Record Overnight Stays Reflect Resilience of German Tourism

Germany's tourism sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording an unprecedented number of overnight stays in 2024, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the number of overnight stays in hotels and other accommodation providers with at least ten beds reached 496.1 million, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year and surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 0.1%.

This resurgence in tourism demonstrates that the industry has successfully navigated the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of international guests has also risen, with 85.3 million overnight stays from foreign visitors, increasing from 16.6% in 2023 to 17.2%. However, this figure remains below the pre-pandemic level of 18.1%. The German National Tourist Board (DZT) anticipates a further growth in 2025, projecting around 91 million overnight stays from international tourists.

Looking ahead, the tourism industry is optimistic about continued demand for travel in 2025. Data from the German Travel Association (DRV) indicates that more travelers are booking their vacations earlier, particularly for the summer season, reflecting a growing trend of early bookings.

Camping has emerged as a particularly strong segment within the tourism landscape. Compared to 2019, overnight stays at campsites have surged by nearly 20% (19.9%), solidifying a trend that began during the pandemic. In contrast, the hotel sector still lags behind, with a 2.2% shortfall compared to 2019 figures.

The ongoing positive trajectory of the German tourism industry highlights its resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, with various accommodation types witnessing a revival in popularity. As travel enthusiasts seek experiences within Germany, the sector is poised for a bright future.