Germany

Market Overview

Germany is our second-largest visitor market in Europe and one that presents significant opportunities for New Zealand tourism. German visitor arrivals have shown strength over the past year, despite the impacts of the global economic downturn. Tourism New Zealand is also working to attract German-speaking visitors from neighbouring markets including Austria and Switzerland.

Continued growth in arrivals from Germany reflects New Zealand's popularity among German travellers and the stability of the German travel market; many Germans will cut back on spending in other areas before they give up their annual overseas holiday, even in difficult economic times.

German travellers appreciate New Zealand's mix of natural wonders and cultural attractions. For many Germans, New Zealand is an aspirational destination and Tourism New Zealand's work in this market is focused on converting this dream of a New Zealand holiday into travel bookings. Other barriers to travel include the high cost of flights to New Zealand and the fact that visiting other less-travelled destinations can be a priority for some travellers.

German visitors are independent travellers and four out of five will travel beyond the major tourist centres. They often start researching New Zealand well before travelling and are keen users of guidebooks. German visitors are likely to make the majority of their travel arrangements as they travel around New Zealand.

Holiday visitors make up 70 per cent of German visitor arrivals and a quarter will have previously visited New Zealand. More than two-thirds visit another country en route to New Zealand.

Length of stay and average spend per night are both high relative to other markets, increasing the value of this market to New Zealand's tourism industry.

Tourism New Zealand has completed research in this market to identify those most likely to visit New Zealand: active considerers. This group, which forms Tourism New Zealand's target market, are already seriously considering coming to New Zealand on holiday. Read more about the research