Report on Germany’s Travel and Tourism Sector Growth and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

A 2025 forecast by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates a landmark year for Germany’s travel and tourism sector. The industry is projected to achieve unprecedented growth in economic contributions, visitor spending, and employment, establishing new national records. This growth is strategically aligned with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of economic growth, sustainable communities, and responsible consumption. This report details the projected performance for 2025, its contribution to specific SDGs, and the long-term outlook for the sector through 2035.

Economic Projections and Impact for 2025

The German travel and tourism sector is forecast to achieve significant economic milestones in 2025, reflecting a robust recovery and a new phase of expansion. The performance underscores the sector’s critical role in the national economy.

• Total GDP Contribution: Expected to reach €499 billion, constituting 11.6% of the national economy.
• International Visitor Spending: Projected to hit a record high of €57 billion.
• Domestic Visitor Spending: Forecast to set a new record at €425 billion.

Contribution to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The sector’s expansion is a direct contributor to SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The industry’s impact on employment is substantial and multifaceted.

• Job Creation: The sector is expected to support over 6.5 million jobs nationwide, which accounts for 14% of total national employment.
• Economic Stability: By generating significant revenue and supporting a vast workforce, the tourism industry enhances Germany’s overall economic stability and resilience. Employment is provided not only in direct tourism services like hospitality and transport but also in supporting industries such as retail and cultural institutions.

Fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Germany’s tourism strategy actively supports SDG 11 by making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This is achieved through the promotion of cultural heritage and balanced regional development.

• Cultural Hubs: Major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne serve as primary gateways, attracting millions of visitors and driving economic activity while showcasing Germany’s rich cultural heritage.
• Regional Development: Government initiatives encourage travel to rural areas and lesser-known destinations like the Bavarian Alps and the Rhine Valley. This strategy helps alleviate tourism pressure on major urban centers, distributes economic benefits more evenly, and preserves cultural and natural assets across the country.

Commitment to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

A core component of Germany’s tourism model is its alignment with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The nation has integrated sustainability into its growth strategy, demonstrating that economic expansion and environmental stewardship can be mutually reinforcing.

Key Sustainability Initiatives:

• Green Transportation: Significant investment in expanding sustainable transport options to reduce the carbon footprint of travel.
• Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Promotion of hotels and lodging that adhere to high environmental standards.
• Sustainable Practices: Encouraging wellness tourism and eco-friendly travel options that reflect a shift in consumer demand towards local and sustainable experiences.

Long-Term Outlook and Future Strategy (2035 Projections)

The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) projects continued growth for the sector over the next decade, contingent on a sustained commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Forecast for 2035:

• GDP Contribution: Projected to increase to €579 billion, representing 12.1% of the national GDP.
• International Visitor Spending: Expected to reach €74 billion.
• Domestic Visitor Spending: Forecast to exceed €480 billion.

Achieving this potential will require ongoing investment in digital tourism solutions and a steadfast focus on sustainable practices to maintain Germany’s competitive edge in the global market.

Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Germany’s travel and tourism sector is on course for a record-breaking year in 2025, demonstrating a successful model of post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth. The industry’s strategic alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 8, SDG 11, and SDG 12—positions it as a global leader. By balancing economic objectives with environmental and social responsibility, Germany provides a blueprint for developing a resilient and sustainable tourism industry that benefits its economy, people, and cultural heritage for the long term.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article extensively discusses the economic impact of Germany’s tourism sector, including its contribution to the national GDP, record-breaking visitor spending, and the creation of millions of jobs. This directly relates to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article highlights that Germany’s tourism success is supported by “investments in infrastructure,” a “well-established infrastructure,” and the “enhancement of digital connectivity.” It also points to the future need for “development of digital tourism solutions,” which connects to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The focus on preserving “cultural and environmental assets” and promoting Germany’s “rich cultural offerings, iconic landmarks,” and “cultural heritage” aligns with the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, specifically by safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article emphasizes Germany’s commitment to “sustainable tourism growth,” “eco-friendly travel,” “green travel initiatives,” and “expanding sustainable transport options.” This directly addresses the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly within the tourism industry.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism

   The article is centered on this target. It explicitly states that Germany’s tourism strategy “places a strong emphasis on sustainability” and that the government has implemented policies for “sustainable tourism growth.” It details efforts to promote “eco-friendly travel” and preserve “cultural and environmental assets,” which are key components of this target.

2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and innovation

   The article points to innovation as a key driver for future growth, mentioning the “enhancement of digital connectivity” and the need for “development of digital tourism solutions.” This aligns with the target of upgrading technology and fostering innovation to boost economic productivity within the tourism sector.

3. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

   This target is addressed through the article’s mention of Germany’s success being built on its “rich cultural offerings, iconic landmarks,” and “historic castles.” The strategy includes “preserving its cultural and environmental assets” and government “initiatives to promote Germany’s cultural heritage,” which are direct efforts to protect and safeguard heritage for tourism.

4. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

   The article attributes the growth in domestic tourism to Germany’s “well-established infrastructure” and mentions “investments in infrastructure” and “expanding sustainable transport options” as key government policies. This supports the development of sustainable infrastructure to facilitate economic growth.

5. Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism

   The article implies this target is being met by presenting Germany’s approach as a “model” that “balances economic recovery with environmental responsibility.” The use of data from the “World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)” and its “Economic Impact Research (EIR)” to forecast growth until 2035 serves as a tool to monitor the economic impacts of tourism, a key aspect of this target.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate

   The article provides precise figures that serve as this indicator. It states that the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP is forecasted to be “€499 billion,” which represents “11.6% of the national economy” in 2025. It also projects future growth, with the sector expected to contribute “€579 billion” or “12.1% of GDP” by 2035.

2. Indicator related to Employment in Tourism (Implied under Target 8.9)

   While not a formal UN indicator number, the number of jobs is a key metric for Target 8.9. The article states the sector supports “6.5 million jobs,” which is “14% of national employment.” This data point directly measures the sector’s role in job creation.

3. Indicator related to Visitor Spending (Implied under Target 8.9)

   The article provides detailed financial data that can be used to measure the economic scale of tourism. It specifies that “international visitor spending” is expected to reach “€57 billion” and “domestic tourism” will see “€425 billion in visitor spending.” These figures quantify the economic activity generated by tourism.

4. Indicator related to Sustainable Infrastructure (Qualitative, implied under Target 9.1)

   The article provides qualitative indicators of progress. It mentions “expanding sustainable transport options” and promoting “eco-friendly hotels” as part of Germany’s “green travel initiatives.” These actions indicate a shift towards more sustainable infrastructure within the tourism sector.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com