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KLEBER GROUP News
Opening Our Angola Office in Luanda & Angola Convention Bureau Launch
With the opening of our new office in Luanda, we are strengthening our footprint across Africa and deepening our long-term commitment as the global representation for the destination Angola. Our presence on the ground enables us to connect global visibility with local insight and drive impactful collaboration across public and private sector stakeholders and investors.
With the establishment of the Angola Convention Bureau (ACB), Angola is further strengthening its position in the global MICE market and evolving into a rising destination for international conferences, corporate events and incentive travel. The bureau is led and operationally driven from our Luanda office and acts as a central interface between the destination, the economy and the international events industry, supporting event planners, associations and companies in delivering business events in Angola.
KLEBER GROUP now Represents Visit Korea in the Spanish Market
KLEBER GROUP is pleased to expand its international portfolio with the representation of Visit Korea in the Spanish market. As Trade and PR agency, we will focus on driving market development and supporting the continued growth of Spanish outbound travel to Korea.
The mandate includes targeted trade initiatives aimed at product development, strengthening distribution networks, and fostering strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders. These efforts will be complemented by a dedicated PR strategy to enhance the destination’s visibility and showcase its latest tourism offerings.
KLEBER GROUP Represents Visit Balaton in the DACH Market
KLEBER GROUP is pleased to welcome Visit Balaton, the official destination marketing organisation behind Lake Balaton – Hungary’s largest freshwater lake and one of Central Europe’s most diverse travel regions – as a new client. As PR partner for the DACH market, KLEBER GROUP will support the further positioning of the region as a year-round destination beyond the peak summer season, with a focus on culture, outdoor activities, wine and gastronomy, as well as wellness. Through strategic storytelling, targeted media relations and experience-driven PR, the collaboration aims to strengthen Balaton’s international profile and position the region as a destination for connection, nature and memorable experiences throughout the year.
Spotlight on Angola: From Hollywood to the Vatican
As global representation for the destination Angola, KLEBER GROUP is supporting the country’s international visibility through integrated communication activities, recently highlighted by high-profile visits from Will Smith and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Will Smith visited Angola in connection with the upcoming E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, bringing additional global attention to Luanda as a future host destination. In addition, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s visit underscored Angola’s increasing relevance for religious and cultural tourism.
Luxury Insights
Luxury Travellers Adjust Plans Instead of Cancelling Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Considering the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, luxury travellers are showing greater flexibility by rebooking trips rather than cancelling altogether, reflecting a continued willingness to travel despite external uncertainties. According to industry insights, the primary reasons for itinerary changes are safety concerns and destination accessibility, with travellers often shifting to alternative regions rather than postponing travel entirely. Despite these adjustments, demand in the luxury segment remains stable, underlining the resilience of high-end travel and the importance of adaptable, well-connected advisory services within the sector.
Source: fvw
The New Luxury Client: Individuality and Direct Engagement Take Centre Stage
A new generation of luxury travellers – including influencers and affluent younger audiences – places less emphasis on traditional status and instead prioritises personalised, authentic travel experiences and dedicated service. They expect fast, direct communication and flexible, tailor-made solutions, with personal relationships and trust playing a central role in decision-making. For the travel industry, this shift highlights the need for stronger advisory expertise, well-established networks and the ability to deliver highly individual, experience-driven offerings.
Source: fvw
Luxury Travel Focus Shifts to Meaningful, Lasting Experiences
At the fvw TravelTalk Luxury Knowledge Day, industry experts highlighted a clear shift in luxury travel towards creating meaningful, memorable moments that guests carry with them beyond the journey itself. Rather than focusing solely on high-end products, the emphasis is increasingly on emotional value, personalised experiences and authentic storytelling that resonate on a deeper level. For the industry, this requires a stronger focus on creativity, individuality, and a refined understanding of evolving guest expectations to deliver truly distinctive and lasting travel experiences.
Source: fvw
Industry Stakeholders
Travel Market Remains Stable but Faces New Structural Challenges
According to a recent FUR analysis, the travel market remains broadly stable, with demand holding at a high level, yet showing limited growth potential in the coming years. At the same time, structural shifts are becoming more visible, including changing demographics and a rising share of travellers with a migration background, who are expected to travel more frequently in the future. While established destinations such as the Mediterranean remain strong, evolving travel behaviours and changing family structures highlight the need for the industry to adapt to new expectations and target groups.
