Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Thurs, 24 Sept) announced that it has joined the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW), strengthening the aviation sectors engagement with the tourism industry in an effort to improve Germany’s competitiveness.

Ryanair has long advocated for lower access costs in Germany, calling on the Govt to abolish the harmful aviation tax and reduce their sky-high security fees, ATC fees, and airport charges. Germany’s high access costs continue to undermine the country’s competitiveness, making Germany Europe’s worst-recovered aviation market at just 89% of pre-Covid levels. Meanwhile, competitor markets, like Morocco, Italy, Albania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden, are abolishing aviation taxes and lowering airport charges to promote airline investment and traffic growth. Lowering Germany’s access costs would help restore connectivity, support inbound tourism and strengthen regional economies across the country – just as these other States have done.

Through its membership of the BTW, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, will continue to work with key industry stakeholders to push for competitive market conditions that support Germany’s tourism recovery and growth.

Ryanair Head of Communications DACH, Marcel Pouchain Meyer, said:

“Ryanair is pleased to join the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry and strengthen our engagement with Germany’s tourism industry. Germany should be one of Europe’s most competitive aviation and tourism markets, but high taxes, airport charges and other access costs continue to hold it back. Lowering these costs and encouraging greater competition will help restore connectivity, grow tourism and deliver lower fares and more choice for consumers.”

Sven Liebert, Secretary-General of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW) said:

“We are pleased to welcome Ryanair to the BTW. Given the pressure on aviation in Germany, we see this expanded industry representation as a clear signal to policymakers. Germany needs a genuine commitment to remaining a strong aviation market. Air links are core travel infrastructure – making them ever more expensive weakens tourism, business travel and economic growth alike. Together with our members, we will continue to push for fair competitive conditions and for policies that enable mobility rather than taxing it away.”

ENDS