KLEBER GROUP News
KLEBER GROUP Expands into Italy with New Milan Office
We are honoured to share that KLEBER GROUP is expanding its presence in Italy with a new office in Milan. This strategic move strengthens our position across Europe and creates new opportunities for international destinations and hospitality brands in Italy. Led by Antonella Rossi and Gloria Peccini, the Milan team brings extensive expertise, strong industry networks and in-depth knowledge of the local market. By combining local expertise with KLEBER GROUP’s international perspective, we aim to foster stronger cross-market collaboration and deliver lasting value for our clients.
Read more: klebergroup.com, linkedIn.com
Exclusive KLEBER GROUP Pre-WTM Spotlight Riyadh Event
As the travel industry gathers in September for WTM Spotlight Riyadh, KLEBER GROUP is delighted to host an exclusive pre-event bringing together leaders from tourism, hospitality, aviation, investment and top-tier media. The evening provides an opportunity to connect with industry partners, exchange perspectives on the future of tourism and hospitality in the region, and strengthen relationships ahead of some of the Middle East’s leading travel and hospitality events.
Read more: linkedin.com
Contract Renewal: Setouchi Destination Management Organisation
We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Setouchi Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the German market. The renewed mandate is a testament to the strong collaboration and successful media engagement we have achieved together over the past year. Building on this momentum, we will continue to increase Setouchi’s visibility across key German media through compelling storytelling, opportunity-driven pitching and a stronger focus on earned media. Our goal is to further establish Setouchi as one of Japan’s most culturally rich and inspiring travel destinations for the German market.
CT Award “Connecting Cultures” Expands to the Travel Industry
Hanna Kleber, President of the Corps Touristique and KLEBER GROUP, announces that the organisation is opening its CT Award Connecting Cultures to the entire travel industry for the first time. In addition to tourism boards and destination initiatives, tour operators and companies can now apply with projects that promote cultural exchange and international understanding. Eligible projects must have existed for at least one year and demonstrate a strong connection to destinations. The award will be presented for the fifth time at CMT Stuttgart in January 2027. Applications in German or English are open until 2 November 2026.
Read more: fvw.de
Luxury Insights
Travel Industry Calls for More Affordable Hotels
German travel agencies report a shortage of affordable hotels as destinations prioritise luxury development. Rising prices are weakening value, particularly in Turkey, while demand for three-star accommodation grows in Crete. Tour operators are expanding budget portfolios, but suitable infrastructure remains essential.
Source: fvw.de
Privacy as the New Luxury in Holiday Travel
Vila Vita Pannonia has introduced 39 standalone residences in Austria’s Seewinkel region, responding to demand for greater privacy. Designed for couples, they combine generous indoor and outdoor space, premium service and, in some cases, direct lake access. Guests also enjoy a spa, restaurants, tennis courts and running trails within the nature-led resort.
Source: ahgz.at
Saudi Arabia’s Luxury Hotel Boom Faces a Staffing Challenge
Saudi Arabia’s expanding luxury hotel sector faces a shortage of employees as tourism grows. Proposed staffing requirements, stricter Saudisation rules and thousands of new hotel rooms could raise operating costs and intensify competition for skilled hospitality workers. The challenge will be maintaining service standards expected across the Kingdom’s tourism developments.
Source: eturbonews.com
New B2B Platform for International Luxury Trains
Luxury Train Hub aims to make premium rail journeys easier for travel agencies to sell by combining international products, sales information and training on one platform. Eligible agencies and tour operators can book with commissions starting at 10% and averaging around 12%. The portfolio is expected to reach 17 trains, covering four continents and more than 100 tours, by the end of 2026.
Source: fvw.de
Industry Stakeholders
Why MCP Could Transform Business Travel
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) provides a standardised interface connecting AI assistants with travel and corporate systems. It could enable AI agents to access live data and automate booking, expense and invoicing processes. Travel companies including BCD Travel and Perk are already exploring integrations. MCP will complement rather than replace standards such as NDC, although data quality, security and governance remain important challenges.
