New tourism strategy: More flexible working hours and tax relief!

New tourism strategy: More flexible working hours and tax relief!

On January 28, 2026, the federal government adopted a comprehensive national tourism strategy that aims to make Germany more attractive as a travel destination. A central element of this strategy is the planned flexibilization of the Working Hours Act, which is due to be passed this year. The tourism officer, Christoph Ploß (CDU), announced that in future a maximum weekly working time should apply instead of the previous daily regulations.

Working hours in Germany are currently limited to eight hours per day, with one exception of up to ten hours. This change is particularly aimed at small and medium-sized companies operating in the tourism industry. Industry associations have long been calling for these regulations to be relaxed in order to meet the challenges of the shortage of skilled workers.

Important measures of the strategy

An important goal of the new strategy is to strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism industry. The planned measures include, among other things, reductions in bureaucracy, tax relief and investments in transport infrastructure. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) emphasized that relieving the burden on companies and reducing bureaucracy must be the focus of the reform. In addition, overtime bonuses are to be tax-free and one-off bonuses for part-time workers are to be given tax advantages.

The strategy also provides for a permanent reduction in sales tax on food in the catering industry to 7% as well as improved depreciation options for businesses. In addition, the aim is to gradually reduce corporate tax from 2028. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) and the Hotel Association of Germany (IHA) welcome the decision as it is intended to improve the framework conditions for the industry.

Investments and digitalization

Another central point is the promotion of digitalization. Plans include, among other things, AI applications to avoid “overtourism” and the establishment of a digital “work-and-stay agency” to specifically recruit skilled workers. This is particularly important in order to gradually combat the shortage of skilled workers and thus strengthen the industry in the long term.

The Federal Cabinet estimates a total of 500 billion euros for improving infrastructure and achieving climate neutrality. This shows the economic policy focus of the strategy, which is praised by associations such as the German Tourism Association (DTV) and the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW). While the tourism industry generally reacted positively to the strategy, the Greens expressed criticism, describing the measures as a “superficial hodgepodge” and pointing out the inadequate financing approaches and the inadequacies in solving the personnel problem.

The new tourism strategy is intended not only to create planning security, but also to make a significant contribution to increasing the competitiveness of the industry across its entire spectrum in order to sustainably strengthen Germany as a travel destination. Further details on the strategy can be found in the reports from Time and Top hotel to read.