Tourism contributed a record DKK171 billion (about US$26.5 billion) to the Danish economy in 2025, while supporting nearly 157,000 jobs, according to a new economic impact report from VisitDenmark.
Visitor spending increased by 3% year over year, making tourism responsible for one in every 20 jobs in Denmark, or approximately 5% of total national employment.
The report underscores tourism’s growing importance as an economic driver across the country, particularly in rural and coastal communities where many local businesses rely heavily on visitors.
Rural destinations benefit most
Tourism spending supports jobs across a wide range of industries and municipalities, but its impact is especially significant outside Denmark’s major cities.
On the island of Fanø, tourism accounts for 79% of all jobs, while the sector supports 43% of employment on Læsø, 24% in Varde, and 23% on Bornholm, the latter being one of the top destinations in the country.
Copenhagen remains however Denmark’s largest tourism employment hub, with approximately 35,000 tourism-related jobs.
Denmark’s Minister for Cities, Rural Areas and Transport, Signe Munk, said visitors are increasingly drawn to more than just the country’s urban attractions.
“Guests don’t only come to experience our largest cities. They also come for our nature, coastlines, islands and many smaller towns and local communities,” Munk said.
“Tourism helps create vibrant rural communities, and it is encouraging to see that these areas generate a significant share of both jobs and income from the sector. Tourism creates many jobs in rural municipalities.“
She added that future tourism growth should be developed responsibly, with respect for local communities and a strong focus on building year-round tourism that supports permanent employment and local populations throughout the year.
Coastal tourism remains the biggest segment
Coastal and nature tourism continues to dominate Denmark’s visitor economy, generating DKK91 billion (US$14.1 billion) in 2025.
Business travel and meetings contributed DKK42 billion (US$6.5 billion), while city tourism generated DKK38 billion (US$5.9 billion).
Germany remained Denmark’s largest international source market by visitor spending, followed by Norway and Sweden.
The strongest economic contribution came from leisure travelers staying in rented holiday homes and hotels, while business travelers—who primarily stay in hotels—also represented a significant share of tourism revenue.
VisitDenmark CEO Katja Moesgaard said tourism continues to deliver broad economic benefits across the country.
“Tourism is important to Denmark. When both Danish and international visitors choose to vacation here, they create revenue, jobs and development throughout the country,” she said.
“That is why it is essential that we continue developing tourism so Denmark remains an attractive place both to visit and to live.“
