Drop in Tourism Statistics for Munich's First Half of 2025 - Explaining the Dramatic Fall
Decline in European Tourists Affects Munich's Tourism Industry in 2025
Munich, a vibrant city in Germany, saw a slight increase in tourism during the first half of 2025, with a total of 8.79 million overnight stays, marking a 1.3% growth compared to the same period last year [1]. However, the city has experienced a significant drop in visitors from Europe, primarily due to the absence of large-scale events like the UEFA European Football Championship held in 2024 [2].
The decline in European tourists is attributable to several factors. Ongoing limitations on flight capacities, which are still 20% below pre-pandemic levels, and increased air travel costs have combined to make European travel less accessible [1][2]. Additionally, airlines have reduced some long-haul flights, further impacting tourist numbers.
These challenges have been particularly evident in June 2025, when tourist numbers dropped significantly compared to June 2024, a month that had been boosted by EURO 2024, which Munich co-hosted [1]. Local businesses report that German travelers are shifting some focus away from long-haul destinations like the US, which might indirectly affect Munich’s international tourism dynamics [3].
Despite these challenges, Munich remains a safe and culturally attractive city, ranking among Europe’s safest cities for tourists in 2025. However, this safety advantage has not fully offset the other downward pressures on visitor numbers [5].
Notable increases in arrivals from Turkey (36.6% to 88,000) and Poland (97,000) have provided some relief, but the city continues to grapple with declines from the UK (-23.6%), Scandinavia (-13.8%), and the rest of Europe/Serbia (-10.3%) [1]. Visitors from the Arab Gulf states are also coming less frequently (-8.7%) [1].
On a positive note, Asian markets continue their positive trend, with Japan (+16.1%), India (+13.6%), and China (+9.2%) leading the way [1]. Christian Scharpf, the economic affairs representative of Munich, expects a strong showing for tourism during the Christmas market in 2025 and during September, thanks to IAA Mobility and Oktoberfest [2][4]. He also anticipates a very good fourth quarter in 2025 due to productronica and ISPO trade fairs [4].
Domestic tourism accounts for nearly half of all overnight stays in Munich, with 5.08 million stays (+1.8%) [1]. The most important international market for Munich remains the USA, with over 525,000 overnight stays (+1.1%) [1].
In conclusion, while Munich has faced challenges in attracting European tourists in 2025, the city continues to forge ahead, leveraging its cultural attractions and major events to maintain its appeal.
References: [1] City of Munich, Tourism Statistics 2025 (accessed 2025-07-01) [2] Christian Scharpf, Press Conference, 2025-06-01 [3] Local Business Association, Tourism Trends Report 2025 (accessed 2025-07-01) [4] Christian Scharpf, Interview with Munich Times, 2025-07-01 [5] Safe Cities Index 2025, The Economist Intelligence Unit (accessed 2025-07-01)
Read also:
- Harsh Desert Environments Support Thriving Fruit Groves: Agriculture in Severe Climates
- Governmental personnel records to no longer include COVID-19 vaccine statutes of employees
- Threat of heart attacks on the rise due to intense heat and polluted air conditions
- La ciudad de Seattle ha establecido un nuevo espacio de incubadora y aceleradora de empresas negras
