Germany is strengthening its focus on the Indian outbound travel market, aiming to achieve one million overnight stays by Indian travellers in the coming years, as the destination continues to witness resilient tourism growth despite global geopolitical uncertainties.
At a media briefing in New Delhi, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India, along with representatives from the German Embassy and Lufthansa Group, shared the country’s tourism strategy and performance for 2026. According to the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), Germany recorded 174.9 million overnight stays between January and May 2026, reflecting a 1.3% increase compared to the same period last year. International tourism remained stable with 28.7 million overnight stays, while domestic tourism surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
India continues to be one of Germany’s fastest-growing long-haul source markets. During the first five months of 2026, Indian travellers accounted for 350,488 overnight stays, while May alone contributed 86,870 overnight stays, reinforcing India’s growing significance for German tourism.
Addressing the media, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, highlighted the untapped potential of the Indian market, noting that although Germany welcomes nearly 40 million international visitors annually, only around 300,000 are from India. He emphasized that Germany’s rich cultural heritage, sustainable tourism initiatives and authentic experiences present significant opportunities to attract more Indian travellers.
Romit Theophilus, Director, German National Tourist Office, India, expressed confidence that Germany would soon achieve the milestone of one million overnight stays from Indian visitors, building on the 928,000 overnight stays recorded in 2025. Beyond promoting Germany’s iconic cities and culinary experiences, GNTO is also positioning the country as a premium destination for honeymoon and wedding tourism, offering picturesque locations and memorable experiences for Indian couples.
For 2026, GNTO India’s promotional strategy revolves around four key pillars—culture, city experiences, gastronomy, and family, friends & nature. A major highlight will be the 150th anniversary of the Bayreuth Wagner Festival, celebrating composer Richard Wagner and Germany’s rich operatic heritage.
Germany is also showcasing its diverse urban experiences through destinations such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt, while promoting culinary tourism across its 13 wine regions, over 11,000 wineries, around 1,500 breweries and more than 3,000 varieties of bread and baked goods. Nature-based experiences, including cycling trails, vineyard walks, wine hikes and wellness-focused travel, are expected to appeal to families and multigenerational travellers.
Supporting this growth is strong air connectivity. Kevin Markette, Senior Director Sales, South Asia, Lufthansa Group, said Lufthansa currently operates around 11 daily flights from India and continues to strengthen connectivity with investments in its new Allegris cabin product, sustainability initiatives and enhanced passenger experience.
Looking ahead, Germany’s tourism calendar includes several landmark attractions, including the reopening of the Hohenzollern Crypt at Berlin Cathedral, the launch of Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 3, Europa-Park’s Monaco-themed expansion, the arrival of teamLab Borderless at Hamburg’s UBS Digital Art Museum, the 150th Bayreuth Festival, and Bad Dürkheim’s Wurstmarkt, the world’s largest wine festival. These developments further reinforce Germany’s ambition to attract a growing number of Indian leisure, cultural and experiential travellers.
