Fewer Tourists Venture to Brandenburg
In the first half of 2025, Brandenburg, Germany, experienced a slight decrease in tourism and overnight stays. According to Olaf Lücke, CEO of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) in Brandenburg, this decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a drop in international visitors and rising prices causing uncertainty among travellers.
The decline in international arrivals, which fell by approximately 4.7% compared to the previous year, primarily contributed to the decrease. Berlin-Brandenburg received about 2.1 million foreign tourists, accounting for 5.6 million overnight stays, marking a significant drop from the previous year.
Anti-tourism protests in southern European hotspots like Spain and France have caused some shifts in traveler choices. Although Berlin positioned itself as a peaceful alternative with moderate prices and cultural attractions, it still saw a slight drop in visitors, with a 1.8% decline in total visitors.
Competitive pressure from other European destinations also played a role. Post-pandemic travel surges occurred more strongly in cities like Paris, Rome, and Madrid, leading to relatively lower occupancy in Berlin.
Despite these challenges, domestic tourism remained relatively stable. German visitors formed the majority, with about 3.9 million German guests contributing 8.4 million overnight stays, showing only slight reductions. The Dahme-Seenland region, for example, had 418,000 visitors, who stayed an average of less than two days.
In the Oder-Spree lake region, 309,000 guests stayed for an average of three days. Polish guests accounted for one in four overnight stays by foreign visitors, reflecting the strong ties between Brandenburg and its neighbouring countries.
The decreased international arrivals and occupancy rates might limit growth in tourism-driven revenue. However, affordable prices and cultural appeal keep Berlin attractive for certain segments, mitigating a sharper decline.
Lücke stated that the tourism industry in Brandenburg is an indicator of how people are feeling. As a result of uncertainty and rising prices, people are preferring to keep their money in their pockets, which is evident in the slight decrease in tourism and overnight stays.
While the tourism industry in Brandenburg faces challenges, it remains a key pillar for the market. With careful planning and strategic positioning, the region can continue to attract visitors and maintain its status as a popular destination.
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