Preliminary data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) this week paints a complex picture of Germany’s tourism sector, revealing a subtle shift in visitor demographics and raising questions about the sustainability of record-breaking performance. While overall overnight stays in November 2025 registered a marginal increase of 0.2 percent to 32.2 million compared to the previous year, a closer examination reveals diverging trends amongst domestic and international visitors.
Domestic tourism demonstrated surprising resilience, experiencing a 0.1 percent rise in overnight stays during November, reaching 26.5 million. This suggests a continuing reliance on internal travel, potentially spurred by economic uncertainty or shifting international travel preferences. However, the growth isn’t substantial, indicating perhaps a saturation point for domestic tourism within Germany.
The more concerning aspect lies in the performance of international visitors. While a 0.4 percent increase in November to 5.7 million seems positive at first glance, it sharply contrasts with the broader eleven-month performance data for 2025. Across the entire year to date, international overnight stays have contracted by a significant 2.2 percent, plummeting to 77.2 million. This decline represents a serious setback for Germany’s tourism industry, which has historically been a key contributor to the national economy and a vital source of revenue for many regions.
The 0.6 percent increase in domestic overnight stays year-to-date, totaling 388.4 million, merely offsets the international decline. While this has allowed the sector to narrowly surpass the previous record of 465.1 million overnight stays from the same period last year, the achievement feels precariously balanced.
Analysts suggest several factors may be contributing to the weakening international tourism figures. Geopolitical instability, ongoing global economic anxieties and increased competition from alternative destinations could all be playing a role. Furthermore, concerns surrounding rising costs within Germany and perceptions of reduced value for money may be deterring potential international visitors.
The current data will undoubtedly fuel debate within government circles. Policies aimed at attracting high-value international tourism – a key component of Germany’s economic strategy – may require critical reassessment. The emphasis on domestic tourism, while providing short-term stability, cannot substitute for the long-term benefits and diversification offered by a robust international travel market. The challenge now lies in understanding the root causes of the international decline and developing targeted strategies to revitalize this crucial sector while simultaneously ensuring the sustainability of domestic tourism.
