Tourism in Germany

Domestic and international tourism in Germany generates about 8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 2.8 million jobs. Following commerce, tourism is the second largest component of the services sector.

In 2004 Germany registered 45 million overnight stays by international tourists, 9 percent higher than in the previous year and an all-time record. In 2003 Germany ranked ninth in the world in international arrivals, with 18.4 million international tourists, versus 75 million in top-ranked France.

In the same year, Germany registered a net outflow in the balance of payments related to tourism, as visitors spent US$24.6 million, while German tourists outside the country spent US$68.3 million. Tourism is a factor in Germany’s net deficit in the trade of services.

Two-thirds of all major trade fairs are held in Germany, and each year they attract 9 to 10 million business travelers, about 20 percent of whom are foreigners. The four most important trade fairs take place in Hanover, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. Germany’s sponsorship of the soccer World Cup in 2006 presents an opportunity for the tourism sector.