The German National Tourist Office is predicting that more people from Ireland will be visiting Germany in 2014, following a 3.4% increase in Irish visitor overnights to 288,508 for the January to November 2013 period, with an estimated 315,000 for the full year. This compares with the record 350,000 in 2008 and 300,000 in 2012 – with Irish overnights forecast to increase to 450,000 by 2020. 
Klaus Lohmann, Director of the German National Tourist Office for UK and Ireland, said: “There will be even more reasons to visit Germany for a holiday in 2014. Culture fans are spoilt for choice through our UNESCO campaign, which offers an enormous variety of cultural events and things to do throughout 2014. Germany presents itself on its ‘Green’ and environmentally friendly credentials, so we are highlighting sustainable tourism as well. Not to mention the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall! This started with the Cultural Revolution in Leipzig 25 years ago and opened up a fascinating area of Germany just waiting to be discovered.”
The GNTO also launched a new ‘Barrier-Free’ accessible tourism campaign last year, to highlight ease of travel within Germany for anyone with special travel needs – whether it be due to a disability, a sporting injury, for families or for the elderly, for example. “In Germany, we have a ‘can-do’ spirit, where everything is possible,” added Klaus. “It’s about confidence and choice and our campaign highlights how people can travel with ease.”
In 2012/2013, Germany was recognised as offering the best value for money accommodation ahead of Paris, London, Milan, Barcelona and Vienna and as the second most popular holiday destination overall for Europeans.