Source: fvw.de
Travellers Want Sustainability Without Sacrificing Comfort
A YouGov survey shows sustainability matters increasingly to German holidaymakers, although few will compromise on comfort or cost. Around 32% would fly less to reduce emissions, but only 24% would pay more. Interest in environmentally certified accommodation and sustainability labels is rising, with younger travellers – particularly women – showing the strongest commitment to responsible travel.
Source: fvw.de
Cruise Sustainability Ranking: Eight Category Leaders
NABU’s latest cruise ranking assesses operators across eight environmental categories, including climate targets, emissions intensity, air pollution, shore power and fleet modernisation. Havila and Hurtigruten lead overall, while AIDA and TUI Cruises perform strongly in specific areas. Despite sector-wide progress, NABU says faster fleet upgrades, cleaner fuels and credible emissions reductions remain essential.
Source: fvw.de
Lufthansa Group Introduces Free Starlink Wi-Fi
The Lufthansa Group will equip around 850 aircraft with high-speed Starlink internet, beginning in the second half of 2026 and completing the rollout by 2029. The service will support streaming and cloud-based work across all travel classes. It will be available free of charge and without data limits to status customers and passengers registered with a Travel ID.
Source: abouttravel.ch
Airlines Continue to Raise Ticket Prices
High fuel costs are pushing fares upwards, especially in economy. Between February and May, average intra-European fares at Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air rose by 15.35%, while Lufthansa, IAG and Air France-KLM increased prices by 7.2%. Transatlantic economy fares climbed by over 20%, although business-class prices remained broadly stable. Airlines are also reducing capacity to support higher yields and recover additional costs.
Source: reisevor9.de
Green Hospitality Requires Genuine Commitment
Suzann Heinemann argues sustainability must be embedded in hotel operations rather than used as a marketing tool. Hotels should balance environmental responsibility, social values and economic viability while communicating transparently. Credible certification can demonstrate progress and prevent greenwashing, supported by committed management and engaged employees.
Source: tophotel.de
EasyJet Set for Apollo Takeover
US investor Apollo Global will acquire EasyJet for £5.7bn, taking the airline private after 25 years on the London Stock Exchange. Apollo plans to increase ancillary revenues and expand EasyJet Holidays while retaining operations, headquarters and employment conditions. Backed by its founder’s family, the deal should close by March 2027.
Source: abouttravel.ch
Cryptocurrency Payments Expand Across Global Travel
Crypto payments in travel reached $4.8bn in 2025 and could hit $18.3bn by 2034. Platforms including Travala accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins for travel bookings. Blockchain gateways promise faster international payments and lower fees. Asia-Pacific leads adoption, while the Middle East and Africa are expected to grow fastest.
Source: fvw.de
Tourism Investment Exceeds One Trillion Dollars
Global travel and tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025, helping the sector contribute a record $11.6 trillion to global GDP. WTTC expects continued growth, with the US and China leading investment. It says supportive policies, modern infrastructure and private capital are essential to sustain momentum and create jobs across established and emerging destinations.
Source: fvw.de
Heat and Wildfires Reshape Travel Decisions
A HolidayCheck survey finds 80% of Germans consider protection from natural disasters important when planning holidays, while over half avoid recently affected destinations or peak summer months. Experts recommend flexible bookings and package holidays. Heat alone rarely permits free cancellation, but wildfires threatening a destination may justify it.
Source: trvlcounter.de
Last-Minute Bookings Boost Summer Sales
German summer travel sales rose in June, driven by last-minute bookings, with monthly revenue up 19%. Turkey narrowly remained the leading destination, ahead of Spain, while Greece and Egypt performed strongly. By late June, summer revenue had reached 82% of the previous season’s total, although winter bookings remained cautious.
Source: fvw.de
Entire Villages Become Scattered Hotels
The “albergo diffuso” model turns vacant village homes into guest rooms linked by central reception and services. Originating in Italy, it preserves historic buildings, supports local businesses and offers authentic community-based stays. The concept is reaching Germany, where a Black Forest project aims to revitalise villages while protecting their character.
Source: fvw.de
Why Holidays Fail to Restore Energy
A YouGov survey finds 52% of Germans only recognise their exhaustion once on holiday, while 45% begin their break already stressed. Nearly a third return equally or more exhausted. Work worries, unfinished tasks and constant digital availability prevent recovery, showing that holidays cannot compensate for prolonged stress or burnout.
