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With our monthly KLEBER GROUP Tourism Insider, we keep you up to date on the latest KLEBER GROUP news, key trends and insights from the DACH, Spanish, Polish, African, and UK markets, as well as updates from hotels, destinations, airlines, and other players in the luxury tourism industry. Enjoy reading!
KLEBER GROUP News
Spotlight on Angola: Host Country at CMT Stuttgart & ITB Berlin 2026
In 2026, our client Angola will take centre stage as the official host country at both CMT – The Holiday Exhibition in Stuttgart (Die Urlaubsmesse Stuttgart) and ITB Berlin – The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin), presenting its cultural richness, diversity, and dynamic tourism potential to an international audience. As the official representative of the Angola Tourism Board, KLEBER GROUP is honoured to have initiated and accompanied this partnership, supporting Angola in positioning itself as a distinctive and diverse destination on the global tourism stage.
We’re Growing: KLEBER GROUP Launches UK Africa Office
We are pleased to announce the opening of our UK Africa Office in London, marking another milestone in our international growth. The new office strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most influential travel and communications markets and deepens our connections with global destinations and brands. The office is led by Tim Henshall, Director UK KLEBER GROUP, and Adele Cutler, PR Manager UK KLEBER GROUP – both highly experienced professionals in tourism, destination marketing, and international communications.
BITUR 2025 – Luanda, Angola
Our CEO, Julia Kleber, was honoured to speak as an international panellist at the National Tourism Fair BITUR in Luanda, Angola. Representing both our agency and Angola Tourism, she shared insights on global tourism trends, Angola’s development opportunities, and strategies to strengthen the country’s international visibility through marketing and branding.
New Client Win: Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa
We’re excited to welcome a new client, FHS Africa – the continent’s leading hospitality investment forum – which we officially announced this week. As their global PR partner, we represent FHS on a global level, combining our deep engagement in the African market with more than three decades of international PR and communications expertise. We were present in Nairobi, Kenya (31 March – 1 April 2026) for FHS Africa 2026, where the future of African hospitality unfolded.
UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2026
Our CEO, Julia Kleber, and President, Hanna Kleber, represented the KLEBER GROUP at the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit in Dubai from October 27–29, 2025. As part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World), the event brought together over 1,600 industry leaders and investors to discuss the future of African tourism. We were pleased to connect with key partners and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth across the continent.
👉 Interested in more KLEBER GROUP projects, news, or client updates? Feel free to get in touch with us or check our social media channels!
LUXURY Insights
Destination Shift: Secondary Luxury Hubs
Beyond traditional luxury destinations, secondary hubs are increasingly gaining traction. Emerging markets such as select cities in India or the Gulf region are establishing themselves as new centres of luxury. This reflects both shifting global wealth patterns and the growing desire for exclusive, less conventional experiences.
The takeaway: Brands should proactively explore and position new luxury destinations. Early positioning pays off, as being a first mover creates a clear competitive edge.
Subscription & Membership Models in Luxury Travel
A rising trend in luxury travel is the adoption of subscription and membership models. Annual memberships, VIP allocations, or flexible credit systems are replacing traditional one-off bookings. These formats address convenience, exclusivity, and loyalty, appealing especially to repeat luxury travellers.
The takeaway: Luxury travel providers can increase customer loyalty through membership concepts, combining exclusivity with convenience.
Luxury Travel Advisors & High-Touch Service Reasserting Importance
In the luxury travel space, personal advice and bespoke service are regaining importance. Although digital booking remains popular, high-net-worth travellers increasingly seek experienced luxury travel advisors who can deliver end-to-end solutions, from transportation to accommodation and curated experiences.
The takeaway: Luxury travel is not only about premium products but also premium service. Brands and destinations should invest in advisory expertise, concierge networks, and highly personalised guest care.
Sources:
WATG – Luxury Travel Trends 2025: The Next Wave of Opportunity (Sept 2025)
Deloitte – The Future of Luxury Travel (2025)
Jetsetter Magazine – The Rise of the Intentional Luxury Traveller: How HNW Tourists Are Rewriting the Rules in 2025
Industry Stakeholders
Motel One Expands with Acquisition of Seven Flemings Hotels
The Motel One Group continues its growth strategy by acquiring seven Flemings Hotels in Munich, Frankfurt, Bremen, and Vienna. The properties — located in prime city-centre locations — will be renovated and reopen from 2026 under the Motel One and The Cloud One Hotels brands. All existing hotel teams will remain on board during the transition, and the hotels will stay open throughout refurbishment. The move strengthens Motel One’s footprint in the DACH region, pending regulatory approval.
