German National Tourist Board welcomes Federal Cabinet’s decision on 2026 budget

Germany

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has welcomed the Federal Cabinet’s approval of the 2026 draft federal budget, describing it as a strong signal for Germany as a travel destination and, more broadly, as a competitive business location in the global market.

The draft allocates €40.6 million in federal funding to the GNTB for 2026 – a modest increase from the €39.9 million allocated in 2025 – thereby meeting the coalition agreement’s commitment to maintain institutional funding at least at 2024 levels.

Petra Hedorfer, Chair of the GNTB’s Executive Board, stated:

"Federal investment in the international marketing of Germany as a travel destination – and thus as a location for investment – has a high leverage effect. According to IPK International, international travellers spent approximately €77 billion in and on trips to Germany in 2024 – a 10 percent increase over the previous year. A large portion of this spending directly benefits small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, business travel operators and retailers.

Tourism not only drives economic growth but also promotes international understanding and social cohesion.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, to the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, Dr Christoph Ploß, and to all political and industry partners who have worked so tirelessly in recent months to secure this vital support for the SME sector.

By stabilising federal funding for the GNTB, the government ensures planning reliability for our global marketing efforts and international offices – especially vital in today’s volatile market environment. This allows us to further expand our global presence, boost brand visibility, and advance key digital initiatives to strengthen Germany’s competitive edge among the world’s leading travel destinations.”