Source: fvw.de
DACH Market Insights
Germans Redefine Luxury Travel in 2026
A YouGov survey shows German travellers define luxury as time, relaxation and freedom from responsibility rather than exclusivity. 53% consider having nothing to worry about luxury, while 40% value not cooking and 28% prefer others to handle planning. All-inclusive resorts respond by reducing everyday pressures and organisational effort.
Source: eturbonews.de
Germany Sets New Overnight-Stay Record
German accommodation providers recorded 223.8 million overnight stays in the first half of 2026, up 0.3% and reaching a new high. Domestic stays rose 0.3%, while international stays increased 0.5%. June weakened overall, falling 2.9% year on year, although international demand still grew by 1.6%.
Source: reisevor9.de
Holidays Inspire Germans to Make Changes
A HolidayCheck survey finds three in four Germans decide to change their lives while on holiday, and 66% of those have plans. Most seek more relaxation, personal time and less work-related stress. Although 92% return feeling positive effects, everyday routines often weaken their intentions, making lasting change difficult.
Source: fvw.de
Beach Holidays Remain Germany’s Summer Favourite
Lastminute.com data show bookings to cooler destinations fell 15.9% over three years, despite interest in “coolcations”. Sunny destinations including Albania, Tunisia, Morocco and Bulgaria gained. Germans are increasingly travelling in June rather than August, while heatwaves temporarily boost cooler alternatives. Nevertheless, Mediterranean beach holidays remain dominant, especially among families.
Source: tip-online.at
Long-Haul Leads German Winter Bookings
Dertour reports that 51% of winter 2026/27 bookings are long-haul, with Thailand the most popular destination. Egypt follows strongly, with bookings nearly double last year. Demand is rising after a slower start, while travellers prioritise value, flexibility and early-booking discounts. Japan, southern Africa, Norway and Germany are gaining ground.
Source: tophotel.de
Couples Plan Significant Wedding Spending
A Hyatt survey finds German couples envisage weddings with around 80 guests and an average budget of nearly €30,000, allocating 31% to venues and accommodation. While 58% prefer Germany, Italy, the Maldives and Spain lead overseas choices. Hotels benefit through multi-day celebrations, room blocks and honeymoons, budgeted at about €9,000.
Source: hotelvor9.de
Long-Haul Travel Dominates Winter Demand
Dertour reports that 51% of winter 2026/27 bookings are for long-haul travel, led by Thailand. Egypt is recording nearly twice as many bookings as last year, while Japan, Bali and southern Africa are growing strongly. Travellers increasingly seek individual experiences, flexibility and value, with early-booking discounts remaining particularly important.
Source: tip-online.at
SkyUp Launches Vienna–Chișinău Route in 2027
SkyUp Airlines will begin twice-weekly flights between Vienna and Chișinău with the 2027 summer schedule. The route marks SkyUp’s debut at Vienna Airport, strengthens links between Austria and Moldova, and provides an important gateway for travellers to and from Ukraine while its airspace remains closed.
Source: tip-online.at
South Korea Booms Among Austrian Travellers
Travel insurance enquiries for South Korea rose 63% among Austrians in early 2026, the strongest increase of any long-haul destination. China grew 34%, while the US and Turkey declined. The “K-Wave” is driving demand, particularly among under-30s, who account for 46% of South Korea-related enquiries.
Source: ots.at
Switzerland: Innovation as a Driver for MICE
Switzerland continues to position itself beyond leisure. Ranked first in the 2025 Global Innovation Index for the 15th consecutive year, its research clusters, universities and international hubs – including Geneva, Basel and Zurich – strengthen its appeal for congresses and business events. This demonstrates how economic expertise can support MICE positioning and destination storytelling.
Source: businesstraveller.com
Brand USA Turns Travel Advisors into Ambassadors
Brand USA is expanding its Global Ambassador Program, selecting 26 travel professionals across DACH, including two from Switzerland. Through training, events and industry initiatives, they will share their expertise locally. The programme shows how tourism boards can turn trade education into advocacy, using trusted advisors as market multipliers.
