GNTO, Wego partner to woo GCC travelers to Germany

Wego, a leading online travel marketplace in the Mena region, has partnered with the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) to get travelers to experience Germany and Berlin in the new norm.

Germany has eased travel restrictions to encourage GCC travelers to explore the country’s 51 UNESCO World Heritage sites which include the awe-inspiring castles and old towns that add a medieval flair.

Bahrain and the UAE have recently been added to the German safe list alongside Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, making it easier for visitors from the GCC to explore the country again, especially in the winter season.

The reduction in restrictions applies to all travelers twelve years and above regardless of individual vaccination status, with visitors now able to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel, a valid vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery.

As part of the collaborative campaign, the German National Tourist Office and Wego will be shedding light on the outdoor adventures, winter activities, and festivities on offer across Germany this winter for families, couples, and solo travelers, in addition to Berlin’s sights and tourist attractions to entice GCC travelers.

Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Mena and India, Wego, said: “Our partnership with the German National Tourist Office marks another step towards promoting tourism and encouraging people to travel again in the new norm. Our searches show an increase in the appetite for GCC travelers to travel to European countries after hiatus and Germany ranks amongst the top European destinations.”

Germany offers nature-oriented holidays for all adventure seekers and solo travelers which includes the bountiful parks by the south of Hamburg, the nature trails along the Rhine Valley and treks over the chalk cliffs of Rugen Island. In addition, couples get to enjoy Germany’s stunning islands in the north, serene mountains, and waterfalls as well as the famous ‘Black Forest’ in the south.

Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing, German National Tourist Office, said: “The winter season is a favored time to visit Germany for GCC travelers, and with the recent news on travel being eased, we look forward to welcoming them to our wonderful festive seasonal markets, spa and wellness retreats, and outdoor sporting activities. The EU continues to update their recommendations to member states regularly, we advise those who plan on visiting Germany to review the listed rules regularly.”

The German capital Berlin provides travelers with a chance to discover a reinvented city that has something new to discover on every corner, space for free spirits and a fascinating mix of heritage and innovation. Berlin is preparing to launch its winter holiday events the “Merry Marketplace” which is perfect for children and families.

With around 20 million (62 per cent of the population) fully vaccinated, most of Germany’s tourist attractions including the castles, museums, memorials, and amusement parks have been reopened with significant health and safety protocols like decreased contact, distancing rules and hygiene requirements.