International Demand Surges in Germany as October Sees Growth from USA, India, Brazil and UAE Boosting Hotels and Flight Bookings

Published on December 12, 2025

Germany’s inbound tourism sector is showing a marked turnaround as international demand picked up significantly in October, signaling renewed confidence among global travellers. After a year marked by fluctuating visitor numbers, the latest figures indicate a stabilising trend that points toward continued growth in the coming months.

According to recent data, the number of overnight stays by international visitors in October 2025 climbed 4.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching a total of 7.3 million. This uptick comes after the sector experienced a cumulative decline of 2.9 per cent by the end of the third quarter, which has now narrowed to 2.3 per cent by the close of October. Preliminary statistics from the Federal Statistical Office, covering hotels and guesthouses with at least ten beds, underscore the positive momentum returning to Germany’s tourism market.

Hotel performance metrics further reflect the revival in demand. Analysis from MKG Consulting reveals that the average occupancy rate across all hotel categories reached 75.2 per cent in October, nearly three percentage points higher than the same period in 2024. In addition to improved occupancy, average room rates rose to €126, representing a 10.1 per cent increase over last year. These figures suggest that Germany is successfully balancing increased guest inflows with pricing resilience, despite mounting competition from other international destinations.

Air travel data also highlights the strong rebound in visitor numbers. Forward Keys reports an 8.2 per cent increase in international flight arrivals during October compared with the previous year. Forward-looking booking trends further suggest sustained growth, with advance flight reservations for the next six months surpassing last year’s figures. Particularly strong demand is evident from long-haul markets including the United States, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates, indicating that Germany remains an attractive destination for travellers from diverse regions.

Tourism experts note that the recovery is being driven by several factors. Germany’s cultural and historical attractions, combined with a robust calendar of events and festivals, continue to draw international interest. Enhanced connectivity through major airports and competitive flight options has also made travel more convenient for overseas visitors. Furthermore, strategic marketing efforts by the German National Tourist Board (DZT) are reinforcing the country’s appeal as a safe, accessible, and culturally rich destination.

The positive developments in October come after months of uncertainty for the tourism industry, which faced challenges ranging from fluctuating global travel trends to heightened competition from emerging destinations. The rebound is a welcome sign for the hospitality sector, as hotels, guesthouses, and related services prepare for an expected uptick in visitors through the winter and into the spring of 2026.

Analysts also highlight that the increase in both occupancy and average prices demonstrates strong market fundamentals. Higher room rates, coupled with robust demand, indicate that the industry is not only attracting more visitors but is also able to capture greater value per guest. This trend bodes well for revenue growth and the overall financial health of Germany’s tourism infrastructure.

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board, explains:

“In the first few months of this year, trade conflicts and geostrategic disputes unsettled consumers in many source markets. This was compounded by a decline in business travel and the continued strength of the euro against the US dollar, which made travel to Europe particularly expensive for important overseas markets. In a direct comparison with the previous year, the special effect of the UEFA Euro and major concert events in the summer of 2024 was also noticeable. Nevertheless, the willingness to travel remains high. In the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel, 73 per cent of Europeans plan to travel between October 2025 and March 2026 – a stable figure compared to the previous year. In selected overseas markets, too, the ETC Long-Haul Travel Barometer shows largely stable travel intentions for the last months of the year. Germany scores particularly well in this market environment in the run-up to Christmas: according to the latest DZT Travel Industry Expert Panel for the fourth quarter of 2025, 88 per cent of the CEOs and key accounts surveyed see Germany as a strong destination for Christmas markets, and 78 per cent actively market Christmas markets in their product portfolio for trips to Germany.“

Looking ahead, the German National Tourist Board anticipates that inbound tourism will continue to strengthen, supported by strategic promotions, attractive travel packages, and targeted campaigns in key international markets. With October’s performance exceeding expectations, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026 appears optimistic. The combination of improved flight connectivity, competitive pricing, and diverse tourist offerings positions Germany to regain momentum as a top choice for international travellers.

In summary, the October rebound marks a critical turning point for Germany’s inbound tourism industry. Strong occupancy rates, rising average prices, and increased international flight arrivals all point toward a sector that is not only recovering but is also building resilience for the future. As advance bookings from key markets continue to trend upwards, Germany is well on its way to re-establishing itself as a premier destination for global travellers in the coming year.