German inbound tourism remains on growth path despite geopolitical uncertainties

Germany

International overnight stays increase as demand for safe and nearby destinations strengthens

Germany continues to demonstrate its appeal as an international travel destination despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties in key source markets. According to the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office show that overnight stays by international visitors increased by 0.6 per cent in April 2026 compared with the same month last year.

The positive development comes at a time when global tourism is facing challenges linked to the war in the Middle East and disruptions to international air traffic. While domestic tourism in Germany recorded a decline in April, international demand remained resilient.

Positive outlook for the summer season

Recent market research and industry forecasts indicate favourable conditions for inbound tourism during the upcoming summer months. A survey conducted by the European Travel Commission following the outbreak of the Iran conflict recorded an eight per cent increase in consumers’ intentions to travel within Europe.

Additional research commissioned by the GNTB highlights growing interest in Germany among travellers from neighbouring markets, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium, which remain among the country's most important source markets.

The latest GNTB Travel Industry Expert Panel also points to continued confidence among international travel professionals. More than half of participating tour operators expect their Germany business to grow over the next six months, while a further 41 per cent anticipate stable booking volumes.

Safety and proximity influence travel decisions

“The outbreak of the war in the Middle East and the associated disruptions to global air traffic have clearly demonstrated both the fragility and the high resilience of our global system,” said Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board.

“Our Expert Panel shows that people want to travel, but they are booking with a stronger focus on safety, at shorter notice and with a greater preference for nearby destinations.”

According to Hedorfer, Germany is well positioned to benefit from these changing travel patterns thanks to its reputation as a safe and service-oriented destination in the heart of Europe, combined with strong value for money and a diverse tourism offering.

Forecasts point to further growth

The latest projections from Tourism Economics support this positive outlook. Under its baseline scenario for 2026, the consultancy forecasts growth of 1.9 per cent in arrivals from European source markets and 4.5 per cent from overseas markets.

These expectations underline the continued resilience of Germany’s inbound tourism sector and suggest that international demand is likely to remain robust despite a volatile global environment.

For the German tourism industry, the figures provide encouraging signs that travellers continue to prioritise reliable, accessible and high-quality destinations when planning their holidays and short breaks.