Source: fvw
AI Gains Ground in Travel Planning While Human Touch Remains Essential
A growing number of travellers are turning to artificial intelligence for holiday planning, with around one in four already using AI tools to research and organise their trips. AI is increasingly valued for improving efficiency in processes such as booking and recommendations, helping travellers to navigate options more quickly and conveniently. Despite this shift, personal interaction remains a key factor, with human expertise and direct contact continuing to play a central role in building trust and guiding travel decisions.
Source: fvw
Aviation Update: Lufthansa and Kerosene Shortages
Lufthansa is set to cancel around 20,000 flights during the summer season due to ongoing operational constraints and capacity challenges. At the same time, the planned closure of Lufthansa CityLine marks a strategic restructuring move within the group to streamline operations and reduce costs. In parallel, limited kerosene availability is increasingly impacting air traffic, contributing to operational disruptions and further flight cancellations.
Sources: fvw; Touristik aktuell; Tagesschau
Travel Agencies See Decline in New Bookings Despite Stable Revenue
German travel agencies recorded a sharp decline in new bookings in March, with incoming orders falling by 21.4% year-on-year, largely driven by high cancellation rates and a significant drop in cruise bookings. Despite this, overall turnover remained positive, with total revenue up 6.7% compared to the previous year, supported by strong performance in flight sales and other revenue streams. While March proved volatile, the overall outlook for the 2026 travel year remains relatively stable, with only a slight decrease in forward bookings and continued resilience across key segments.
Source: Countervor9
Cruise Industry Set for Strong Growth Towards 2036
The global cruise industry is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, with passenger numbers projected to reach around 50 million by 2036. This expansion is supported by significant investments and fleet growth, with cruise lines planning around 80 new ships worldwide in the coming years. Major players such as MSC Cruises are set to drive this development, underlining the sector’s long-term growth potential despite ongoing market challenges.
Source: fvw
EU Abolishes A1 Requirement for Business Travel
After years of debate, the EU has decided to abolish the A1 certificate requirement for business travel, significantly reducing administrative burdens for companies and travellers. The move is seen as a major step forward for the European business travel sector, simplifying cross-border mobility and making short-term assignments easier to manage. However, the A1 requirement will remain in place for longer-term postings, with further formal implementation details expected to follow.
Source: fvw
DACH Market Insights
DRV Annual Meeting: Travel Industry Between Caution and Confidence
Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, demand for travel remains stable, although booking behaviour has shifted, with travellers deciding later and more cautiously. At the same time, the industry is proving resilient, with the DRV – German Travel Association expecting no structural decline in demand and highlighting potential recovery effects once conditions stabilise. Rising costs and a stronger need for security are increasing the relevance of organised travel and professional advice, while political support and improved framework conditions remain key for future growth.
Source: DRV
Business Climate Reaches Lowest Level in Years
Germany’s business climate has fallen to its lowest level since May 2020, reflecting a significant deterioration in economic sentiment across multiple sectors. Companies are increasingly pessimistic about the coming months and are also assessing their current situation more negatively, particularly in services, retail and construction. The downturn is driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns, which are weighing on demand and limiting expectations of a near-term recovery.
Source: Reisevor9
Bookings Decline Sharply Across Key Mediterranean Destinations
Bookings from Germany for major holiday destinations such as Turkey, Egypt, Greece and Spain have declined significantly, reflecting growing uncertainty in the market. Particularly steep drops are recorded for Egypt and Turkey, while even traditionally strong Mediterranean destinations are experiencing noticeable declines in demand. At the same time, domestic travel within Germany is emerging as a relative winner, as German travellers adopt a more cautious approach and delay booking decisions.
Source: fvw
Middle East Conflict Impacts Germany’s Inbound Tourism
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is increasingly affecting Germany’s inbound tourism, particularly through declining visitor numbers from key Middle Eastern source markets. Flight connections are being disrupted, with rerouting and reduced capacity influencing travel flows and making access to Germany more complex. At the same time, shifts in travel patterns are emerging, including increased transit via hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, as well as a potential rise in intra-European travel as alternatives.
