Germany to hit overnight stay record

Germany will set a new record in 2010 and generate more than 60 million overnight stays from foreign visitors for the first time.

This result would mean around 3.5 million more overnights than in 2008, the best year on record so far, and around 5 million more than in the crisis year of 2009.

The outcome has been forecast by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) based on the latest numbers collected by the Federal Statistical Office and other market research institutions.

For the first three quarters the statisticians calculated a plus of 11% for incoming tourism in comparison with the same time last year, and an increase of 6.2% compared with 2008.

The incoming traffic from the United Kingdom into Germany has also been on the rise throughout the year. Nearly 3.2 million overnight stays from British travellers were recorded until September 2010, marking a significant increase of 14.8% in comparison to last year.

Tourism in Germany is growing disproportionally fast. While the country counted an increase of 12.4% in visitor arrivals, compared with the same time period last year, worldwide visitor arrivals increased by only 7% in the first 8 months according to the UNTWO.

To ensure continued growth in incoming tourism a variety of marketing initiates are planned for 2011 including a focus on health and wellness travel, 125 years of German automobile and the FIFA Women's World Cup.

"Germany is a great place to visit at any time and for many reasons", says Klaus Lohmann, Director UK & Ireland. "This past year has shown that we are competitive on a world stage. Big draws were the Passion Play in Oberammergau, 200 years Oktoberfest and certainly the RUHR.2010 (European Capital of Culture) with more than 2500 events and exhibitions taking place. The year to come promises more events, both innovative and traditional, and we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our country."

For more information, visit: germany.travel