German National Tourist Office positive about GCC outbound market

The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) has announced that the number of overnight stays by GCC visitors to Germany has grown steadily since 2022 to 1.2 million in 2025, an increase of 9%, while GCC travellers spent a total of €3 billion, over 30% more than the average expenditure of all overseas visitors to Germany in 2025.

Market Growth
- Overnight stays by GCC visitors: 1.2 million in 2025 (up 9% since 2022).
- Expenditure: €3 billion in 2025 — 30% higher than the average spend of overseas visitors.
- January 2026: Overnight stays rose 4.7% to 68,455, but air traffic disruptions across the Gulf moderated growth in the first half of the year.

GCC Market Significance
- GCC is Germany’s third strongest overseas market.
- Demand remains resilient, with expectations of a swift recovery once flight schedules normalize.

Connectivity & Munich Airport
- New 95,000 m² Terminal 1 Pier at Munich Airport designed for Middle Eastern travellers.
- Capacity: up to 6 million additional passengers.
- In 2025, 1.6 million passengers travelled between Munich and the Gulf (18% of all long-haul traffic).
- 15 airlines connect Munich with 15 destinations across 10 MENA countries.
- Bavarian-Arab Society opened a dedicated office at Munich Airport to support Arab travellers.

Tourism Campaigns (2026–2027)
- Simply Feel Good — sustainable travel experiences.
- Next Stop: Travel Destination Germany — diverse cities & contemporary culture.
- Culinary Germany — regional cuisine, fine dining, sustainable gastronomy.
- Family & Friends in Nature — hiking, cycling, national parks.
- Season’s Greetings from Germany — Christmas markets & winter experiences.

Cultural Highlights
- 150th Wagner Festival anniversary (Bayreuth, 2026).
- BTHVN 2027 — 200 years since Beethoven’s death.
- documenta 16 (Kassel, 2027) — leading contemporary art exhibition.
- IGA 2027 (Ruhr region) — gardens, nature, culture, sustainable urban development.

ATM 2026 Presence
- Germany stand: Europe Hall, EU5150.
- Dates: 14–17 September 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Co-participants: Visit Berlin, Lufthansa Group, Value Retail (Ingolstadt & Wertheim Villages), Munich Airport, Studiosus Incoming.

This announcement positions Germany as a year-round destination for GCC travellers, blending culture, nature, gastronomy, and sustainability with strong connectivity and tailored hospitality.