Destination Report: Munich

Summer Time:
Gulf Arabs in Europe

During July and August, the heat in the Arabian Gulf States is practically unbearable. Many Arabs escape to the cooler climate of Europe to spend their summer. In recent years, the phenomenon has reached unprecedented growth rates and has become a major economic factor.

The Bavarian capital Munich strongly benefits from this trend. Out of 253,000 overnights from Arab visitors in 2007, 170,000 (= 66%) were counted from July to August. For the year 2008, an increase of nearly 25% is expected. This clearly indicates the Saudi, Emirati and Qatari preference for summer holidays in a moderate climate – and in a surrounding with ample shopping opportunities. On average, Arab guests as the biggest spenders leave more than 500 EUR per day in the local retail trade alone.

The hotels in Munich have for long adapted to the summer demand from the Gulf. Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton – they are all highly familiar with the custom of booking entire hotel floors over a period of two months for the whole family including maids, cooks and other entourage. Likewise, the guest attendance during these times is adjusted to the different life styles: room service is available 24 hours, orient-styled tents with water pipes are provided and the entire staff is alert to peculiar requests.

While the sight of veiled women strolling around parks or pedestrian zones has become a familiar trademark of Munich in the summer, this year’s holidays have come to an end: the holy month of Ramadan is about to begin, and the visitors from the Gulf return home for its celebration.

But in July of 2009, for sure they will be back – and heartily welcomed by the Munich hoteliers, retailers and also the locals.


Andreas Hauser