Seminar offering comprehensive insight into vacationing as the Germans do
In 2024, German tourism saw a surge with a record-breaking 56 million Germans taking at least one holiday of five days or longer [1]. This marked a significant increase in the travel industry, with Germans spending a total of €90 billion on travel [1].
When it comes to choosing their holiday destination, the weather, price, and reliable Wi-Fi remain the top considerations for the majority of German holidaymakers [1]. However, a "Green Shift" is noticeable in the German travel mind, with 72 percent of Germans seeing overtourism as a real problem [3].
For domestic holidays, major cities and regions such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Bavaria, Dresden, Cologne, Nuremberg, and Potsdam are popular choices [1][5]. Berlin, Germany’s capital and cultural hub, attracts visitors with historical landmarks like the Berlin Wall and Museum Island. Bavaria, celebrated for its scenic beauty, castles (like Neuschwanstein), and traditional Bavarian culture, is the most popular domestic destination [3][5].
Europe remains the most favored region for German tourists, with Spain being the most popular foreign destination outside Germany [2][4]. The allure of Spain's beaches, culture, and climate has drawn a significant share of Germans for their holidays.
Europe accounts for about 57% of all German outbound trips, showing a strong regional preference for intra-European travel [2]. Within Germany, travel is spread across major cities as well as scenic and historic regions offering cultural experiences, nature, and traditional festivities [1][5].
When it comes to holiday behaviour, 64 percent of German travellers make some effort to speak the local language [1]. Over 50 percent of Germans are eager to sample regional dishes when they travel [1]. Interestingly, only 11 percent of Germans are willing to admit to wearing socks with their sandals [2].
A notable trend in 2024 was the increased demand for non-traditional accommodation options such as campsites and Airbnb-style rentals, especially among families and younger travellers [1]. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of German travellers can still spot their compatriots on the beach with just a glance [2].
In terms of travel planning, 44 percent of Germans booked their main vacation for 2024 at least four months in advance [1]. However, only eight percent of travel agents noted clients who had actually decided to change their travel plans on the basis of overtourism [3].
A significant minority of German travellers (16.4 percent) felt the need to escape Europe altogether in 2024, with Southeast Asia being a particularly popular destination for long-haul trips [1]. Meanwhile, only 16 percent of Germans are willing to rise early to place their towel on a sun-lounger [2].
In conclusion, German tourism in 2024 demonstrates a strong preference for European destinations, with Spain being the most popular foreign choice. Domestically, Bavaria remains the most popular destination, followed by Berlin and other major cities. The trend towards sustainable and culturally immersive travel continues, with travellers making efforts to speak the local language and sample regional cuisine.
In the preference for holiday destinations, a significant number of Germans value locations that offer cultural experiences and scenic beauty, causing domestic regions like Bavaria and cities such as Berlin to be popular choices. On the other hand, when considering overseas travel, the allure of European countries, particularly Spain, attracts a considerable percentage of German tourists due to factors like beaches, culture, and climate.
