Remarkable growth in number of GCC tourists: the Hanseatic metropolis ranks as one of the favourite destinations in Europe for travellers from the Arabian Gulf

Dubai, 12 May 2011 - Overnight stays by GCC tourists in Hamburg reached 35,177 between January and December 2010, which marks an increase of 14.8% if compared to the same period in 2009. According to statistics released by the Hamburg Tourist Board, these figures highlight the importance of Hamburg as one of the favourite destinations in Germany for travellers coming from the GCC region. On the other hand, the same source confirms that the number of GCC tourists who visited Hamburg last year rose up to 13,114, representing an increase of 39.3% when compared to 2009.

The collected data, showing that the total number of overnight stays in 2010 jumped up to 8.95 million, indicate a major increase in Hamburg's tourist attractiveness and placed the city at the 11th position among the most popular European destinations. GCC nationals, particularly from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait, choose Hamburg for all the qualities that make this "Gate to the World" an attractive destination for Arab tourists, especially if travelling with families. Hamburg offers many luxurious hotels providing their guests with ultimate comfort and indulging attentions; among them, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, located in Neuer Jungfernstieg Street, and Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall in Alter Wall Street are very popular.

Hamburg is characterised by many glamorous shopping arcades, such as Neuer Wall, renowned for its luxurious goods, "Europa Passage", an imponent shopping building, Jungfernstieg, Monkeberg Strasse and others. The selection of restaurants offered by Hamburg can accomodate any demand from casual dining to awarded chefs and elegant locations.

Hamburg's geographical position on the Elbe River and Alster Lake donates a unique marine flair to the daily life in the city. A lively and vibrant atmosphere distinguishes the city all year long, especially around the area of the port which is the largest port in Germany.

Beside the abundance of events as well as cultural and musical facilities, such as opera houses, museums and theatres that every year attract a broad international audience with various cultural programmes, the city hosts also many famous international festivals.

Among these, it's worth mentioning the "Elbe Jazz", the jazz festival which this year will be held from 27 to 28 May in Hamburg Port and will feature a series of events reaching out to "Hafen City". This latter stands out as model of sustainable project development and will welcome major architectural realisations, such as the new hall for concerts "Elbphilharmonie" which expected to affirm as the new symbol of the city of Hamburg.

Hamburg residents are proud of the several public gardens available in the city, such as Planten und Blomen and Jänisch Park, which lies on the banks of the wonderful Elbe River. The green spaces and recreation areas occupy a consistent portion of the urban area. Furthermore, the Alster Lake and the surrounding parks provide a spacious green spot for activities such as walking, jogging, running, sailing and kayaking.

Hamburg offers adults and young people plentiful possibilities in leisure activities, including boating on the picturesque Alster river channels, or feeding giraffes and elephants at the Hagenbeck Zoo. In Miniatur Wunderland, the model railways world where computers are in control of hundreds of trains, the family will enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Those who seek a different kind of entertainment can assist to the shows at the Hamburg Dungeon, where actors transpose horrible historical disasters like the Great Fire 1842 or the devastating flood in 1717 into acting scenes.

By heading to the south of Hamburg, within about one hour drive, visitors will reach the Heide Park in Soltau, the biggest theme park in Northern Germany, which will entertain adults and young people with a great variety of games and shows. Moreover, located in the south-west area of Hodenhagen is Serengeti Park, Germany's largest safari and wild animals' reserve, where visitors can enjoy a real African Safari experience.

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Issued on behalf of Hamburg Tourist Board by bridge:media FZ-LLC, Dubai Media City. For further information please contact Hunadah Al Hariri on:
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© Press Release 2011