Germany is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers from all over the world, even at a time of economic difficulty, according to the latest figures.

In September 2011 the destination achieved its best result since accommodation statistics started to be collected after the country’s reunification.

The latest figures from the German Federal Statistical Office show the number of overnight stays by international visitors in September 2011 rose by two per cent year on year to 6.3 million.

There was a total of 49.8 million overnight stays by international visitors between January and September 2011, an increase of six per cent compared with the same period of 2010.

“The Federal Statistical Office’s figures for September 2011 are proof positive of how successfully Germany has positioned itself as a travel destination in recent years,” said Ernst Burgbacher, federal government commissioner for SMEs and tourism.

“Even in times of crisis, Germany appeals to people from around the world as a fantastic place for a holiday – thanks to attributes such as cultural diversity, good value for money, high-quality service, infrastructure and safety.”
 
A recent IPK survey on the current crisis, which was carried out on behalf of the GNTB, reveals that European travellers are confident overall about planned outbound travel next year.

The survey found that 70 per cent of Europeans want to travel abroad to the same or even a greater extent than they did in 2011.

Germany can again expect growth in travel in 2012, above all from Scandinavia, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands, whereas competition for visitors from Italy, Spain and the United States will continue to intensify.