Germany launches halal guide for GCC travellers

The launch comes as the number of GCC travellers to Germany is rising, with 489,000 Gulf visitors in 2024, a 21% surge compared to 2022. 

Cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Düsseldorf remain popular with regional travellers, with guests from the GCC ranking among Frankfurt’s top three overseas source markets and the city posting record tourism numbers in 2024.

The new guide provides region-by-region insights, matching Muslim-friendly services such as halal restaurants and prayer spaces with major attractions and lesser-known destinations. 

Each destination is supported by insider recommendations from Muslim residents, from best places to eat to local mosques.

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Highlights include five-star Berlin hotels, the Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz-Carlton, which offer halal cuisine and remove alcohol from rooms upon request, and family-friendly attractions such as Berlin Zoo, Munich’s English Garden by pedicab and Hessenpark open-air museum with its forest adventure trails and traditional crafts.

Each city overview includes details on transportation, Arabic-speaking staff, family activities and even wellness options, helping ensure a comfortable, culturally aware stay. 

Suggested 7- and 8-day itineraries supported by travel tips make it easier for GCC travellers to plan routes that combine city-based cultural experiences with lakeside retreats or spa towns. 

​​To make planning and exploring even more seamless for GCC visitors, the guide also features an integrated AI-powered chatbot. This digital innovation provides instant answers to questions ranging from halal dining in Munich to the nearest mosque in Berlin, making destination research and on-the-go assistance more accessible. 

Commenting on the guide’s launch, Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing and Sales Office, GNTO GCC, said: “We are committed to showing guests from the GCC that Germany is a destination where they can explore freely while staying connected to their faith and traditions.”

Halal travel, catering for Muslim requirements, is undergoing a boom, and is expected to grow to US$410.9 billion by 2032, up from US$256.5 billion in 2023, according to industry predictions.

The guide can be downloaded here, or for more information, visit www.germany.travel.html