Tourism figures in Erlangen remain high after the record results of 2024, even though they did not surpass the previous year's total. According to the Bavarian State Office for Statistics, the Huguenot city recorded 670.564 overnight stays, a slight decrease of 2,5% compared to the previous year. The latest data demonstrates how tourism is and will remain a significant economic factor in Erlangen.
With 7,2% growth and a record 687.859 overnight stays, the Erlangen Tourism and Marketing Association (ETM) recorded an absolute top result in 2024, which was difficult to surpass. Nevertheless, the current figures are still higher than the previous second-best year (2023; 641.479 overnight stays). The situation is similar with guest arrivals. The 324.036 figure was the second-best value to date (-2,6% compared to 2024).
The economic importance of tourism for the region is reflected in other figures. The 46 accommodation establishments (with ten or more beds) included in the statistics offer 4.130 beds and generate significant tax revenue for the city, retain employees, and stimulate valuable economic activity. According to the study "Tourism as an Economic Factor in Franconia – Structure and Economic Significance," by the Franconian Tourism Association and dwif-Consulting GmbH (2024), the average daily expenditure per overnight guest in a commercial establishment is €153,90. Based on Erlangen's overnight stay figures, this would translate to a value creation for the region of over €100 million.
As the city's tourism spokesperson, the Erlangen Tourism Marketing (ETM) plays a key role in interfacing with various tourism-related topics and provides impetus for these issues. "Together with FAU, we are strategically expanding Erlangen as a conference and congress location, as this area offers significant development opportunities. Business tourism is part of the city's DNA and makes a substantial contribution to local economic growth. Supporting national and international research conferences in Erlangen and raising the city's profile as a hub of innovation is a central objective," says Christian Frank, Managing Director of the ETM.
The ETM sees itself not only as a strategic driving force, but also as a central service and coordination point. The tourist information office provides information on accommodation, city tours, and day programs, and simultaneously serves as a central contact point for both visitors and tourism service providers in the city.
With the newly certified tour guides in 2024, the city tour concept will be continuously developed and even more closely aligned with the needs of visitors. The aim is to offer both first-time and returning visitors a high-quality and up-to-date experience.
International guests remain an important factor
Around a third of guests came from abroad in 2025. The 8,3 percent decline in overnight stays by foreign visitors had a noticeable impact on the overall statistics, while the number of domestic guests increased by 0,7 percent.
Feedback from Erlangen's hotel industry nevertheless makes it clear that international guests, in particular, play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of individual establishments. "Current trends show that Erlangen will remain an extremely attractive travel destination in 2025 – for both business and leisure travelers. We are especially pleased with the interest shown by international visitors who regularly bring life to our hotel and contribute to the diversity of Erlangen's tourism landscape. This momentum confirms our commitment to continuing to focus on high-quality service and a warm welcome for guests from all over the world," emphasizes Kai Melerski, Hotel Director at the Novotel Erlangen.
Consistent position among the leading tourist cities of Franconia
In a regional comparison, Erlangen's tourism figures for 2025 show a consistently high level of overnight stays. Compared to other Franconian cities, Erlangen continues to rank fourth behind Nuremberg (3.866.470), Würzburg (1.100.832), and Bamberg (831.640).
Information and images
The attached images and graphics are available for your free use in connection with this press release, provided the copyrights are acknowledged.
Caption: Schiffstraße in Erlangen © ETM Florian Trykowski