Source: Motel One Group / Flemings Hotels, 2025
Airport Security Fees in Germany Set to Rise in 2026
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) will increase airport security fees at airports under its jurisdiction, including Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hannover, Bremen, Leipzig/Halle, Dresden, Saarbrücken, and Erfurt. Fees in Düsseldorf rise 2.7% to €10.73 per passenger; Hamburg increases 2.9% to €8.09.
The German Airlines Association (BDF) criticised the hike, calling it a setback for Germany’s aviation sector. Despite recovery efforts, capacity remains at 88% of pre-pandemic levels for the upcoming winter schedule.
Source: BDF / BMI, 2025
Corporate Travel Management Services
In the DACH region, there are over 30 companies offering corporate travel management services. Among them, DER Business Travel stands out as a leading provider. The sector has seen recent funding, with companies like Domicile raising $5M in a Series A funding round. This indicates a growing emphasis on corporate travel solutions within the region.
Source: tracxn.com
DACH Market Insights
Long-Haul Travel and Early Bookings Boost Winter 2025/26 Season
According to Travel Data + Analytics (TDA) for the German Travel Association (DRV), winter 2025/26 revenues are set to rise 9%, with traveller numbers up 6%. Long-haul trips are driving growth: Africa (+25%), Southeast Asia (+16%), and the Indian Ocean and Middle East now make up nearly three-quarters of long-haul revenue. The Caribbean and South America remain steady, while the U.S. sees a 27% drop. Cruises continue to grow (+8%), with early bookings already at 30% of winter sales. Mid-haul favourites like the Canary Islands, Egypt, and Turkey each gained about 10%. Flexibility and security remain key: travellers favour flexible, protected package deals.
Source: DRV / Travel Data + Analytics (TDA), October 2025
Swiss Travellers Favour Beauty, Mountains and Meaningful Encounters in 2026
Swiss travellers are becoming more mindful and experience-driven, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report. Beauty tourism tops the list, with nearly half of Gen Z planning to book treatments or shop for local skincare abroad, while seven in ten travellers explore foreign supermarkets on so-called “supermarket safaris.” Solo travel is booming, with 58% having travelled alone or planning to, while multigenerational trips are making a comeback. Demand for “unique stays” has surged 60% globally, and hotel searches for rooms with mountain views have doubled — with destinations like the Dolomites, Annapurna and the Rockies leading the way. Literary travel is also gaining traction, with over half of respondents inspired by books. Trending destinations for 2026 include Giza (+437%), Okinawa and Sharjah (+99%) and Rabat (+53%).
Source: Skyscanner / TRAVEL INSIDE, October 2025
Outlook for Winter Tourism
Looking ahead, Austria’s tourism industry is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming 2025/2026 winter season. A recent study by the Austrian Tourist Board indicates that around 16.5 million people from the ten most important European source markets are planning a winter holiday in Austria. Extrapolated to all international markets, tourism experts expect a total of 20.8 million guests, highlighting the country’s enduring appeal as a winter destination.
Source: aviation.direct
Spanish Market Insights
Strong travel intent among Spaniards for the holiday season
According to a recent Jetcost survey, 71% of Spaniards plan to travel during the upcoming Christmas season, despite rising prices and the current economic climate. The average spend per traveller is expected to reach €803.
Domestic trips dominate: 64% will stay within Spain, with Madrid, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Barcelona, and Seville topping the search rankings. In Europe, Paris, Rome, Prague, London, and Brussels lead interest, while New York, Istanbul, Havana, Marrakech, and Buenos Aires stand out for long-haul getaways.
Most trips will be short, with 43% planning stays of up to three days. The car remains the preferred mode of transport (56%), followed by air travel (24%). Family trips are the top choice (48%), ahead of couples and friends.
Ávoris Travel Insights: How Different Generations Travel
A recent Ávoris report explores travel habits across generations. Price and resolving issues are top priorities for all, while AI use is still low, 68% of travellers have never used it, though 40% of Gen Z are starting to plan trips with AI.
Gen Z seeks authentic experiences and inspiration from social media; millennials balance price and personalization; Gen X prioritizes control and security; and boomers value stability and personal attention. Two-thirds of travelers still prefer human interaction when booking.
