German inbound tourism set for renewed growth in 2026 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Germany’s inbound tourism sector is entering 2026 with cautiously optimistic momentum. Despite a challenging global market environment marked by geopolitical tensions and economic pressures, business expectations within the international travel industry have improved steadily. Recent data on overnight stays by international visitors further supports this positive outlook.

Industry sentiment points to recovery

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) reports strengthening confidence among international travel professionals. According to its Travel Industry Expert Panel, which surveys around 250 executives and key accounts of global travel companies with Germany business, industry sentiment turned notably more positive at the end of 2025.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, 61 per cent of respondents assessed their inbound business to Germany positively, an increase of eight percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Looking ahead, 57 per cent of experts expect continued positive development in their Germany business between December 2025 and May 2026, reflecting a further rise in confidence.

Growth forecast supported by international trends

Global tourism indicators also suggest a favourable environment for Germany’s inbound sector. UN Tourism projects worldwide travel growth of three to five per cent in 2026. Within Europe, the European Travel Commission (ETC) confirms sustained willingness to travel.

The ETC’s Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel survey conducted in October 2025 shows that 73 per cent of Europeans intended to travel within the continent over the following six months. In long-haul markets, the ETC’s Long-Haul Travel Barometer published in January 2026 indicates largely stable interest in travel to Europe.

Against this backdrop, Tourism Economics forecasts 3.2 per cent growth in inbound travel to Germany in 2026.

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board, emphasises Germany’s competitive positioning:

“Global travel conditions were volatile last year due to complex international conflicts. Nevertheless, Germany continues to play in the Champions League as a travel destination. According to UN Tourism data, Germany started 2025 ranked 8th among the world’s most popular travel destinations. For 2026, we expect international overnight stays in Germany to grow by 3.2 per cent compared to the previous year. Our excellent positioning in city and cultural tourism, unique natural landscapes and a very good price-performance ratio provide a strong starting position in international competition in 2026 as well.”

Overnight stays show late-year upswing

Preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office underline the stabilisation trend. In December 2025, accommodation establishments recorded 6.7 million overnight stays by international visitors, representing a 4.0 per cent increase compared to the same month of the previous year.

For the full year 2025, total international overnight stays reached 83.8 million. The annual decline of 1.8 per cent compared to 2024 is attributed primarily to statistical base effects. The previous year benefited from extraordinary visitor volumes generated by the UEFA European Football Championship and major concert events.

Economic factors remain relevant

While the late-year recovery signals resilience, broader economic conditions continue to influence demand. Reduced purchasing power linked to escalating global trade conflicts in 2025, alongside weaker performance in the international business travel segment, weighed on annual results.

Nevertheless, the GNTB views the improving industry sentiment and stabilising visitor numbers as clear indicators of renewed growth potential for Germany’s inbound tourism in 2026.

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