Germany Targets Gulf Travellers as Munich Flight Traffic Recovers

Germany is stepping up its push for GCC travellers after visitors from the region spent around €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) in the country in 2025. GCC visitors recorded 1.2 million overnight stays that year, according to Yamina Sofo, Director of the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) GCC. The office wants to encourage longer stays, repeat visits and travel beyond Germany’s traditional gateways.

Air traffic between Germany and the Gulf is recovering from disruption earlier this year. Munich Airport’s Corinna Born said traffic fell sharply in March and April, but since July it has been 2% up. Gulf airlines have restored their Munich operations, and Gulf Air raised its service from four weekly flights to daily this summer. Munich Airport has also invested over €600 million (US$692.3 million) in a Terminal 1 extension with a new pier.

GCC spending is shifting towards experiences such as wellness, medical and health travel, private tours, gastronomy, culture, family attractions and nature. GNTO is promoting its 2026–2027 priorities at Arabian Travel Market 2026 across cities, nature, gastronomy, family travel and seasonal experiences. Over the next five years, Sofo said the goal is to raise the market’s overall value through longer stays, repeat visits and travel across more seasons.