Hamburg attracts more GCC tourists, reports 34% increase in overnight stays

Heike Kamolz, Director Gulf States of the Hamburg Tourist Board, expressed appreciation about the rapid increase: 'Hamburg has been significantly gaining popularity among travellers from the Arab Gulf Region in recent years. The GCC was our fastest-growing source market in 2007 and it looks like the positive trend will persist further throughout 2008.' The total number of overnight stays of Gulf tourists in Hamburg reached more than 33,000 last year, most of which over the summer period.

This year again, large numbers of Gulf Arabs, particularly from the Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, are heading to the Northern German metropolis for the summer. The city has put together a range of deals especially for families with children - attractive for Gulf travellers, among others. Visitors can expect pedalo rides on the scenic Alsterfleet canals, feeding elephants in Hagenbeck Zoo, old-fashioned fun at the MiniaturWunderland model railway and gruesome goings-on in the Hamburg Dungeon. Hamburgs's open green spaces and bustling port provide the right blend for young and old alike.

Lamise Awad, an Arab executive working in Dubai, travels to Hamburg regularly for the summer: 'There is no place quite like Hamburg. We first went there to accompany my nephew, who underwent treatment in one of the city's top-notch medical institutions. After three weeks, he was fully rehabilitated - and the whole family had found a new favourite holiday destination. Ever since we first went there in 2005, we have returned every summer during the last years. The city offers everything for a perfect family holiday.'

Within an hour to 90 minutes' drive from Hamburg are two theme parks and a sensational safari adventure. In Soltau, to the south of the city, Heide-Park offers non-stop fun and entertainment for children and adults alike. With more than 50 rides and attractions, there is everything from white-knuckle rollercoasters and 'wet 'n' wild' rapids to old-time carousels and enthralling variety shows. Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen is Germany's largest safari and big game reserve.

Visitors can see more than 1,000 exotic animals in the wild and experience Africa at its finest as they drive through the reserve in their own vehicles or on the Serengeti Bus, as animals gaze curiously through windows as they pass. The zoological wonderland gives a first-hand look at giraffes, rhinos, camels and many other exotic creatures. Just outside the city of Lübeck is Hansa-Park, Germany's only seaside theme park, which boasts a host of rides, attractions and captivating shows. For those seeking thrill and adrenalin, the number one attraction is the 'Torre del Mar', the world's tallest wave swinger gives a new perspective on Lübeck Bay. In an elevated, free-flying swing, people are flung round the central column at speeds of up to 70km/h.

This summer, the Ferris wheel and carousel are just two of the many highlights at the Sommer-DOM fair attracting visitors from the Gulf and around the world. Held in July and August, it's the largest event of its kind in northern Germany. Another event not to miss is Cruise Days 2008 from 30 July to 3 August, where majestic ocean liners dock in the city-centre harbour and celebrations continue on shore. At the end August, attention switches to the sky for the Alster Fair firework spectacular.

With a population of about 1.8 million, Hamburg is Germany's second largest city after the capital, Berlin. One of its many attractions is the Hamburg Harbour, which is visited by more than 8 million tourists annually.