Europe’s largest economy faces slow growth and industrial problems. But tourism is growing.
German hotels and campsites registered 433.5 million overnight stays from January to October 2025. This is a 0.1% increase over the record from the same period in 2024. The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) released these preliminary figures on German tourism.
Domestic travelers supported the industry. German guests accounted for 362 million overnight stays. This was a 0.6% increase. Foreign visitors contributed 71.5 million stays. That number dropped by 2.3%. Fewer international guests arrived because no major events took place. The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship brought hundreds of thousands of fans last year. 2025 lacked a similar event.
“Germany is still an attractive destination and people want to travel,” said Norbert Kunz. He is the managing director of the German Tourism Association (DTV). “We expect 2025 will match or beat last year’s record.”
Foreign Visitors Led October Growth
Recent monthly data show strength. Germany recorded 45.9 million overnight stays in October alone. This is up 1.2% from last year. Domestic bookings rose 0.7% to 38.6 million. Foreign guests increased 4.1% to 7.3 million. This suggests international demand is recovering late in the season.
An Economic Bright Spot
Manufacturing is in recession. Consumers are buying less. But German tourism is strong. The industry employs around 2.7 million people. The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) says tourism added about 3.7% to the national gross value last year. “Tourism creates jobs and stabilizes the economy,” the DIW concluded.
Thousands of small businesses benefit. These range from Black Forest guesthouses to North Sea campsites. Domestic guests help these companies manage rising energy costs and inflation.
Germany is starting the winter season and Christmas markets. The industry is ready to set another record in 2025. Germans are still willing to travel locally during tough economic times.
