ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the major features of the tourist industries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and considers demand for domestic and international travel in these countries. Apart from the relatively short German coastline, this part of Europe is landlocked. Physically, three regions can be identified: the Northern Lowlands, the Central Uplands and the Alps. These are reflected in the main tourist regions, comprised of the coasts of northern Germany with its islands and resorts, the Central Uplands of Germany, including the Rhineland and the Black Forest, and the Alpine area of all three countries with its opportunities for both winter and summer tourism. Transportation is well developed overall but has to overcome the harsh physical conditions and topography of the Alps. Forests, lakes and spas are important tourism resources throughout the region. Germany and Austria have made great contributions to music and art, attracting cultural tourists worldwide; the towns and cities in all three nations are important for sightseeing and as business travel centres. Highly developed economies and standards of living have resulted in a considerable demand for tourism and recreation. Of particular note is the importance of Germany as one of the world’s leading generators of international tourists. The stagnation of international demand in the 1990s has led to the restructuring of national tourism organisations and the federal organisation of the three countries has led to considerable devolution of tourism powers to the states in Germany, provinces in Austria and cantons in Switzerland.
