BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The number of overnight stays in German accommodation facilities in September increased by 1.3 percent year-on-year, according to preliminary results published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Friday.

In September, there were a total of 47.8 million overnight stays by domestic and international guests in accommodation facilities in Germany.

"German tourism continues with a tailwind," the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) commented on the September figures by Destatis.

While the number of overnight stays by international guests fell by 1.7 percent to 8.1 million in September, the number of overnight stays by guests from Germany rose by 1.9 percent to 39.7 million.

Back in August, the German tourism and hotel industry had already recorded an increase of overnight stays in German accommodation facilities of 3.4 percent, Destatis found.

According to a recent evaluation by the German National Tourist Board (DZT), trips to Germany from other European countries had increased by 4 percent although the total number of trips had only increased by 2.5 percent between January and August.

"We were able to further expand the strong position of Germany as a travel destination in an exceptionally competitive environment," said Petra Hedorfer, chairwoman of the DZT executive board in Germany.

According to DZT, Germany remained "by far the most important business destination for Europeans" with growth rates of 2 percent.

"Germany as a travel destination is very well positioned in the increasingly fierce competition between destinations," Hedorfer explained. The latest trend "must not, however, conceal the fact that we are facing major challenges due to weaker economic growth in the eurozone, the climate debate, trade conflicts and the Brexit issue."

Despite the challenges, the German hotel and restaurant association has remained confident for the coming months.

"Consumer spending remains robust and defies the economic slowdown. People continue to enjoy travelling and going out," said DEHOGA president Guido Zoellick.

On Friday, DEHOGA confirmed its previous forecast to Xinhua, expecting a sales growth of slightly more than 2 percent for Germany's tourism industry for 2019.