Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
In July 2015, Germany’s incoming tourism achieved yet another record result by generating 10.3 million overnights stays. The Federal Statistical Office registered 44.7 million overnights in accommodation facilities of at least 10 beds between January and July. That’s 2.4 million more overnight stays than during the same period last year, an increase of 5.6 percent. The U.S. recorded an additional 171,000 overnights, an increase of 5.8 percent, firmly keeping it in third place overall.
Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) discusses the numbers at hand: “Since November 2009, Germany’s incoming tourism has only been seen to go one way: up. Germany’s popularity as a travel destination is growing stronger than the average, which is highlighted in July’s numbers that represent a growth of over nine percent to 10.3 million overnight stays by international visitors.”
Growth drivers in Asia, Europe and the Americas
Looking at absolute numbers, China contributed the biggest share during the first seven months of the year, registering 313,000 additional overnights. A total of 1,4 million overnight stays were generated by travelers from China, which gets the source country ever closer to the top ten incoming markets. The Arab Golf States contributed an extra 194,000 overnights. “Altogether, the Asia and Pacific region grew by 16.1 percent or 741,000 additional overnights stays. Countries such as South Korea or Taiwan also recorded double digit growth, confirming the long-term potential Asia holds for Germany’s incoming travel.” further explains Hedorfer.
The most dynamic European market is Switzerland, firming up its second place spot in the overall ranking of German source markets with an additional 309,000 overnights. The United Kingdom and Spain also contributed more than 200,000 extra overnights each. The Netherlands stay in first place with an increase of 172,000 overnight stay from their market.
The U.S. confirmed its spot as the most important overseas market for Germany’s incoming tourism by generating an additional 171,000 overnights. Roughly 60,000 more overnight stays than the previous year were recorded by Brazil, the source market with the strongest growth in South America.
