TORONTO — Canadian visitation to Germany keeps on growing, with January 2017 figures indicating a 3.5% increase over the same period in 2016.

Recently released by the German Federal Statistical Office, January records show growth from Canada in overnights in German hotels with 10 or more beds, keeping with the upward trend set in December 2016.

“This is a very encouraging start for 2017. We are delighted to see the upswing in overnights from Canada. It bodes well for the year, a year when we are celebrating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s publishing his 95 Theses, marking the beginning of the Reformation,” said Antje Splettstoesser, Director Marketing & Sales of the German National Tourist Office in Canada. “Also, the city of Kassel presents the 14th ‘documenta’ exhibition of contemporary art, and Berlin is hosting the International Garden Show this time, which happens only every 10 years, changing cities around the globe.”

Splettstoesser also highlighted two major international sporting events taking place in Germany this year: the International Hockey World Championship in Cologne in May, and the launch of the 104th Tour de France in Düsseldorf in early July.

“Increased flight capacities for the year, including the Air Canada Rouge first ever non-stop service Toronto to Berlin, starting in June,” she continues, “will help us accommodate all Canadians who will want to come to these events and also see more of our beautifully diverse country,” she added.