Hamburg Tourism Surge: City Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
Hamburg has witnessed a steady increase in its tourism industry, reaching a milestone of 16.1 million overnight stays in the past year, marking a 1.1% growth compared to 2021, according to the city’s Economic Authority. The number of overnight guests in 2022 surpassed the previous year’s 15.94 million, highlighting Hamburg’s allure as a popular destination.
Complementing the overnight stays, the city welcomed an impressive 100 million day visitors, a testament to Hamburg’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. "Without this level of activity, our city would not be what it is today," remarked Melanie Leonhard (SPD), Senator for Economics and Innovation.
Occupancy rates in Hamburg’s hotels reached a remarkable 77%, eclipsing major cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, and Paris. The city’s hospitality sector has demonstrated resilience and impressive capacity.
Strong Growth in 2023
From 2022 to 2023, the number of overnight stays surged by an impressive 9%, as per data from the Hamburg Statistical Office. Notably, Hamburg stands out as the only German metropolis to have surpassed pre-COVID-19 tourism levels.
"Hamburg’s exceptional performance is a source of pride," said Michael Otremba, Managing Director of Hamburg Tourismus. "The average revenue per hotel room in Hamburg amounted to €103.47, exceeding that of any other German city."
Diversified Tourism Market
Hamburg’s tourism industry boasts a diverse clientele, with approximately two-thirds of visitors originating from within Germany. Internationally, Denmark takes the lead as the largest source of overseas tourists. Notably, demand from the United States has risen significantly, with overnight stays by American guests increasing by 15% year-over-year, reaching a total of 250,000.
Factors Driving Tourism Growth
Senator Leonhard attributes the tourism surge to a combination of factors, including highly anticipated exhibitions at museums, the UEFA European Championship, industry trade fairs, and concerts by global music sensation Taylor Swift. The US pop star’s two sold-out shows at the Volksparkstadion drew massive crowds.
New Opera as a Future Tourist Magnet
Hamburg’s cultural offerings are set to expand with the construction of a new opera house, which is expected to generate even greater interest in the city. The project at Baakenhöft, partially funded by a generous donation from billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne’s foundation, is slated for completion in the mid-2030s.
"The new opera has the potential to attract a new clientele to Hamburg," said Senator Leonhard. "If the architectural design is exceptional, it could entice visitors solely for the purpose of experiencing the building."
Hamburg’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth, buoyed by a strong economy, vibrant cultural scene, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the city prepares to unveil its new opera house, it is well-positioned to solidify its status as a top-tier tourism destination both domestically and internationally.
