North Rhine-Westphalia's Tourism Sees Upward Trend with More Holiday Trips

North Rhine-Westphalia is emerging as an increasingly attractive holiday destination, with domestic travel showing a robust recovery and growth. Last year, the state welcomed 5.4 million holiday trips from domestic travelers, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Significantly, this figure represents a 40% surge compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark year, indicating a strong return to and expansion of domestic tourism.

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There is a rising trend for holidays within the state – meaning travel within one's own federal state.

This upward trend is attributed to a shift in mindset, where Germans are increasingly valuing holidays within their own country, a sentiment amplified by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Happiness doesn't only begin where I board a plane - especially not for short breaks and supplementary holidays in between," stated Heike Döll-König, head of the state's tourism association. She observed a growing acceptance and normalization of taking holidays within regions like the Teutoburg Forest, Sauerland, or Eifel, with people finding excellent opportunities for rest and recuperation close to home.

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Happiness doesn't only begin where I board a plane - especially not for short breaks and supplementary holidays in between.

Economic factors also play a role, with some individuals opting for self-catering holiday apartments in North Rhine-Westphalia over more expensive flight and hotel packages. Global uncertainties surrounding air travel further encourage domestic travel. "Proximity is becoming smarter, and people appreciate what they have on their doorstep more," Döll-König added. While weekend trips and short stays of one to three nights remain popular, longer holidays also saw a considerable increase.

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It is no longer a matter of explanation to say, 'I spent a week in the Teutoburg Forest, in the Sauerland or in the Eifel and recovered wonderfully there.'

The tourism industry is a vital economic engine for North Rhine-Westphalia. A separate study by DIW Econ revealed that tourists spent 46 billion euros in the state in 2024. This figure encompasses spending on private trips with overnight stays, day trips, and business travel, including expenses on dining, shopping, fuel, accommodation, and event tickets. Petra Pigerl-Radtke of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Ostwestfalen zu Bielefeld highlighted tourism's role in generating value, creating jobs, and enhancing the attractiveness of cities and regions. The sector directly employs around 483,000 people, accounting for 4.9% of the state's total employment.

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Proximity is becoming smarter, and people appreciate what they have on their doorstep more.