New tourism figures: Münsterland breaks overnight stay record in 2025
Region defies consumer restraint and maintains high level
The Münsterland is benefiting from the new normal in German tourism: Information and Technology North Rhine-Westphalia (IT.NRW) presented its tourism figures for the past year on Monday. "The tourism industry once again recorded record figures in 2025. We are pleased that the figures are continuing to rise. This shows us that we are on the right track with our work in the Münsterland," says Michael Kösters, Head of Tourism at Münsterland e.V.
This is confirmed by the figures from IT.NRW: overnight stays in the Münsterland travel region rose by 1.4 per cent to 4,793,456 in 2025 compared to the previous year. Although the increase in guest arrivals is lower at 0.8 per cent compared to 2024, visitors will spend an average of 2.5 days in the region. For Kösters, there are several reasons for the growth: "Our region is and remains above all a cycling region. This is demonstrated above all by the 100 Castles Route, which connects more than 100 castles and fortresses. The four circular routes, the Münsterland park landscape and the density of aristocratic residences are almost unique in Germany. We also benefit from the high demand in German tourism - despite the general reluctance to spend," says Kösters.
In order to present this image within the Münsterland and beyond its borders, the tourism expert is convinced that the consistent development of a Münsterland regional brand is needed: "With our work, we are sharpening the identity of the Münsterland even further so that the region becomes even more attractive as a travel destination. However, we can only achieve this with our partners, targeted marketing and a strong regional network. We want people to know: THE GOOD LIFE can be found here."
Tourism fulfils the function of an essential cross-sector industry in the Münsterland. It strengthens the attractiveness of the location, promotes infrastructure measures and has a stabilising effect on the regional economy. Numerous sectors benefit from tourism activities: Accommodation, catering, experience providers, retail, public transport, regional producers and a wide range of service and craft businesses. It is therefore extremely important to continue to support the industry. Significantly increased operating costs, the economic situation, accompanied by consumer restraint, bureaucracy and the increasing shortage of skilled labour and service staff continue to challenge the industry. According to Kösters, investment in infrastructure, service, digitalisation and sustainability is needed in order to remain competitive with other regions.
This is why Münsterland e.V. has successfully applied for EU, federal and state funding on behalf of the region. For example, the project "Your castle experience - digital, flexible, innovative!", which is 80 per cent funded and includes the development of individual, short digital tours through the highlight castles, as well as TourCert certification as a sustainable travel destination, is currently being implemented
