Germany sees strong tourism growth in early 2017

German incoming tourism continues to show steady growth rates.

From January to September, according to preliminary figures from the Germany federal statistical office, 65.3 million international overnight stays were registered (in accommodation establishments with at least ten beds).

This represents an increase of four per cent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Petra Hedorfer, chief executive of the German National Tourist Board, explained: “Both in the first half of the year and in the summer season, the incoming has clearly once more gained dynamic momentum: from January to September 2016 the increase in international overnights remained high at 1.6 per cent, but we will generate twice as much growth this year.

“This confirms Germany’s excellent position as a travel destination both for business travel and as a holiday destination”.

With stronger growth compared to the same period for the previous year, German incoming tourism is clearly part of the dynamic development of global tourism.

The latest figures from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer show an increase of eight per cent in international arrivals in Europe at the end of August, compared to the two per cent increase last year.

For the current year, UNWTO, the world tourism organisation, has confirmed its forecast of three to four per cent growth in international arrivals worldwide and a two to three per cent growth for Europe.

Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index

Also today, in the wake of a substantial drop in global perception of the USA, Germany has retaken the top ranking in the latest Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index.
France climbed to second place.

The UK has regained the ground it lost last year after the Brexit vote to hold onto third place, while Japan jumps into the top five for the first time since 2011, standing equal with Canada. 

Germany, by contrast to the USA, enjoys a very balanced image across all six categories of the index, with notable improvements in global perception of its culture (up 1.07), governance (up 1.28), and people (up 1.34).

It ranks in the top five countries for all but one of the Index categories – that one being tourism, where it is gaining ground, if not yet in the top five.

Germany’s overall score increases are boosted by significantly improved perceptions among Egyptians (up 5.92), as well as among Russians (up 2.26), Chinese (up 2.17) and Italians (up 2.06).

Americans stand alone in ranking Germany outside the top-ten overall nation brands, placing it eleventh.