The German National Tourist Office expects to start receiving international tourists in the summer of 2021

Germany: Visas and entry permits are limited to these categories

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The Director of Sales and Marketing at the German National Tourism Office, Yamina Sofo, said that visas and entry permits to Germany for the purposes of leisure tourism have been suspended in light of the "Covid-19" epidemic during the last period, indicating that, like all countries, it is not possible to travel for leisure now. From the UAE to Germany, except for exceptional circumstances related to travel for medical or business purposes, as well as for studies and for visa seekers from health care professionals, in addition to some professions, and other other cases, after submitting the necessary documents to the embassies, pointing out that the basic condition in Every case is a proof of commitment and necessity to be in Germany.

Travel restrictions

Sopho added to "Emirates Today", that there are restrictions on travel within Germany for leisure tourism at the present time, expecting that the internal tourism movement and those coming from European countries will gradually return in the first quarter of next year, provided that the easing of restrictions will contribute to successively in the beginning. To receive international tourists in the summer season next year, noting that all this depends on developments related to the virus.

Sopho said, during a promotional seminar for the National Office in Dubai: “Due to its diversity, Germany is one of the preferred travel destinations for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, whether for recreation or nature and sightseeing, as well as entertainment and shopping,” noting that most tourists visit Germany from the GCC countries are leisure travelers.

Attention

Sopho pointed out during the seminar, which aims to introduce the tourism potentials and preparations for the start of receiving visitors as soon as the travel restrictions are removed, that Germany pays attention to the requirements of visitors from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including the presence of a variety of vibrant cities, historical towns and landscapes, in addition Family-friendly attractions such as parks, wildlife parks, beaches, parks, museums, castles and palaces, with extensive shopping options either local markets or luxury boutique stores.

Recreational destinations

Sopho stated that for younger tourists, Germany's destinations provide recreational activities such as paragliding, sightseeing, cycling tours, kayaking or hiking in the mountains, noting that Germany has more than 100 parks and about 6000 indoor and outdoor museums. In addition to about 20 thousand palaces and 46 sites on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, as well as more than 100 national parks and nature reserves.

The number of tourists and

Sopho indicated that the total number of visitors from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council reached about 604 thousand visitors who spent about 1.6 million hotel nights during the past year, a growth rate of about 1.9%, noting that the volume of tourism flow decreased by 80% since the beginning of this year in light Coronavirus has spread, pointing out that the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in addition to Kuwait, are among the list of the most important markets that export visitors to Germany from the region.

She explained that in the hospitality and retail sectors in Germany, especially in big cities, there are Arabic speaking employees who are familiar with Islamic culture and traditions, and some hotels offer copies of the Holy Quran and prayer rugs upon request, while halal food is easily available, especially in major cities. .

Sopho stated that in light of the "Covid-19" pandemic, the advantages that Germany offers to visitors who intend to be treated, preventive care to rehabilitation or treatment for critical cases, as there are more than 2000 hospitals equipped with the latest technologies in Germany, in addition to specialized medical teams. And trained.

Strong relationship

Sopho said that given the strong relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Germany, the healthcare infrastructure is well equipped to meet the needs of Gulf clients, including Arabic-speaking medical teams, halal food in hospitals, in addition to a range of facilities for accompanying families. .

She pointed to direct flights by airlines such as Lufthansa and "Emirates Airlines" to Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and other stations, adding: "We hope to return to air traffic to previous levels with about 70 flights a week during the coming period."

Sopho explained that before the outbreak of the epidemic, the Gulf market was the third largest non-European source of visitors to Germany, as travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries tend to stay at an average of 11 nights on average and spend about $ 5,300 per person per trip, which is more than Many international travelers from other markets.

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