Germany's tourism recovery continues to slow down

28-05-24

Germany's travel and tourism industry is undergoing a slower recovery compared to other key destinations in Europe. According to data just released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in its Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2024, domestic tourism has been instrumental in keeping the sector afloat in the country.

International travel spending in Germany remains stubbornly low, not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the WTTC stresses that the German travel and tourism sector has not yet regained its full contribution to GDP nor has it restored all the jobs lost during the global health crisis.

The global body's most recent research reveals that the tourism sector's contribution to Germany's GDP amounted to just over €453 billion ($491 billion) in 2023, which is €13.5 billion (about $14.6 billion) below 2019 levels.

Travel and tourism-related employment levels increased by about 5 percent, reaching 6.18 million workers, according to WTTC. However, this figure is still nearly 250,000 jobs below 2019 levels.

In terms of international visitor spending, 2023 was still more than 25 percent below 2019, with €14 billion ($15 billion) less spent.

The only positive note for Germany's travel and tourism industry is the remarkable boom in domestic tourism. Domestic visitor spending fully recovered in 2023, exceeding 2019 levels by €2.9 billion ($3.15 billion). The WTTC noted that this is “evidence that domestic visitors have led the way to the sector's post-pandemic recovery.”

In summary, while other European destinations are showing signs of a more robust recovery in their tourism sector, Germany still faces significant challenges, with a notable lag in international spending and the full recovery of employment in the sector. Domestic tourism stands as a ray of hope, highlighting the importance of the domestic market in revitalizing this crucial industry.