Germany Inbound Tourism Market News
Germany sees strong tourism growth in early 2017
German incoming tourism continues to show steady growth rates. From January to September, according to preliminary figures from the Germany federal statistical office, 65.3 million international overnight stays were registered (in accommodation establishments with at least ten beds).
Russian visitors boost tourism figures in Cologne, Germany
Cologne is more popular than ever as a leisure and business destination, as shown by the strong growth of its visitor numbers in the first half of this year. From January to June 2017, 1,756,377 visitors came to Cologne (an increase of 11.3 per cent) and generated 3,051,072 overnight stays in this city (an increase of 13.1 per cent).
Germany welcomes increase in tourism arrivals in early 2017
Incoming tourism in Germany grew strongly in the first half of 2017. To the end of June, the Federal Statistical Office registered 36.7 million international overnight stays (in accommodation companies with at least ten beds), 1.2 million more than in the same period of the previous year – an increase of three per cent.
New leadership for German National Tourist Board in London
The German National Tourist Board has appointed Beatrix Haun as the new director of the German National Tourist Office for the UK & Ireland. Haun was previously director of the GNTB in France, based in the Paris office, and succeeds Klaus Lohmann in London.
Gregor Andréewitch, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Gregor Andréewitch, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Berlin, talks to Breaking Travel News about how quickly the city recovered from a terror attack in late 2016, what the future holds for luxury travel in Berlin, and what is happening at the hotel this year.
Europa-Park set to reopen for summer season in April
Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, will reopen its doors on April 1st with a spectacular programme of seasonal events running until November. The summer season will be followed by a Christmas and winter schedule from November 25th until early January next year.
Wizz Air to launch new flights from Budapest to Frankfurt
Welcoming over 800,000 visitors last month, an all-time January high, Budapest Airport today celebrates another route announcement with home-based carrier Wizz Air. Boosting the Hungarian gateway’s links to Germany, the ultra-low-cost carrier has confirmed the launch of a daily service to Frankfurt, as of December 15th.
Hamburg touts MICE credentials as Elbphilharmonie philharmonic opens
The opening of the new Elbphilharmonie philharmonic hall marks the start of a momentous year for Hamburg and a significant boost in the meeting and event offering in Germany’s second city. The Elbphilharmonie philharmonic hall officially opened earlier and is designed as a ‘rolling wave’ in homage to Hamburg’s world-famous harbour.
Lorry driven into Christmas market in Berlin leaves 12 dead
A “probable terrorist attack” in German capital Berlin has left 12 people dead and a further 48 injured. A suspect is believed to have deliberately driven a lorry into a crowded Christmas market in the centre of the city. The driver of the lorry has been detained, with reports suggesting he is an Afghan or Pakistani asylum seeker.
easyJet launches Berlin service from Newcastle, UK
easyJet has started two new services from Newcastle International Airport to Berlin Schoenefeld Airport and Las Palmas Airport in Gran Canaria. The two new routes are expected to carry more than 36,000 passengers in the first year. The airline’s new route to Berlin Schoenefeld is the only direct scheduled flight between Newcastle and the German city, opening both up to more tourism and making connecting between the two easier than ever.
Saga releases new Germany cruise options for 2017
Cabins on Saga’s river cruise which offers top seats for a thrilling André Rieu concert in Cologne, Germany, have been snapped up so quickly that another sailing has been released. Saga guests can now book the ‘Waltzes of André Rieu and the Rhine’ which departs on March 10th, 2017 and enjoy Category One seats in the Lanxess Arena to watch superstar violinist André Rieu conduct his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra.
British Airways to increase London City services to Germany
British Airways is providing more than 34,000 extra seats to Germany from London City Airport this winter with bigger aircraft and additional flights. Services to Hamburg and Dusseldorf will operate on the 76-seat Embraer 170 jet aircraft, replacing the current Saab 2000 turboprop. In addition the schedule to Dusseldorf will increase from three to four flights a day.