Gulf Tourists Flock to Germany as Spending Hits New Highs in Munich and Frankfurt, Get the Details Here

Published on November 27, 2025

In recent years, Germany has become even more attractive as a place to visit, and this popularity has began to extend to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, adding even more travelers to Germany’s increasing tourism. Now, Germany is in a transition from a car manufacturing economy to a tourism economy, and is starting to capture more and more tourists on their vacations. The Gulf tourists are particularly valuable as they are projected to spend 2.6 billion euros in 2024.

During a recent conference in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Petra Hedorfer, CEO of GNTB, discussed the notable increase in tourism from the GCC countries during the past few years, especially the rapid growth after the COVID 19 pandemic. The momentum is expected to continue so that Germany will be one of the main countries visited by travelers from the Gulf Region. More than ever, Germany will be one of the most sought after travel destinations.

The Growing Role of the Gulf Market in Germany’s Tourism Landscape

Germany’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable transformation, with leisure tourism now outpacing business tourism. In fact, only 23% of international visitors to Germany now travel for business, reflecting a larger global shift toward tourism for relaxation and cultural exploration. Hedorfer noted that the tourism sector in Germany reached a record high of €77 billion in spending in 2024, a clear sign of the country’s rising popularity among tourists worldwide.

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries—comprising the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—have emerged as one of the top source markets for Germany. In 2024, the GCC market was the third-largest overseas source of tourists for Germany, with spending reaching €2.3 billion. With its remarkable economic growth and increasing wealth, the GCC has quickly become one of Germany’s most valued markets. Hedorfer emphasized that this market is not only large but also loyal, with many Gulf visitors returning multiple times.

GCC Tourists: Germany’s Loyal Visitors and Their Preferences

Gulf travelers are among the most consistent international visitors to Germany, with two-thirds of them being repeat visitors. Moreover, an impressive 29% of Gulf tourists have visited Germany more than four times. This loyalty indicates a deep and growing affection for the country, driven by its diverse offerings ranging from cultural attractions to natural beauty.

The UAE stands as the largest contributor to German tourism from the Gulf region, accounting for 46% of total travel bookings. This is followed by Saudi Arabia at 21%, and Kuwait at 15%. In terms of arrivals, the UAE showed a growth of 7.7% between January and October 2024, supported by a 14.4% increase in airline seat capacity. This surge in visitor numbers is a direct result of Germany’s focused tourism campaigns and the high availability of flights, which make it easier for travelers from the GCC to visit.

Gulf visitors often travel in multi-generational family groups, reflecting the region’s strong family-oriented culture. About one-third of Gulf travelers visit Germany for its cultural and shopping experiences. This trend aligns with Germany’s appeal as a cultural destination, where visitors can explore vibrant cities, museums, galleries, and world-class shopping districts.

Key Destinations in Germany for Gulf Tourists

Gulf tourists are drawn to various regions of Germany, with Bavaria and its capital, Munich, leading the pack. Known for its picturesque landscapes, castles, and rich history, Bavaria remains a top destination for travelers from the Gulf. Other popular destinations include Frankfurt, a financial hub with a rich cultural scene, and the states of Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. The cosmopolitan cities of Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf are also frequented by Gulf tourists, who often move between major cities to experience the country’s diverse offerings.

The growing popularity of these destinations is not only driven by Germany’s cultural and historical appeal but also by the country’s reputation for offering a family-friendly environment. With over 27% of its land designated as protected areas—including national parks, nature reserves, and biosphere preserves—Germany’s natural beauty is a strong draw for nature-loving travelers. Additionally, Germany offers more than 300 cities and resorts specializing in wellness and spa tourism, which is particularly attractive to Gulf tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Germany’s Strategic Marketing for Gulf Tourists

Recognizing the value of Gulf tourists, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is tailoring its marketing strategies to better engage this segment. Hedorfer announced that as part of its plans for 2026, a new comprehensive marketing campaign will target the Gulf market. This will include customized versions of two major global campaigns—City Life and German Cuisine—to be launched across high-impact digital platforms. The campaigns will be supported by Emma, the GNTB’s virtual tourism assistant, which will provide personalized guidance and content to Gulf travelers through digital channels, making it easier for them to plan their trips to Germany.

The Future of GCC Tourism in Germany

Hedorfer’s projections suggest that the number of visitors from the GCC to Germany will increase to 3 million annually by the end of this decade. The strong perception of Germany as a high-quality destination, combined with its diverse range of experiences—from cultural tours to nature expeditions and luxury shopping—positions the country well for future growth. The introduction of new digital tools and personalized travel experiences will further solidify Germany’s appeal to younger, tech-savvy generations, particularly Generation Z, who are increasingly becoming a key demographic for international tourism.

The long-term goal is not only to increase visitor numbers but also to ensure that Germany remains a welcoming destination, offering services tailored to the needs of Gulf travelers. Over the last two decades, Germany has made strides in adapting to this market, launching initiatives like the Halal Travel Guide to Germany and expanding Arabic-language services. These efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of Gulf visitors, who are seeking destinations that align with their cultural and travel preferences.

Germany’s Bright Future as a GCC Travel Hub

Germany is one of the most culture-oriented, family-friendly, and nature-diverse countries, and is one of the most popular countries in Europe for tourists from the Gulf countries. The loyalty from the Gulf Countries and the Effective Marketing Strategies ensures that Germany will be a top favourite for tourists from the Gulf for many years to come. Germany highly values tourists from the Gulf and as the Germany tourism grows, so does the commitment to the tourists from the Gulf. This lays out the pathway to success for Germany and the Gulf.