Germany’s hospitality sector is off to a strong start in 2025, with 25.9 million overnight stays recorded in January.
According to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), this represents a 3.1% increase compared to January 2024, making it the best January for German hotels and accommodations since 2020, when the total reached 26.9 million stays.
Domestic Tourism Drives Growth
The primary driver behind this surge was a significant increase in domestic tourism. The number of overnight stays by German residents rose by 4.2% year-over-year, reaching 21.6 million in January 2025. This trend highlights strong demand for domestic travel, as more Germans are choosing to explore their home country instead of traveling abroad.
While domestic travel boomed, the number of international visitors declined. Overnight stays by foreign guests fell 1.9% to 4.3 million, suggesting that Germany still faces challenges in attracting tourists from overseas.
Accommodation Sector Sees Widespread Gains
The increase in tourism was recorded across a wide range of accommodation types, including:
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Holiday apartments and vacation rentals
- Camping sites
- Other tourism-related accommodations
Germany’s hospitality businesses with at least 10 beds or camping spaces were included in the data. The broad-based growth suggests that both business and leisure travel played a role in driving demand.
A Positive Outlook for Germany’s Tourism Industry
The strong January figures mark a positive start for Germany’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, particularly as the sector continues to rebuild after years of disruption. The rise in domestic tourism indicates a stable and resilient travel market, fueled by staycations, local business travel, and increased holiday bookings within the country.
Meanwhile, efforts to attract international visitors will be key to maintaining momentum in the months ahead. Factors such as visa policies, airline connectivity, and global economic conditions may influence whether foreign arrivals rebound later in 2025.
Germany remains a major player in European tourism, with cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg drawing millions of travelers each year. The continued success of the hospitality industry will depend on sustained demand, infrastructure improvements, and strategic tourism campaigns.
Germany’s Travel Market in 2025: What’s Next?
With a strong start to the year, Germany’s travel industry is looking ahead to upcoming events and peak seasons. If domestic demand remains high and international visitor numbers improve, the country could see further record-breaking figures throughout 2025.
For now, German hotels and accommodations are celebrating their best January in five years, setting a promising tone for the rest of the year.
