Germany aims to double annual overnight stays by Indian visitors by 2030, with a focus on longer holidays, regional exploration and repeat visits. German National Tourist Board (GNTB) Chief Executive Officer Petra Hedorfer outlined the ambition in an interview with PTI.
Indian travel records steady growth
Germany recorded 928,635 overnight stays by Indian visitors in 2025, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year. GNTB research estimated that incoming trips from India generated approximately €1.3 billion in tourism turnover.
During January–July 2026, Indian visitors accounted for 537,565 overnight stays, an increase of 2.9 per cent over the corresponding period a year earlier. The target concerns nights spent in accommodation, rather than individual tourist arrivals.
Longer stays and regional exploration
Hedorfer said GNTB’s priorities include encouraging Indian travellers to stay longer, discover more regions and return to Germany. She described an increasingly diverse Indian travel market, requiring itineraries suited to different interests and travel experience.
Germany’s official tourism platform showcases family holidays, cultural attractions, forests, lakes and regional traditions. This range offers opportunities to combine city visits with time in smaller destinations and natural landscapes.
Connectivity will influence growth
Airline seat capacity from India to Germany reached 744,252 during January–August 2026, approximately 5 per cent higher year-on-year, according to data cited by GNTB.
Hedorfer identified direct connectivity and efficient visa processing as important conditions for expansion. The outlook also depends on travel costs and the wider economic environment.
Tourism’s place in India–Germany ties
The ambition places tourism within the broader India–Germany relationship. Longer holidays and wider regional travel could create more opportunities for cultural exchange while spreading visitor spending across German destinations. Achieving sustained growth will depend on converting travel interest into accessible journeys and repeat visits.
