Tourism in NRW has developed dynamically over recent years and as a cross-sectional industry is one of the state's economic growth drivers. Millions of private and business travelers from Germany and abroad come to NRW each year. They provide significant revenues – not only in tourism but also in many other sectors such as the hotel/restaurant and retail trades. As an economic factor tourism performs a dual function: On the one hand, the industry itself possesses considerable added value, and on the other hand tourism increases the attractiveness of NRW overall as a working and investment location by enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

From NRW around the world: Location for major international events

NRW has made a name for itself in the organization and implementation of numerous major international events: For example, the city of Düsseldorf hosted the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2011. Around 36,000 spectators attended the world's biggest TV entertainment show in the specially converted football arena; 120 million people worldwide watched the ESC live on television.In June 2017, the Tour de France, the largest and most famous bicycle race in the world, started in the state capital with about one million visitors.