Destinations

Germany Flying High

For the eighth straight year, Germany’s incoming tourism has produced record results, and Canada is doing its part to help out.

For 2017, the Federal Statistical Office recorded 83.9 million international overnight stays in hotels with at least 10 beds, 3.1 million more than in 2016, which this time represents an increase of 3.6% over the previous year.

Says Petra Hedorfer, chair of the board of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), “Throughout 2017, German incoming tourism developed very dynamically. Positive economic fundamentals, political stability in important source markets and the outstanding positioning of Destination Germany as a brand in the international travel market form the basis of this excellent balance sheet. Especially as a holiday destination, we were able to score points with guests from all over the world.”

While Europe continues to be the largest volume market for German incoming tourism – with almost three quarters of all overnight stays – the highest growth rates among the source regions of international travel come from the American continent. The most important overseas market, the United States continues to perform above average, showing a year-over-year increase of 8.8%.

At 8.4% and not far behind, the Canadian numbers too represent a substantial increase in incoming tourism to Destination Germany.

“We are confident these figures project a very positive travel trend for Canadians travelling to Germany this year,” says Antje Splettstoesser, the German National Tourist Office’s director for Canada. “Our main marketing theme for 2018 targets our potential visitors’ palates: Culinary Germany aims to presents the best our country has to offer and can please all tastes and pocket books – from our more than 300 Michelin Star-studded restaurants to the savoury sausages from across the country, to the finest cheeses, smoked hams, white asparagus, pickled gherkins and, not to forget, the mouthwatering Black Forest cakes.”

“Our many regions produce wonderfully diverse specialties,” she added, “which naturally include their beers and delicate red and white wines. They of course make the best meal companions, whether in a first-class restaurant, inn or pub or at a local market food truck.”