Kempinski sees GCC as one of most important markets

Mr Bardia Torabi, marketing and sales director at Adlon Kempinski Berlin and area director of sales in Germany, said the group's participation in the Dubai Arabian Travel Market conference has produced positive results for the Group.

"The GCC has become one of the most important markets for Kempinski...GCC tourists are increasingly choosing Berlin as their destination," he said.

His figures showed the number of tourists from the six-nation GCC surged by nearly 43% in 2012 over the previous year thanks to what he described as the diverse and rich tourism products which "appeal for needs of GCC families."

He said the German capital has become one of the most attractive tourism destination within Europe, adding that Berlin's area is nearly seven times that of Paris and that it is one of the "greenest" cities in the continent.

He noted that he had met many Arab visitors to Berlin and that they expressed their admiration of the city, particularly in summer, adding that they consider it as a "city of relaxation during summer."

"Many Arab families enjoy the open air cultural shows and festivities as well as shopping while many others come for its advanced medical services."

Mr Torabi said that he had presented Health and treatment packages for families during the Dubai conference in collaboration with Emirates Palace Hotel, Lufthansa Airlines and some hospitals in Berlin, including discounts of up to 25% on rates at Adlon Berlin and four other German-based hotels managed by Kempinski.

He said the packages start from June to October 2013 in addition to other offers during Ramada, stressing that Adlon Kempinski "respects local traditions and cultures in the GCC and ensures the best services in this respect to Gulf visitors."

Torbai said the offers also cover children accompanying their families including horse riding, picnics, entertainment, tours and visits to key places such as Universal Studios.

He said that Adlon Berlin is one of Kempinski's 10 hotels in Germany besides two hotels managed by the group in Austria, adding that they all are ready to welcome visitors from the GCC this summer.

Speaking about Adlon, he said the hotel includes 304 rooms, 78 suites, three key restaurants, two bars, 15 halls for conferences and other events, SPA centre, health club and a swimming pool.

"Adlon is one of the most famous hotels in Germany as most events are held close to the hotel at the famous Brandenburg Gate just near the hotel..it is also not far from shopping centres and government offices while going to historical places in the city is just a short picnic from the hotel," he said.