Jim Byers Photo
Canadian overnight stays to Germany more than tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to new data from the German National Tourist Board.
In 2022, Canadians spent a total of 485,348 nights in Germany, compared to 141,505 in 2021. That’s an increase of 253%, German National Tourist Board officials said at a meeting with travel media in downtown Toronto on 28Mar.
That’s impressive, but still well below the 733,951 nights figure Germany was able to get from the Canadian market in 2019.
"We still state a deficit compared to 2019, leaving room for continuous growth as Canadians return to travelling. There is huge demand among Canadians for international travel," said Anja Brokjans, director Canada for the German National Tourist Office, Toronto. "Germany is an attractive destination with exceptional offers.”
“We have made a lot of progress. Our hotels are full, and Germany is filled with hope and gratitude,” she said.
Brokjans said the average hotel room in Europe is about 90 Euros per night ($133 CAD). For Germany, it’s 83 Euros ($122 CAD).
Air Canada and Lufthana have 93 flights a week between Canada and Germany. Condor also flies between Germany and Toronto, Halifax, Edmonton, Vancouver and Whitehorse in summer, and between Toronto and Germany in winter.
Germany last year finished number one in the world in the Nations Brand Index for sixth year in a row, and offers everything from incredible hiking and museums to shopping and fabulous food and drinks.
“We have achieved a remarkable increase this year compared to 2021, which shows that our diverse campaigns and offers are attractive and appeal to Canadians. We know that Germany appeals strongly to Canadians that are interested in culture and history, city breaks and culinary experience,” Brokjans said.
Germany has strongly embraced sustainable travel; a trend that’s been well received by Canadians, she said.
“The shift in values of international travellers clearly shows how much travel behavior has changed since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic and has now consolidated toward more sustainability. “
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word in Germany, it’s a way of life,” Brokjans said.
Officials said a study by Booking.Com found that 65% of Canadians are more likely to choose sustainable accommodations. According to the Global Web Index 2022, environmental protection is top of mind for Canadians and that 48% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products.
GNTO Campaign 2023
To further increase visitor numbers, the GNTO is offering a comprehensive tourism package with three different campaign themes for 2023.
The campaign "51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Historic.Modern.Germany" is aimed at the contrast between historic world heritage and the diversity of products in urban and rural areas. Germany offers guests from all over the world not only unique and authentic experiences in combination with a city and nature stay, but also sustainable travel experiences. Many offers in the context of our World Heritage Sites are accessible in a climate-friendly way by public transport. The campaign is designed to ensure that guests find the offerings so attractive that they plan a longer stay - which also supports a lower CO2 footprint.
More info: https://www.germany.travel/unesco-en
In addition to the UNESCO campaign, the GNTO is promoting two campaigns with a strong "green focus" that have already had a successful impact in 2022. In 2023, these will be played out with new travel ideas and inspirations.
The FEEL.GOOD sustainability campaign promotes climate- and environmentally friendly offers in a very focused way. Potential international travellers can discover Germany's National Landscapes and sustainable holiday experiences in rural regions. One third of Germany consists of protected natural landscapes. 16 national parks, 16 biosphere reserves and more than 100 nature parks vividly demonstrate how to protect the beauty of nature and preserve biodiversity for the future.
More info: https://www.germany.travel/en/feel-good/sustainability.html
Embrace German Nature is a campaign that shows how diverse and unique natural landscapes in Germany are and how resource-friendly they can be travelled to. From the mainland right up to the islands, there are amazing cultural and natural landscapes throughout Germany.
