Germany sees surge in foreign visitors
Germany recorded a 3.2% surge in overnight foreign visitors in July 2026, with 10.8 million visitors, according to provisional figures from the Federal Statistical Office. This increase comes despite market volatility and indicates positive growth in international tourism. The stability of this growth is further reinforced by the fact that it occurs at the start of the peak holiday season, suggesting a strong foundation for the industry.
A total of 47.1 million overnight stays by international guests were recorded between January and July, a 1.0% increase compared to 2025. The German National Tourist Board believes further growth is possible in the second half of the year. This optimism is grounded in the half-year results, which show a continuation of the positive trend, indicating that the tourism industry in Germany is on a stable upward trajectory.
Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board, commented, “Despite geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties, inbound tourism to Germany is holding its own, with demand on the rise.” Petra Hedorfer attributes this to the appeal of the “Germany as a Travel Destination” brand and its solid positioning in international competition. The perception of Germany as a service-oriented, safe, and high-quality destination, along with its attractive value for money and broad positioning in source markets, plays a significant role in attracting tourists and helping the country meet current challenges.
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The German National Tourist Board Travel Industry Expert Panel survey for the third quarter found that 45% of decision-makers in the international travel industry view their current business with Germany positively, an increase of 17% compared to the previous quarter.
The latest ETC Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report confirms that 81% of Europeans plan to take a trip between June and November, a 4% increase from last year. Given Germany’s reputation as a top holiday destination in Europe, it is well-positioned to capitalize on this increased demand.