Source: fvw
Middle East Conflict Reduces Travel Demand from Asia and the Middle East
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is increasingly dampening travel demand to Austria from key source markets in Asia and the Middle East, with noticeable declines in visitor numbers. Flight disruptions and reduced connectivity via major Middle Eastern hubs are further limiting access, contributing to cancellations and weaker booking momentum. Overall, the situation highlights the vulnerability of long-haul inbound tourism to geopolitical instability, with uncertainty continuing to influence travel decisions across affected regions.
Source: ahgz
AI Integration Gains Ground in Travel Advisory at Austria’s Leading Agency Ruefa
Ruefa, one of Austria’s largest travel agency networks and part of the Verkehrsbüro Group, is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into its travel advisory services to enhance efficiency and personalisation. The approach combines AI-supported research with expert consultation, enabling travel advisors to translate digital inputs into tailored, bookable travel experiences. This development highlights how established players are strategically combining technology with human expertise to strengthen customer relationships and modernise the advisory process.
Source: tip
Travel Confidence Remains Strong as Safety and Costs Shape Decisions in Austria’s 2026 Holiday Barometer
Austria’s 2026 holiday outlook reflects a continued high level of travel enthusiasm, even amid geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs. According to the latest Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer, 80% of Austrians remain keen to travel, with nearly half describing themselves as very enthusiastic. At the same time, decision-making is becoming more complex, as safety considerations and financial factors increasingly influence destination choice. The findings illustrate a shift toward more cautious, value-driven travel planning, where traditional preferences – such as Mediterranean destinations – remain strong, but are balanced by heightened risk awareness and budget sensitivity.
Source: tip
Austria: Travel Industry Outlook Remains Cautious Yet Confident
At the Austrian Travel Association (ÖRV) spring conference, industry sentiment was described as cautious, with ongoing geopolitical tensions significantly impacting bookings and increasing uncertainty among travellers. A large majority of companies report being strongly affected by the current crisis, expecting further deterioration in the coming months, alongside rising advisory efforts and a noticeable shift towards shorter, closer-to-home travel. Despite these challenges, the industry maintains a degree of confidence, focusing on flexibility, new destinations and strategic adaptation to navigate a market increasingly shaped by volatility.
Source: tip
Alpine Luxury Goes Regenerative
Switzerland is increasingly positioning itself beyond sustainability towards regenerative tourism, with alpine regions investing in biodiversity, local sourcing and community-driven concepts. Luxury travellers in particular are showing growing interest in experiences that actively contribute to nature and local culture – redefining what “high-end” travel means in the Alps.
Source: MySwitzerland
Switzerland Benefits from the Short-Haul Shift
With increasing cost awareness and changing travel behaviour across Europe, Switzerland continues to benefit from a strong “short-haul” trend, particularly from DACH markets. High accessibility, safety and premium infrastructure position the country as a top choice for frequent, shorter trips – especially in uncertain geopolitical times.
Source: stnet
Swiss Travellers Embrace a Multi-Trip Lifestyle
Swiss travellers are planning more frequent trips than ever, with an average of over two international holidays per person expected in 2026. This reflects a broader shift towards a “multi-trip lifestyle”, where shorter, more frequent journeys replace the traditional single long holiday. For destinations, this means increased competition for attention – but also more opportunities throughout the year.
Source: TravelNews
Spanish Market Insights
Travel Agencies Lead Online Sales in the Tourism Sector
Travel agencies and tour operators have strengthened their leadership as the top revenue-generating segment in online tourism sales in Spain, outperforming airlines and hotels. According to the latest CNMC report, the tourism sector drove e-commerce growth in Q3 2025, with agencies increasing their share of total online turnover thanks to higher-value transactions. While tourism records fewer online purchases than other industries, its higher average ticket value explains its dominant contribution to revenues. International transactions play a key role, with travel agencies accounting for a significant share of cross-border online spending, particularly within the EU.
Source: Hosteltur
Spain Becomes the Fourth Largest European Source Market for Cruises
Spain has consolidated its position as the fourth-largest source market for the European cruise industry, with 635,000 Spanish residents taking a cruise in 2025, up 4.1% year-on-year. According to CLIA, this growth places Spain ninth worldwide, driven by strong repeat demand and easier access to embarkation ports across the country. Spanish cruisers have an average age of 44.7, mainly travel in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and take trips lasting around 7.2 days. Cruising is also boosting destination economies, as 70% of passengers join organised shore excursions, and many extend their stays before or after sailing.
