High volume of German travelers anticipated in 2024
In 2024, the travel industry in Germany experienced a significant rebound, with an increase in both domestic and international trips. The total number of multi-day trips made by German travelers was 277 million, marking an eleven percent increase compared to the previous year and a six percent rise above the pre-pandemic level of 2019.
Domestic trips in 2024 were 163 million, a ten percent increase from the previous year and just one percent above the 2019 level. On the other hand, international trips saw a more pronounced increase, with 114 million trips made by German travelers, representing a twelve percent increase compared to 2023 and a fifteen percent rise compared to 2019.
The car remained the most frequently used mode of transportation for multi-day trips, chosen for 58 percent of trips with at least one overnight stay. Air travel was used for 17 percent of multi-day trips, while buses and other means of transportation each accounted for three percent. Trains were used for 19 percent of multi-day trips.
Italy emerged as the most popular destination for international trips, accounting for 14 percent of all international trips. Around 6.66 million Germans vacationed in Italy in 2024, enjoying its cities and Mediterranean coast. Spain and Turkey also ranked highly among preferred international destinations. Austria was the second most popular destination, accounting for 13 percent of all international trips. Spain was the third most popular destination, accounting for ten percent of all international trips.
The top 5 international destinations for German travelers in 2024 were Italy, Austria, Spain, Turkey, and Greece. Egypt and Greece additionally featured prominently in the favoured destinations list, signalling strong and continued interest likely beginning from 2024.
While Germany's domestic tourism and inbound travel also saw growth, the main international destinations mentioned for German outbound travelers in 2024 and early 2025 consistently include Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Greece.
Sources: [1] [Link to Source 1] [2] [Link to Source 2]
In 2024, the surge in travel among German travelers led to an increase in international trips, with a remarkable 15% rise above the pre-pandemic level, making Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, and Greece the top destinations for German outbound travelers. As for lifestyle choices, a significant number of these journeys were taken for multi-day vacations, with the car remaining the most popular mode of transportation.
