Tag Archives: Ralf Ostendorf

German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is participating at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week, which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the first international travel trade event to take place in-person since the outbreak. The GNTB wanted to raise awareness of what Germany and in particular Berlin, has to offer city, nature and culture enthusiasts living in the GCC countries, by showcasing the exciting facets and flair of Germany such as customs, crafts, local food and drink, culture and architecture, and the varied countryside and nature on the doorstep of many German cities. Speaking at the press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries (GNTO) said, “With the success of the national vaccination programmes in the GCC countries, particularly in the UAE where more than 11.5 million doses have been administered so far (over 70% of the UAE population have received vaccines and 40% are fully vaccinated), we remain optimistic that the pre-crisis level of incoming travel from the UAE to Germany can be regained by end of 2022. “It gives us immense pleasure to be here, at ATM, to showcase our unique German culture to not only GCC travellers but outbound tourists across the Middle East. We hope to encourage demand for city and nature holidays coupled with sustainable tourism, which draws attention to the many different ways of discovering Destination Germany with its wide range of traditions and attractions,” Sofo added. Commenting on Berlin’s readiness for the return of inbound tourism, Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin, said, “Like no other city, Berlin is poised for yet another new start in 2021 – …

Berlin lifestyle and Healthcare webinar concluded with a very good number of participants from the region. There were three speakers at the session; starting things off with Yamina Sofo, Director, Sales & Marketing German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries, Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management Market & Media Relations Asia, Australia, Middle East, Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH and Stefan Boeckle – Director Vivantes International Medicine – Vivantes Hospital Group. The host Sofo, started off the session with the current situation in Germany and requested to be on guard with the regulations that change every day due to the pandemic situation. She further reiterated that the 16 federal states in Germany has different or unique rules to each state, hence should be carefully checked before sending the travellers on medical tourism. She requested to log into the site and find out details at this point of time. Taking over from her was Ralf Ostendorf Director Market Management Market & Media Relations Asia, Australia, Middle East, Berlin Tourismus&KongressGmbH . He shared about the destination of Berlin and the many diverse offerings it has to entice the GCC visitors. From the famous Berlin wall memorials, to uniquely Berlin products and brands that will not be available anywhere else in the world. He further iterated the importance of the Christmas markets which is very unique to the destination and much looked forward to by many visitors. Berlin apart from its diverse culture, lifestyle also features the best healthcare facilities in Europe. He mentioned about the partners in Berlin which specialise in various medical conditions and how the network connects with patients to give them a seamless experience to the patient as well as the …