The study identifies five traveler profiles, highlighting that generational differences are key to creating relevant travel experiences.
Source: Ávoris Travel Insights, October 2025
Poland Market Insights
Poles Embrace Autumn Getaways
At the beginning of autumn, Triverna.pl conducted a survey among Polish travellers, revealing that 84% plan to take a holiday this season — mostly within Poland. Travel interest peaks in October (54%) and November (49%). The top destinations are mountains (55%), the sea (43%), and lakes (19%). Wellness options remain key — 68% prefer hotels with pools, 26% seek spa facilities. Nearly half (48%) prioritise quality cuisine when choosing their autumn stay.
Source: Wiadomości Turystyczne (via Triverna.pl), October 2025
Poles’ Travel Habits in 2025
A new survey by the Polish Chamber of Tourism (PIT) and the Institute of Tourism (IGT), published by All-Inclusive Magazine, reveals how Poles travelled in 2025. Nearly half organised their holidays independently, while six in ten booked online rather than via traditional travel agencies. Over 75% of those using travel services still chose the all-inclusive format, especially families and seniors, though younger travellers increasingly favoured flexible arrangements. More than half of respondents aged 45+ booked at least three months in advance, while around 20% made last-minute decisions.
Source: All-Inclusive Magazine, October 2025
Poles Increasingly Visit Portugal
Data from the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) show that in July 2025 overnight stays booked by Polish tourists in Portugal rose by 14% year-on-year, placing them among the fastest-growing visitor nationalities. Between January and July, the number of Polish visitors exceeded 262,000, placing Poland seventh among EU countries in terms of visitor volume. Polish tourists are favouring destinations such as Lisbon (due to strong direct flight connectivity), Algarve, Madeira, and Porto, while lesser-known regions like Tomar, Santarém, and Leiria are increasingly being visited, especially by those interested in history and culture.
Source: TTG Polska, September 2025
UK Market Insights
Multi-Generational Travel on the Rise
Multi-generational holidays are emerging as one of the strongest travel trends for 2026. Families are increasingly choosing to travel together across three generations – not only to share costs, but to spend meaningful time together and create lasting memories.
With tighter budgets and many 20-somethings still living at home, younger generations are driving this shift by prioritising togetherness and shared experiences over luxury. From villa stays and countryside retreats to flexible home swaps, families are redefining what quality travel means.
Source: Skyscanner.net, October 2025
Romantasy Retreats – Escaping into Enchanted Worlds
Fantasy-inspired travel is emerging as a new form of escapism, blending nostalgia, storytelling, and digital innovation. According to Booking.com, nearly 78% of travellers are open to AI-curated experiences that help them discover “storybook” destinations – from enchanted castles to mystical forests and real-world filming locations. This reflects a growing desire for emotionally immersive, narrative-driven journeys that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Source: Booking.com Travel Predictions 2026, October 2025.
Glowmads — Beauty-Driven Travel Takes Off
According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026, nearly 71% of travellers plan to spend the same or more on flights, and 84% say they’ll travel abroad as much—or more—in 2026 compared to 2025.
One of the standout trends—dubbed “Glowmads”—sees travel increasingly shaped by wellness and beauty rituals. Instead of traditional sightseeing, travellers are choosing destinations like Seoul, Tokyo or Paris to focus on skincare treatments, sleep enhancement and holistic rejuvenation.
The takeaway: Travel providers and destinations should consider integrating beauty-and-wellness experiences into their offers to tap into this rising segment of experience-driven travellers.
Africa Market Insights
International Arrivals Surge
Between January and August 2025, international tourist arrivals in South Africa grew by 15.8% year-on-year, reaching 6.79 million visitors. This reinforces South Africa’s travel appeal globally and boosts foreign exchange earnings for the tourism sector.
Source: The South African
Accommodation Income Back on the Rise
In July 2025, the tourist-accommodation industry saw an 11.1% year-on-year increase in total income, with hotels in particular showing an 18.3% jump. This improvement suggests that travel demand is not only growing in volume but that consumers are also spending more per stay.
Source: IOL
Increased Air Connectivity & Smoother Visa Access
South Africa reported having 103 active international routes to 64 cities worldwide, with a 9.4% increase in available seats in 2025. At the same time, the government has introduced digital visa/ETA initiatives and a “Trusted Tour Operator Scheme” for key markets such as India and China – both moves help make travel easier and more attractive.
Source: Government of South Africa
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