Press release: German National Tourist Board welcomes Federal Cabinet decision on 2026 federal budget

Frankfurt am Main, 31 July 2025 – The draft budget for 2026 approved by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday sends a strong signal for Germany as a travel destination and, by extension, for Germany as a business location in global competition – according to the assessment of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).

The draft budget allocates €40.6 million in federal funding to the GNTB for the year 2026. This represents a slight increase compared to the €39.9 million allocated in 2025 and is in line with the objective set out in the coalition agreement to ensure institutional funding for the GNTB remains at least at the 2024 level.

Petra Hedorfer, Chair of the Executive Board of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented:
“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.”