Germany retained its position as Europe’s number-one travel and tourism economy in 2017 despite recording lower growth than elsewhere in Europe, including the number-two market the UK.
But tourist spending in France, the number-three market in Europe, grew by 50% more than the world average in 2017, according to latest World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) figures.
The WTTC reports the sector in Germany contributed €348 billion to the country’s economy last year, ahead of the UK, France, Italy and Spain.
But tourism in Germany grew by just 1.7% on 2016, compared with 6.2% in the UK, 6.4% in France and 7% in Spain and global growth of 4.3%.
Tourists in France spent €44.3 billion in 2017, while tourist spending in Italy – the world’s sixth-largest travel economy – grew 6.5% to €39.6 billion.
WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “Germany is not getting its fair share of growth as other countries are increasing their tourism at a faster rate.”
She suggested: “Our research shows India will overtake Germany by 2028.
“It is important the government puts the sector at the heart of decision making, so I welcome the recent indication by Chancellor Merkel that a senior ministerial appointment for tourism will be made.”
The WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research suggested that 8.9% of the French economy and 13% of Italian GDP depend on travel and tourism. France remains the world’s number-one destination for international visitors.