The number of overnight stays in Germany by visitors from Ireland has seen yet another rise: the overall figures for 2015 show that there was an increase of 13%. Figures for January 2016 indicate that this trend shows no sign of abating: overnight stays by visitors from Ireland increased by 10.8% for the month.
According to the German National Tourist Office, the reasons behind this continuing upward trend are clear: the sheer choice and variety of types of holidays to be found in Germany, value for money, fast modern infrastructure and easy access from Ireland. In addition, the amount and type of holiday products sold by tour operators increased in 2015, leading to greater choice and service.
Another factor is the German countryside. The GNTO is predicting that its ‘Holidays in the Heart of Nature’ campaign could be an extenuating factor for increased tourism in 2016. Klaus Lohmann, Director for UK and Ireland, said: “It is clear from the popularity of rural interest television shows, specialist publications and the media, that people in Ireland have a deep-seated love and respect for rural life – just as we do in Germany. Exploring rural and ‘green’ Germany will enable visitors to discover many fascinating regions and areas they may not previously have known, with picture-box villages, incredible landscapes and the chance to relax and get away from it all.”
Sporty types will not be disappointed: freeclimbing was invented in Germany and the many hiking and walking routes wind their way through different terrains and levels to suit all needs. With more than 200 long-distance cycle routes, cyclists are spoilt for choice, combining rural landscapes with urban discovery. The bracing coastline in the North offers a huge array of activities from windsurfing to sailing and kitesurfing, plus Germany’s 16 National Parks, more than 100 Nature Parks and 15 unique Biosphere Reserves provide wildlife enthusiasts with the chance to get close to nature, throughout the whole year.
