Tourexpi
Record
Spending and Economic Impact
International
visitor spending is forecast to hit an unprecedented €57 billion this
year—marking the highest inbound tourism spend ever recorded in Germany.
WTTC’s
latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) predicts that the sector’s total
contribution to GDP could reach an all-time high of €499 billion in 2025,
equivalent to 11.6% of the country’s GDP. Employment supported by the sector is
also projected to reach a record 6.5 million jobs, accounting for 14% of
national employment.
Domestic
visitor spending is expected to exceed previous benchmarks, rising to €425
billion in 2025.
This
robust growth positions Germany as not only a European leader in Travel &
Tourism but also a global model for recovery and reinvention.
Policy
Backing and Sustainable Growth
Germany’s
tourism policy exemplifies forward-thinking governance. By positioning tourism
within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium
für Wirtschaft und Energie), the government has fostered close cooperation
between industry leaders and policymakers, ensuring the sector grows
sustainably.
Importantly,
this focus on sustainability has not impeded economic success. Germany’s
approach demonstrates that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity
can coexist.
Leadership
Remarks
Julia
Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated:
“This
is a landmark year for Travel & Tourism in Germany. To break records across
every major measure—international and domestic spend, GDP contribution, and
jobs—is a stunning achievement.
“It
shows a sector not just recovering, but roaring back to life. Germany is once
again a powerhouse in global tourism, and this momentum must be protected with
smart investment and bold ambition.”
Germany’s
broad appeal—from cultural city breaks and outdoor adventures to wellness
retreats and global events—is helping to re-establish the country as a top-tier
international destination.
2024
in Review
WTTC
data for 2024 reflected strong sector performance:
·
Travel & Tourism contributed €484
billion to the German economy
·
The sector supported 6.1 million jobs
·
Domestic visitor spending reached
€422.3 billion
·
International visitor spending
totalled €45.1 billion
These
achievements laid the foundation for the historic forecasts in 2025. Continued
momentum, particularly in international markets, will require sustained
investment in transportation infrastructure, destination marketing, and visitor
experience.
Outlook
to 2035
Looking
ahead, WTTC projects even stronger growth:
·
By 2035, the Travel & Tourism
sector is forecast to contribute €579 billion to GDP (12.1%)
·
The sector is expected to support 7.6
million jobs
·
International visitor spending is
projected to rise to €74 billion
·
Domestic spending is forecast to
exceed €480 billion
To
realise this potential, stakeholders must remain committed to innovation,
sustainability, and enhancing global competitiveness.
For
more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC’s latest
Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit the WTTC Research Hub.
Image Credit: © Tourexpi
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