German tourism announces record results at the end of 2015

At the end of the third quarter 2015, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) was able to look back at yet another record result for the German incoming tourism. Overall, the Federal Statistical Office registered 62 million international overnight stays in accommodation facilities of at least 10 beds between January and September, 2015 – 5.3 percent more than during the same period the year before.

In the summer months of June, July and August alone, German incoming numbers, at 35 million, were 6.7 percent higher, compared with the 2014 high season. Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB assesses the results so far: “According to the UNWTO prognosis for the development of the European and global travel movements, we expected an increase of three to four percent in 2015. We were able to achieve growth rates higher than that every month since January.

The excellent summer season confirmed the above average growth in important travel segments. The latest European Travel Monitor by IPK International found an increase of seven percent in the segment city and events trips and ten percent for multi-destination trips in the first eight month of the year.”

High-potential markets continue to grow .The Asia-Pacific region generated almost one third of the additional 3.1 million overnights through the end of September, an increase of 14.4 percent, confirming its position as a growth engine for Germany’s incoming tourism. China (up 28 percent) and the Arab Gulf States (up 19 percent) in particular set a strong course, but also South Korea (up 18 percent), Taiwan (up 29 percent) and India (up nine percent). Meanwhile, South America’s most important source market, Brazil, recorded an increase of seven percent.

High growth rates were also announced by some of the high-potential markets in Southeast Europe: The Czech Republic (up 9.5 percent to 822,000 overnights), Romania (up 10.3 percent to 596,000), Turkey (up 15.1 percent to 550,000) and Croatia (up 47 percent to 213,000).

High Growth also from the Top 10 markets. All Top 10 markets for Germany’s incoming tourism were able to report an increase at the end of the third quarter. While the Netherlands are up just under two percent (9.3 million overnights) year-over-year, Switzerland (up 8.6 percent), the U.S. and the United Kingdom (up 7.7 percent each) recorded above average growth. Italy, Austria, Denmark, France and Belgium follow in fifth to ninth place. Ranked number ten is Spain – their increase of 19.5 percent ranks them just above China.