Germany’s Travel & Tourism Industry Lags Behind European Neighbors

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has highlighted the slow recovery of Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector compared to other European destinations. The data reveals that domestic tourism is currently the driving force behind the sector’s revival in Germany, while international travel spend is still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.

Despite the growth in domestic visitor spending, Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector has not fully recovered its GDP contribution, lost jobs, and international visitor spend from the pandemic. The sector’s GDP contribution in 2023 was over 13.5 billion euros below 2019 levels, with employment still 250,000 jobs short of pre-pandemic numbers.

International visitor spending in Germany remained more than 25% lower than 2019 figures, indicating the ongoing impact of the pandemic on international travel. However, domestic visitor spending exceeded 2019 levels by 2.9 billion euros in 2023, showcasing the resilience of domestic tourism in driving the sector’s recovery.

Looking ahead to 2024, WTTC forecasts a slight recovery in the sector’s overall GDP contribution, with an increase in jobs and domestic visitor spending. However, international visitor spending is expected to remain below 2019 levels. With the right government support, WTTC predicts that Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector could significantly grow its GDP contribution by 2034, creating more employment opportunities and attracting international visitors.

In comparison, the EU’s Travel & Tourism sector experienced growth in 2023, with jobs surpassing 2019 levels and international spending nearing pre-pandemic figures. WTTC forecasts continued growth in the region’s Travel & Tourism sector in the coming years, emphasizing the importance of government support and collaboration with the private sector to ensure sustainable growth and recovery.