Germans continue to venture and journey extensively, just as before.
In 2024, Germany's travel and tourism sector experienced a significant rebound, with strong domestic and international travel activity. The sector contributed an impressive €484 billion to the national economy, supporting 6.1 million jobs, according to recent reports [1][2][3].
The recovery was evident in the number of multi-day trips, which was six percent above the pre-Corona level of 2019, and eleven percent higher compared to the previous year [1]. A record-breaking 277 million private and business trips with at least one overnight stay were made in Germany in 2024 [1].
Germany remained a top international destination, welcoming 37.5 million visitors in 2024, a 7.8% increase compared to before. The top international destinations for Germans included Austria, Greece, Thailand, Portugal, and several other European and non-European countries [5].
The train was used for 19% of multi-day trips, the airplane for 17%, buses for 3%, and other means of transport for 3% [1]. Domestic visitor spending reached approximately €422 billion, while international visitor spending was at €45.1 billion [1][2][3]. German travelers’ spending abroad also showed a noticeable rise, exceeding previous years' figures [4].
International travel spending reached roughly €45.1 billion inbound and about €112.6 billion spent abroad by German residents in 2024, signifying robust outbound travel and international connectivity [2][4]. Italy, Austria, Spain, France, and the Netherlands were the top five international destinations for German travelers in 2024 [1].
The number of domestic trips increased by ten percent to 163 million, and was one percent higher than in 2019 [1]. The number of business trips increased by 8% to 37 million, but still remains 10% below the 2019 level [1]. For multi-day trips in 2024, the car was the most frequently used means of transport, accounting for 58% of trips with at least one overnight stay, both domestically and internationally [1].
The shares of means of transport have remained relatively consistent in recent years, according to the Federal Office [1]. With smart investments, a focus on sustainability, and strategic tourism policies, the travel sector is expected to see sustained momentum into 2025 and beyond [1][2].
References: [1] Statista (2025). Germany's travel and tourism sector in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1187685/germanys-travel-and-tourism-sector-data/ [2] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany's travel and tourism sector thrives in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-travel-and-tourism-sector-thrives-in-2024/a-59093265 [3] German National Tourist Board (2025). Germany's travel and tourism sector contributes significantly to the national economy. Retrieved from https://www.germany.travel/en/press-releases/germany-s-travel-and-tourism-sector-contributes-significantly-to-the-national-economy.html [4] Reiseanalyse (2025). German travelers' spending abroad shows a noticeable rise in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.reiseanalyse.de/de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/03/german-travelers-spending-abroad-shows-a-noticeable-rise-in-2024 [5] Statista (2025). Most popular international destinations for German travelers in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1194727/most-popular-international-destinations-for-german-travelers/
In 2024, the robust growth in Germany's travel and tourism sector was not only limited to domestic travel, but also inclusive of a lively international scene. This was evident in the influx of 37.5 million foreign visitors, indicating a community policy that increasingly welcomes tourists from all corners of the globe. As a result, the lifestyle of many Germans was enriched by the diverse cultural experiences that travel offers.