Source: Agent Travel
Spaniards Favour Domestic Destinations for the May Holiday
Spanish travellers are increasingly opting for domestic destinations for May bank holidays, with searches for national flights up 14% year-on-year, according to Kayak. Seville and Palma de Mallorca stand out as the fastest-growing destinations, reflecting a strong preference for short-haul and proximity travel. Despite higher demand, travel costs are easing, as domestic flight prices have dropped by 4% and car rental rates by 5% compared with last year. This trend confirms a growing inclination towards affordable, close-to-home getaways ahead of the peak summer season.
Source: Agent Travel
UK Market Insights
UK Travellers Delay Overseas Bookings as Confidence Slips
UK travel spending fell 3.3% in March, the first decline in five years, as rising household costs and concerns around the Middle East conflict led many consumers to postpone or reconsider overseas holidays. Travel agents and airlines have been hardest hit, while domestic hotel bookings have remained more resilient. For destinations and tourism boards, this points to a more cautious, later-booking market in the UK over the coming months.
Source: The Guardian
Airlines Warn of Rising Airfares and Route Changes
Virgin Atlantic and other airlines have warned that soaring jet fuel prices are likely to lead to higher airfares and route reductions this summer. Fuel costs have more than doubled since February and some carriers are already introducing surcharges or cutting lower-performing routes. Destinations with direct flights and simple access are therefore likely to become more attractive to UK travellers.
Source: Reuters
Africa Benefits from Growing Demand for Longer, More Meaningful Trips
New safari booking data shows travellers are staying longer and choosing more remote, experience-led itineraries across Africa. Average stays at safari camps have increased, particularly in lesser-known and harder-to-reach locations, reflecting growing demand for slower travel, authenticity and deeper cultural or conservation experiences. This is positive news for emerging African destinations and supports the continued appeal of “last frontier” positioning.
Source: Hotel News
Africa Market Insights
Africa Travel Demand Holds Strong Amid Shifting Global Dynamics
International travel to Africa remains resilient into April 2026, with strong demand from Europe and the Middle East driven by favourable exchange rates, increased airlift, and continued interest in nature-based and experiential travel. Notably, East Africa is seeing a surge in bookings linked to improved regional connectivity and high-profile industry events, while Southern Africa continues to benefit from luxury safari demand and shoulder-season value. At the same time, travellers are booking closer to departure but spending more on curated, high-quality experiences, reinforcing Africa’s positioning as a premium, purpose-driven destination.
Sources: UNWTO; Travel Pulse; African Leadership Magazine
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s Visit Underscores Africa’s Rising Global Significance
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV undertook his first official visit to Africa in April 2026, highlighting the continent’s growing importance to the Catholic Church and its rapidly expanding population of believers. The visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea was his first trip to the continent as pontiff. It drew global attention to Africa’s role in shaping conversations around peace, inequality, and development, while reinforcing its rising influence on the world stage – both culturally and economically.
Polish Market Insights
Google Data Shows Shift to Shorter, Personalised Trips
According to Google Trends data for early 2026, travel behaviour in Poland is rapidly changing. Interest in “city break” trips surged by +3530%, while searches for “cheap travel” increased by +1200% and “luxury travel” by +380%, showing a clear split in spending habits. Experience-driven travel is also rising, with searches for anniversaries up +250% and birthdays +160%, while pet-friendly travel grew by +180% in February 2026. At the same time, active travel formats are gaining popularity, including road trips (+150%) and camping (+100%). The data confirms a strong shift: people travel more often, for shorter periods, and planning trips more independently.
Source: Wiadomości Turystyczne
Polish Travellers Spend More as Premium Segment Grows
According to market data from Q1 2026, Polish travellers are not only booking more trips, but also choosing more expensive options. The number of bookings increased by +8% year-on-year, while their total value grew faster at +13%, confirming a clear shift towards higher spending. The average booking reached 1830 PLN (≈ €428), and the premium segment now accounts for 55% of all bookings. At the same time, 5-star hotels saw a sharp +102% increase in sales value, showing strong demand for higher-standard travel. Overall, the data highlights a key market change: Polish travellers are upgrading their travel choices and moving steadily towards premium experiences.
Source: Wiadomości Turystyczne
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