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
The most interesting news


Miles & More introduces miles and Points for CO₂-offsetting packages
Members can now collect additional miles and Points when booking CO₂-offsetting packages – moving faster towards frequent flyer status while contributing to more sustainable flying


For its anniversary year: Lufthansa reinvents the onboard experience
With FOX – Future Onboard Experience – Lufthansa will introduce more individuality, comfort and signature moments on long-haul flights from spring 2026


UN Tourism to Launch First Tourism Law Observatory in the Middle East
The new Observatory will act as a knowledge hub to strengthen and harmonize tourism legislation across the region


Ryanair to open new Trapani-Marsala base in January 2026
Two aircraft, 23 routes – including 11 new destinations – and over one million passengers annually: Ryanair expands in Sicily after the scrapping of the Municipal Tax at smaller airports


Çameli Joins the Cittaslow Network – Türkiye Now Counts 27 Member Towns
In southern Denizli, Çameli has been awarded the international Cittaslow label. The region stands out for its pristine nature, traditions, and commitment to sustainable living


Travelport integrates automated commission tool to boost agent revenue
Through a new partnership with Farenexus, Travelport+ now offers real-time commission visibility, helping agencies increase profitability, reduce errors, and make smarter bookings


Eurowings Marketplace launches direct booking for codeshare flights
For the first time, customers can search, book, and check in for codeshare flights directly via the Eurowings website and app. AEGEAN Airlines and Smartwings are the first partners to join


TAT to host the second DNA Travel and Fair 2025 in Bangkok this October
From 9–12 October, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will showcase Thailand’s subcultures with five lifestyle zones, immersive experiences, and live performances


Spain: 10 new Festivals of National and International Tourist Interest recognised
During World Tourism Week, Spain adds six festivals of national significance and four of international significance to its official list, now totalling 164 and 86 respectively


Star Princess delivered to Princess Cruises at Fincantieri shipyard
The second Sphere-Class newbuild will debut in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska


Lufthansa unveils special livery for 100th anniversary
A Boeing 787-9 will debut a centennial design in December 2025, marking the start of Lufthansa’s anniversary year 2026


Nature, adventure and rare routes: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches sold-out Great Lakes season
High demand prompts five-cruise expansion in 2027 as HANSEATIC inspiration navigates rare inland waterways


Asia-Pacific highlights smart and sustainable growth at UN Tourism-PATA Forum
19th edition in Guilin focuses on data-driven policies, innovation, and regional recovery


Turkish Airlines orders up to 225 Boeing aircraft
The national flag carrier has placed a major order for widebody and narrowbody jets, aiming to modernize its fleet and expand capacity through 2035


Lufthansa Group to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 as part of digital transformation
Job reductions tied to efficiency drive, automation, and structural streamlining; Group sets new financial targets for 2028–2030


Ryanair Confirms November 12 as Start Date for 100 Percent Digital Boarding Passes
Europe’s number one airline will phase out paper passes after the autumn holiday period to ensure a smooth transition for passengers


Experiential tourism at the core of the 5th Turespaña Convention in Cáceres
From 7–9 October, Cáceres will host Spain’s main tourism forum under the theme “Experiences that transform: building better tourism”. The focus: sustainability, innovation and authentic experiences


World Rivers Day: Agoda Showcases Asia’s Most Captivating Waterways
From Vietnam’s Perfume River to Indonesia’s brilliantly blue Kali Biru – Agoda highlights river destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and local life


Delta adds nonstop service from New York to Porto
Starting May 21, 2026, Delta will connect New York-JFK with Porto, Portugal, offering direct access to one of Europe’s most vibrant coastal cities


Princess Ubolratana confers Thailand Tourism Awards on 151 winners
The 15th Thailand Tourism Awards marked three decades of industry recognition, with new Sustainability Awards reflecting global travel priorities


Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin blends nature, design and luxury
Autumn in Tianjin brings golden light and nostalgic charm
