Europe focuses on GCC travellers

It was for the first time in over two and a half years that top CEOs of the travel industry in GCC met with partners across four European destinations. This provided a perfect platform for them to explore new offerings and campaigns.

Shehara Rizly

E urope has always been the much loved summer escapade for the GCC travellers. Four destinations of Europe—Austria, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland—recenly organised a two-day summit for the travel professionals in GCC.

The two-day event kicked off with new campaign presentations by each tourism board director, followed by B2B meetings between the trade partners. Travel trade partners from Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attended the event with the host country participants from across the UAE as well.

Robert Groeblacher, Director, Austria Tourism, shared that it was very refreshing to meet everyone in person this year.

He further reiterated that the past year Austria had a good number of visitors from the GCC as they opened fairly early in the region for travellers to visit the destination.

Yamina Sofo, Director Marketing, German National Tourist Office for GCC Countries, in her presentation provided a sneak preview of one of the main campaigns to be launched this year which is based on nature.

Aisling McDermott, Manager, Tourism Ireland for Middle East, reiterated their strategy for the year. She said that this year they will be venturing out to other GCC countries and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be one of the key destinations where they will begin their campaigns.

Matthias Albrecht, Director, Switzerland Tourism, shared a latest video on the destination, which included stars such as Swiss tennis player Roger Federer and Hollywood stars Robert de Nero and Anne Hathaway.

All four directors thanked the travel agents for their support and trust further ensuring them that they will be able to assist further during this year and beyond.