- German Travel Association lowers 2026 growth forecast to 1pc
- Summer season turnover expected at nearly €57bn
- Full tourism year expected at almost €85bn
- Geopolitical uncertainty and rising prices cited as main reasons
- Mediterranean destinations remain popular with German travellers
The German Travel Association has lowered its growth forecast for the 2025 to 2026 tourism year. It now expects total travel revenue to grow by just 1pc reaching nearly €85bn. This is a downgrade from the 3pc revenue growth the association originally projected at the start of the year. The revision reflects cooling demand though the market continues to expand at a moderate pace.
Escalating overall prices and expensive flight tickets are straining vacation budgets. Ongoing regional uncertainties particularly the wider impact of the conflict involving Iran have dampened international and long haul demand. German travellers are increasingly swapping far flung destinations for safer and more affordable options within Europe or travelling by rail closer to home. While early bird bookings initially saw a strong surge revenue growth slowed down significantly during the summer season as consumers waited much closer to their departure dates to purchase trips.
Despite the downgrade the desire to travel remains high and Germany is holding its position as Europe’s largest travel market. Summer season turnover is now expected at nearly €57bn.
