Germany continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal as a travel destination, even as the global travel landscape navigates ongoing geopolitical headwinds. According to the German National Tourist Board, Germany recorded 174.9 million overnight stays between January and May 2026, up 1.3% from the same period last year, while international arrivals held firm at 28.7 million overnight stays. Domestic travel within Germany has now edged past pre-pandemic 2019 levels, underlining the country’s stability and consistent pull as a destination of choice.
India remains a key growth market for German tourism. Overnight stays by Indian travellers rose to 350,488 between January and May 2026, up 0.1% year-on-year, with May 2026 alone recording 86,870 overnight stays, a clear signal of the deepening appetite among Indian travellers for German experiences, from culture and cuisine to cities and countryside.
Building on this momentum, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India has identified four themes that will anchor its 2026 strategy for the Indian market: a landmark cultural anniversary, dynamic city life, Germany’s rich culinary identity, and experiences rooted in family, friendship and nature.
Commenting on Germany’s tourism focus for India, Romit Theophilus, Director – Marketing & Sales Office, India, GNTO, said, “Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty across the world, Germany continues to hold its own as a stable and dependable travel destination, and India remains one of the markets driving that momentum. What we’re witnessing is a clear shift in how Indian travellers engage with Germany; they’re spending more time, going deeper into a region, and choosing experiences that connect them to a place rather than simply passing through it. For 2026, our India strategy is built around this shift, moving beyond conventional sightseeing to spotlight what makes the country worth exploring in depth. Through these efforts, we want to show Indian travellers a Germany defined not just by landmarks, but by stories, flavours and shared moments worth travelling for.”