Germany Targets Ten Lakh Overnight Stays by Indian Tourists in 2026, Aiming for the Ten Percent Annual Growth to Reach Two Million by 2030

Published on December 21, 2025

Setting its sights on reaching 10 lacs of Indian arrivals in 2026, Germany now has its sights on a very ambitious target for its tourism industry. Though they fell just a little too short of this target in 2025, the Germany National Tourist Office (GNTO) India has a very positive outlook on reaching the 1 million target in the coming year. This was affirmed by Romit Theophilus, the Director of Marketing & Sales Office – India at GNTO, in a recent interview.

A Growth Projection of 10% Year-on-Year Through 2030

The Indian market is expected to see an annual growth of 10% until at least 2030, with the initial target of reaching 1 million overnight stays in 2026 and eventually doubling the number to 2 million. While 2025 is projected to close with 9.6 lakh overnight stays, GNTO India sees this as a positive sign, with growth surpassing the 2019 levels when the number reached 9.5 lakh before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted global travel.

“We want a growth of 10 percent year on year. That’s our growth projection till 2030 at least,” said Theophilus. “Our goal is now to first reach the 1 million (overnights) and then double that to 2 million.” He also highlighted that while 2025 didn’t meet the expected 10 lakh milestone, the steady increase in Indian tourist numbers every year remains promising for future growth.

Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

While Germany had hoped to surpass the 10 lakh milestone in 2025, various factors prevented the goal from being met. Visa delays, particularly long wait times for Indian travelers, were a significant challenge. Theophilus mentioned that visa processing times need to be faster in 2026, with the German embassy and visa section working to expedite the process.

They noted that Indian travelers were increasingly choosing other destinations in 2025, affecting the overall visitor numbers to Germany. Despite this, Indian tourists are spending more time in Germany, with the average length of stay exceeding nine nights. In the January-October period of 2025, 7,75,294 overnight stays were recorded, reflecting a steady flow of visitors.

Growth in Spending and Longer Stays

The increase in Indian tourists’ spending is another notable trend. In 2024, Indian tourists spent a total of 1.1 billion euros in Germany, with visitors showing a growing preference for longer stays. The increase in spending and longer stays suggests that Indian travelers are increasingly looking for authentic and culturally enriching experiences, which Germany is known for offering.

With Germany’s focus on sustainable tourism development and the shift toward personalized travel experiences, the country is strategically positioned to capture the growing demand for luxury tourism, family travel, and cultural tourism among Indian travelers. The growth of premium tourism experiences—from luxury hotels to cultural heritage tours—will position Germany as a leader in experiential travel for the Indian market, attracting higher-value tourists seeking a blend of authenticity, comfort, and exclusive experiences.

Future Tourism Impact: Growth Vision for Germany’s Long-Term Strategy

The resumption of tourism growth from India signals the potential for long-term sustainable growth for Germany as a major tourism destination. The 10% annual growth projection through 2030 reflects Germany’s long-term vision to tap into the expanding Indian market, particularly as Indian tourism evolves and travelers seek more premium, immersive experiences abroad. As air connectivity improves and visa processing becomes more streamlined, India’s outbound tourism to Germany is expected to increase significantly, especially as the Indian middle class continues to grow, bringing new travel opportunities.

The focus on Indian weddings, family visits, and longer stays will continue to provide an economic boost, contributing to growth in the hospitality sector, local retail, and destination management. As German tourism authorities tailor offerings to meet Indian travelers’ evolving preferences, the country will remain a highly attractive destination.

A Bright Future for India-Germany Tourism Relations

The constant rise, together with a growing interest in longer stays and quality travel, makes a promising future for Germany as a popular destination for Indian visitors. With the rise of India-Germany tourism, a higher number of quality visitors will be experienced by Germany, hence impacting positively on economic and cultural developments between the two countries. The emphasis on fast visa issuance, infrastructure, and travel experience will ensure that Germany remains at the forefront among Indian visitors searching for unique travel experiences in the future.