The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) hosted successful travel trade roadshow in Saudi Arabia to promote ‘Destination Germany’

Gulf region visitors to generate 3.6 million overnight stays in Germany by 2030

In partnership with premium airline partner, Lufthansa German Airlines, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) conducted a successful 3-day travel trade tour, in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar to promote Germany as a year-round travel destination and to highlight the latest tourism attractions for the upcoming winter season and for the year 2020.

More than 300 key Saudi travel trade professionals and media representatives attended the B2B events, hosted in the German Embassy in Riyadh and at the German General Consulate in Jeddah, and at Mövenpick Hotel in Al Khobar, demonstrating the commitment to the local travel market.

In his opening remarks at the event in Riyadh, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Jörg Ranau stressed: “Germany offers something for everyone, from the Alps in the South to the shores of the sea in the north,” adding with a personal touch, “I will tell you what I like to do in Germany. Germany like Saudi Arabia is an outdoor country. You can go hiking in the forests and mountains or make bicycle tours along the coast of the Baltic sea.” Referring to the first-hand experience and insights gained by travelling he shared his own experience: “I have lived in Saudi Arabia in the 80s and I know how beautiful your country is. That is why it is so good that the country is opening up and it is now so easy to get here.”

During the event in Jeddah, German Deputy Consul General, Mr. Lars Hohnheit welcomed the guests and commented on the importance of the Saudi Arabian market: “Germany remains to be one of the preferred travel destinations for the Saudi nationals, whether for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping.”

According to the latest forecast from the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), Gulf region travelers visiting Germany are expected to grow to 3.6 million overnight stays by 2030, compared with 1.8 million guest nights recorded in 2018 with Saudi Arabia being one of the top three key source markets. The GCC market is Germany’s third-largest non-European source market behind China and the US and its travellers tend to stay an average of 11 nights and spend on average $5,300 per person per trip, significantly more than other international travellers.

Recognising the importance of the Saudi market, Nicole Zaspel, Sales & Marketing Manager for the Gulf countries at German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented: “The roadshow succeeded in facilitating direct business communication between the German partners and the local travel trade industry leaders aiming to increase the number of Saudi travelers to Germany.”

During the event held in the German Embassy in Riyadh, most of the attendees took advantage exploring Germany through different VR experiences showcasing various activities.

Leading German partners at this year’s GCC road show, hosted in partnership with Lufthansa Airline included:

1. Breuninger Department Store         
2. Cologne Tourist Board  
3. DMC & MICE Germany
4. Excelsior Hotel Ernst     
5. HOTEL BAYERISCHER HOF MUNICH        
6. Ingolstadt & Wertheim Village  
7. OUTLETCITY METZINGEN           
8. Sana Hospital Group     
9. Studiosus Incoming Munich      

About GNTB

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It works on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) to represent Germany as a tourist destination and is funded by the Ministry in accordance with a decision taken by the German Bundestag. The GNTB develops and communicates strategies and products to promote Germany’s positive image abroad as a tourist destination and to encourage tourists to visit the country. It has 31 agencies around the world to support its activities. More information can be found at our online press centre: www.germany.travel/presse  To download press pictures, please register via: https://dam.germany.travel

About Lufthansa German Airlines

Lufthansa German Airlines is the largest airline within the Lufthansa Group and the first and only European airline to receive a 5-Star Skytrax rating. As one of the world's leading airlines, Lufthansa offers 5,225 weekly frequencies to 199 destinations in 74 countries worldwide from of its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich during the winter 2019/20 schedule. In the 2018 business year, the airline welcomed around 70 million passengers on board its flights. The Lufthansa passenger fleet consists of 351 aircraft (as of 31.12.2018) and will continue to take delivery of new aircraft until 2027. Revenue at Lufthansa German Airlines rose to EUR 16.1 billion in 2018. The airline employs 32,000 employees.

Eye Of Riyadh press contact:                                  GNTO press contact:

Sultan Abdullah                                                            Nermin Abushnaf

PR Executive                                                                Communications Manager – Gulf countries

M. +966 56 786 6410                                                  Tel. +971 44 470 585

sultan@eyeofriyadh.com                                                        Nermin.abushnaf@germany.travel