welcomed. So over time in 2019, we had 1.6 million guests overnight, guests from the GCC countries. Last year the number was lower unfortunately, but we had to reach 300,000. So this shows really the eagerness of GCC travellers to come to Germany even in the most difficult situations, and we appreciate that a lot. So we are very hopeful because we know the industry, we know the guests here – they have their suitcases packed. They are ready to go, and so we anticipate a very …

The much awaited Gulf Travel Show just closed 40 exhibitors for its maiden virtual event on November 23-24, 2020. If you still haven’t registered as a buyer or as media, this is the last chance to register and walk away with amazing Amazon vouchers. Over the past many months we were able to sit back, re-think our plans going forward. The world has been brought closer together virtually connecting people from across the globe. At the Gulf Travel Show we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism development authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home.

At the Gulf Travel Show to be held on November 23-24, we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. The virtual event industry will revolutionise networking habits as they will bring you something you can enjoy a whole lot more than others. Two days of networking with the best in the Gulf would ensure potential business for you. Tourism boards that are proactive understand the need of the hour and onboard are some of the most successful tourism boards that can share their experiences and their proactive methodologies that would set an example to other tourism boards across the globe. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home. In today’s world where VR technology is utilised for you to be transported to any destination in the world or even out of space, the Gulf …

We are just a few hours away to discover one of the most loved European destinations by the GCC, German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries will host a special webinar today at 11am UAE time to discover the destination in the comfort of your home. They will highlight the importance of the destination of Germany as one of the preferred travel destinations for the GCC nationals due to its diversity. The Webinar is a perfect platform to reach out to the travel professionals in the region. Germany ticks all the boxes, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping – offering high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities as well as environmentally-friendly transportation links throughout the entire country. So join Yamina Sofo – Director, Sales & Marketing – German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries with State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany Natalie Dietl, Sales & Marketing Overseas, from Hochschwarzwald Tourism (HochschwarzwaldTourismus GmbH- (Black forest highlands) Christian Gross, Head of Incoming/MICE and Outletcity Metzingen; Angela Rieger, Sales & Tourism Manager from Europe’s largest outlet brings outlet shopping to a new level.

As we count down for one of the most loved European destinations in the GCC, German National Tourist Office (GNTO) Gulf Countries will host a special webinar on September 21, 2020 at 11am UAE time to discover the destination in the comfort of your home. Yamina Sofo – Director, Sales & Marketing – German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries shared, “We would like to highlight the importance of the destination of Germany as one of the preferred travel destinations for the GCC nationals due to its diversity. The Webinar is a perfect platform to reach out to the travel professionals in the region. Germany ticks all the boxes, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping – offering high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities as well as environmentally-friendly transportation links throughout the entire country.” There will be a total of four speakers including Sofo, representing the German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries, who will share details about the importance of the ME market and the current numbers among many other general topics about the destination. Joining her from the State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany will be Natalie Dietl, Sales & Marketing Overseas; she will speak about Southwest Germany as a special vacation destination offering something for every age from nature to culture and culinary experience in the sunniest state of Germany. The next speaker will be from Hochschwarzwald Tourism (HochschwarzwaldTourismus GmbH- (Black forest highlands) Christian Gross, Head of Incoming/MICE. Some of the topics that he will cover include; Where are the Black forest highlands located and how to get there? How does it look like in the region? For …

German National Tourist Office (GNTO) Gulf Countries will host a special webinar on September 21, 2020 at 11am UAE time to discover the destination in the comfort of your home. Yamina Sofo – Director, Sales & Marketing – German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries shared, “We would like to highlight the importance of the destination of Germany as one of the preferred travel destinations for the GCC nationals due to its diversity. The Webinar is a perfect platform to reach out to the travel professionals in the region. Germany ticks all the boxes, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping – offering high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities as well as environmentally-friendly transportation links throughout the entire country.” There will be a total of four speakers including Sofo, representing the German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries, who will share details about the importance of the ME market and the current numbers among many other general topics about the destination. Joining her from the State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany will be Janina Wittmann, Marketing & Sales Manager; she will speak about Southwest Germany as a special vacation destination offering something for every age from nature to culture and culinary experience in the sunniest state of Germany. The next speaker will be from Hochschwarzwald Tourism (Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH- (Black forest highlands) Christian Gross, Head of Incoming/MICE. Some of the topics that he will cover include; Where are the Black forest highlands located and how to get there? How does it look like in the region? For which target group is the region interesting? Which activities are offered in the black …

Wego partners with the German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) to invite travellers to discover the destination of Germany and virtually explore its amazing attractions and hidden gems. Until it is safe to travel again, Wego brings the world to you in the comfort of your home. With the message ‘dream now – visit later’, this joint partnership with ‘Wego’ introduces the global campaign ‘#DiscoverGermanyFromHome’ to tomorrow’s travellers in the GCC by providing them with inspiring and informative content, virtual experiences in its 16 federal states, Spotify playlists, an interactive map, quizzes, recipes and much more to keep their interest in the destination alive until travel is resumed. Speaking of the partnership, Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) commented, “The Gulf region is among the Top 20 of the most important source markets to Germany and the third largest source market outside Europe. Our partnership with Wego is a great opportunity to highlight that Germany ticks all boxes of the GCC travellers aiming for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping, while enjoying high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities.” Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said, “We are bringing the world to our users until it is safe to travel again and we’re thrilled to partner with GNTO to promote one of the most beautiful European countries. Germany entices tourists with its rich and vibrant nature and culture; it’s a must-see destination for everyone.”

The German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) has appointed Yamina Sofo as its new Director Sales & Marketing. In her new capacity, Yamina Sofo will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Gulf region team, manage a wide range of marketing campaigns and activities as well as work closely with the local and overseas trade partners and industry stakeholders to promote ‘Destination Germany’ as a year-round travel destination throughout the Gulf region. Speaking on her appointment, Sofo commented, “I’m proud to say that Gulf region is among the Top 20 of the most important source markets to Germany and the third largest source market outside Europe. Due to its diversity, Germany is one of the preferred travel destinations for the GCC nationals, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping – offering high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities as well as environmentally-friendly transportation links throughout the entire country.” Commenting on the recent lockdown, Yamina said, “In spite of the lockdown, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has launched “#DiscoverGermanyFromHome”, a joined communication campaign on all social media channels worldwide to communicate inspiring, emphatic and informative content with tomorrow’s travellers in an engaging and interactive way.”