The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has welcomed the Federal Cabinet’s approval of the 2026 federal budget, which includes an allocation of €40.6 million in federal funding for the organization. This amount is a slight increase from the €39.9 million provided in 2025 and maintains the commitment made in the coalition agreement to keep institutional funding at least at 2024 levels.
Petra Hedorfer, Chair of the Executive Board of the GNTB, stated: “Federal investment in the international marketing of Germany as a travel destination – and, by extension, as a location for investment – has a strong leverage effect. According to IPK International, international visitors spent around €77 billion on travel to and within Germany in 2024 – an increase of ten per cent compared to the previous year. A significant share of this expenditure translates into revenue for the predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, including the hotel and restaurant industry, transport providers, the business travel segment and retail.
Beyond its economic impact, tourism also plays an important role in promoting international understanding and social cohesion.
Our thanks go to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, to the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, Dr Christoph Ploß, and to all political and industry stakeholders who have worked with such dedication in recent months to secure this essential support for SMEs into the future.
Stabilising the federal funding for the GNTB budget provides planning certainty for our international activities and for our offices abroad – particularly in today’s volatile market environment. This enables us to expand our global market presence, increase the reach of our brand communication, and drive forward planned digital projects to defend and further strengthen Germany’s position in the increasingly competitive landscape of global destinations.”
The budget decision follows sustained growth in tourism spending by international visitors. In 2024 alone, foreign travelers spent approximately €77 billion while visiting Germany—a figure that rose by ten percent over 2023 levels—benefiting many small- and medium-sized businesses across hospitality sectors.
The approved funding is intended to help maintain stability amid changing market conditions while allowing continued development of digital initiatives aimed at promoting Germany as a top destination worldwide.
