Germany’s Travel & Tourism Sector Sets Historic Records in 2025

Germany’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing a landmark year in 2025, breaking records across every major performance indicator. The sector’s resurgence is led by both international and domestic travel, robust spending, and a strong focus on sustainability.

Germany is forecast to achieve its highest-ever international visitor spending, reaching an unprecedented €57billion in 2025. Domestic visitor spending is setting records as well, expected to climb to €425billion. Altogether, the travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute a remarkable €499billion to GDP—equivalent to about 10–11.6% of the nation’s economy—and support around 6.5million jobs, making up roughly 14% of national employment.

Despite broader economic challenges such as trade tensions, a sluggish global economy, and rising prices, Germans continue to prioritize travel. Summer 2025 demand for holidays is bigger than ever, with total spending on pre-holiday services reaching €85billion, up 6% year-on-year. The sector is seeing particularly strong growth in organized and package tours, and cruise travel continues to set new records following last year’s 3.8million cruise passengers.

A key factor in Germany’s tourism success is the close cooperation between government and industry, with a focus on sustainable growth embedded in federal policy. Environmental priorities are being integrated without hindering economic gains, positioning Germany as both a European leader and a global model for tourism recovery, innovation, and responsible development.

Key Points:

• International visitor spending hits €57billion; domestic spending climbs to €425billion—all-time records.
• Sector contributes up to €499billion to GDP (10–11.6%) and directly supports 6.5million jobs (14% of employment).
• Summer 2025 demand is high, with €85billion projected holiday travel spend and a continuing cruise boom.
• Government and industry partnership drives a successful balance of economic progress and sustainable tourism—showing that growth and environmental priorities can go hand in hand.