The enchanting city of Berlin, with its rich history and contemporary allure, has seen phenomenal growth in visitors this year. With 5.7 million guests marking their calendars for Berlin in the first half of 2023 and 13.8 million overnight stays in the city’s acclaimed hotels, Berlin is asserting itself as Europe’s must-visit hotspot.
Rising Statistics for the Capital
In a startling revelation by the Berlin-Brandenburg State Office for Statistics, overnight stays skyrocketed by 23.9% compared to the first half of 2022. Similarly, the guest inflow soared by 30.2%. These remarkable figures were unveiled in a high-profile event at C/O Berlin with the presence of distinguished personalities like the Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey; the CEO of visitBerlin, Burkhard Kieker, and the Chairman of the Board of C/O Berlin Foundation, Stephan Erfurt.
Franziska Giffey voiced her optimism, noting that Berlin’s robust recovery post-pandemic signifies its economic potential for the city and for Germany as a whole. “Tourism is no longer just a leisure activity; it’s a pivotal economic driver for Berlin,” said Giffey.
Meanwhile, Burkhard Kieker remarked on the synergy between the Visitor Economy and the city’s political factions that made this growth possible. In his words, this growth is “the culmination of a joint effort.”
Stephan Erfurt proudly spotlighted the significance of C/O Berlin in this renaissance. With its unique location and commitment to exhibiting contemporary visual culture, C/O Berlin has positioned itself as a pivotal hub for local Berliners and international tourists.
Diverse Demographics
An intriguing facet of this surge has been the influx of international tourists, which comprises approximately 39% of the total. With overnight stays by international guests rising to 38.8% in H1 2023, a stark increase from 36% in 2022, countries like the UK, USA, and the Netherlands have prominently featured as the top foreign contributors. Nevertheless, Germany continues to dominate with a whopping 61.2% share.
Autumn Attractions: A Feast for the Senses
The International Congress Center Berlin, renowned for its avant-garde architecture and legacy as Europe’s largest conference centre, is opening its doors after a decade, beckoning visitors for a 48-hour extravaganza on Open Monument Day in September.
Art enthusiasts have a treat waiting with two exhibitions celebrating the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in Berlinische Galerie and Barberini Museum. Moreover, the Festival of Lights in October promises a kaleidoscope of colours, promising a visual treat for its audience.
Riding the Wave
Under the brand visitBerlin, the Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH has been the torchbearer in promoting Berlin’s unique offerings. With sustainable product development and marketing, the focus is on enhancing the city experience for locals and tourists.
For more information, contact the Berlin Service Center at +49-30-25 00 25 or explore Berlin’s official tourism website at visitBerlin.de. Discover more about visitBerlin at about,visitBerlin.de.
Written by: Briget Gomez
