Germany’s travel and tourism sector is expected to achieve unprecedented growth in 2025. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending is projected to reach €57 billion, marking the highest inbound spend ever recorded in the country.
GDP Contribution and Employment
The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts that the sector’s total contribution to Germany’s GDP could reach €499 billion in 2025, accounting for 11.6% of the GDP. Additionally, the sector is expected to support 6.5 million jobs, which would account for 14% of national employment.
Domestic Spending Growth
Domestic visitor spending is also expected to surpass previous records, with projections indicating it will reach €425 billion in 2025. This growth positions Germany as a leader in both European and global travel and tourism.
Policy and Sustainability
Germany’s tourism strategy involves integrating tourism within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This approach encourages sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector. The focus on sustainability has not impeded economic progress, demonstrating that economic growth and sustainability can coexist.
2024 Performance Review
In 2024, the travel and tourism sector contributed €484 billion to Germany’s economy and supported 6.1 million jobs. Domestic visitor spending reached €422.3 billion, while international visitor spending totaled €45.1 billion. These figures set the stage for the anticipated growth in 2025.
Future Projections for 2035
Looking ahead to 2035, the WTTC forecasts that the sector will contribute €579 billion to the economy, equivalent to 12.1% of GDP, and support 7.6 million jobs. International visitor spending is expected to surge to €74 billion, with domestic spending projected to exceed €480 billion. To achieve these targets, the sector must focus on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing global competitiveness.
