In view of the potentialities of tourism, Gulf countries are to invest $380 billion in the industry in the next 10 years, and expect to attract 150 million tourists within more or less that period. As Abdulaziz A. Shaheen, senior manager-tours programmes, Saudi Arabian Airlines, told Khaleej Times that promoting inbound tourism is a national strategy in the kingdom.

Tourism industry in the kingdom is said to be worth some SR61 billion annually. There are 12,000 historical and cultural sites of which 965 are suitable for tourism development.

As the national carrier supporting that strategy, Saudia organised a workshop in Jeddah followed by Riyadh last week to promote inbound and outbound tourism to and from Saudi Arabia to Germany.

Besides contributing to national economy, tourism increases knowledge and promotes international peace, and as such it could be termed a knowledge and peace economy.

Seeing is believing and when people travel, they see and realise that despite the differences we are all alike with the same hopes, aspirations, dreams, and needs. The unifying culture is that of gaining understanding and craving for peace and brotherhood.

As Horst Lommatzsch, director of German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) destination management, Asia, said a lot of people are interested in cultural tourism. GNTB has different themes each year, and the two main this year are castles, parks and gardens, which come under culture, and health care, especially wellness, and fitness.

Florian Potsch, marketing and traffic development, business division of aviation, Munich Airport International, said that there were 255,000 overnight stayers just in Munich from the Gulf last year, almost half of them from Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE.

In view of the large number of Arab visitors an area - Terminal 1, Module C - has been dedicated to Arab airlines. They arrive and depart from there and the staff is oriented to Arab travellers. “When they arrive or depart they feel very much at home,” Potsch said.

“The idea was introduced when Emirates began to fly to Munich about six years ago. Since then more Arab carriers came and so we decided to put them all together. They are all happy and like a big happy family,” he explained.

He added that Munich, Bavaria, Tirol, Salzburg, the Bavarian Alps, and the surrounding areas have much more to offer not just in July and August, but throughout the rest of the year for shopping, medical treatment and even for winter activities.

“There are many reasons and all seasons to visit Munich. There are more than 50 family attractions in and around Munich, and the city is celebrating 850 years of its existence this year,” Potsch said.

Brigitte E. M. Trenner, president/owner, Weichlein Tours and Incentives, said that the company, oldest incoming office in Germany, having established in 1956, arranges unusual and interesting programmes, such as a 45-minute Zeppelin flight over Lake Constance on the border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and family-oriented tours.

For children, the programme depends on their age - from a clown or magician to city tours, and golf lessons