Source: abouttravel.ch
Zurich Airport Reveals Outbound Travel Demand
Zurich Airport’s summer schedule highlights Swiss outbound demand. London leads with 142 weekly flights, followed by Frankfurt with 90, while Palma is the strongest leisure destination with 73. New York remains the leading long-haul route with five daily flights, reflecting the importance of leisure, business, VFR and hub traffic.
Source: travelnews.ch
Spain Market Insights
Spain Breaks into Global Top 10 for Outbound Tourism Spending
Spain has risen to ninth place in UN Tourism’s travel expenditure ranking, overtaking Italy and South Korea after ranking 12th before the pandemic. Spending reached $39.3 billion in 2025 and continues to grow in 2026, confirming Spain as one of Europe’s most dynamic outbound markets and growing international commercial relevance.
Source: hosteltur.com
Spanish Travel Agencies Report Strong Summer Growth
CEAV reports a strong Spanish summer, with agency and tour operator revenues rising 7.2% in the first half of 2026 and 9.7% in June. Last-minute bookings offset geopolitical uncertainty, while domestic, European and long-haul destinations performed well. Employment increased 14.6% in Q2, and September continues to gain importance beyond the traditional summer peak.
Source: agenttravel.es
Spain Leads Europe in Social-Media-Inspired Travel
An Omio/YouGov survey finds 15% of Spanish travellers have planned trips around online discoveries, rising to 35% among Gen Z. Spain also leads in recreating social-media itineraries. Nevertheless, friends and family remain three times more influential on bookings, 60% prioritise personal preferences, and 18% actively seek lesser-known destinations to avoid overtourism.
Source: expreso.info
Poland Market Insights
Polish Travellers Increasingly Shift Holidays into Autumn
Kiwi.com reports Polish passenger numbers for autumn 2026 are up 43.1%, with bookings rising 51.5% as median fares fall 9.4%. Travellers typically book 85 days ahead for five-day trips. Italy, Spain and Greece remain most popular, while Albania, Morocco, Malta, Turkey and Portugal are recording particularly strong growth.
Source: waszaturystyka.pl
Polish Summer Travel Trends Towards Cooler Destinations and Shorter Trips
Polish demand for cooler destinations rose 77% in summer 2026, versus 55% for warmer markets, although Southern Europe and North Africa still represented 51% of trips. The UK, Netherlands and Norway recorded strong growth. Passenger numbers increased 64%, but trips averaged 3.2 nights and spending per traveller fell 12%.
Source: waszaturystyka.pl
Italy Market Insights
Italy’s Summer Travel Season Is Getting Longer
August is losing its dominance in Italy’s holiday calendar, with fewer than 40% of travellers choosing it for their 2026 summer break. Of 28.6 million Italian holidaymakers, 12.3 million travelled in June and July, while 8.2 million plan to travel in September, confirming a longer, more flexible season beyond the traditional August peak.
Source: tgcom24.mediaset.it
International Demand Drives Italy’s Tourism Growth
Italy’s tourism sector continued growing in early 2026, with first-half arrivals up 4.43% year on year and international arrivals increasing 6.45%. More than 224 million overnight stays are forecast between July and September – over nine million above 2019 levels -while direct summer tourism spending is expected to approach €27 billion, underlining sustained international demand.
Source: italiaoggi.it
Italy’s Luxury Travel Market Expands and Evolves
Italy’s luxury market remains resilient in 2026: 46% of high-end clients expect to maintain their travel budgets and 30% plan to spend more. Nearly 200 hotel openings will include restored palaces, nature-led resorts and boutique properties focused on wellness, dining and local identity, reflecting demand for distinctive, personalised experiences beyond traditional five-star accommodation.
Sources: ttgitalia.com forbes.it
UK Market Insights
Direct UK–Tanzania Flights Planned for 2027
Air Tanzania plans to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro in July 2027, restoring UK connectivity after a decade. At least three weekly services are planned, alongside Zanzibar flights. While business and visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic will be important, tourism to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar is expected to be the main demand driver.
Source: tanzaniatourism.uk
Travel Agents Support Penalties for Event No-Shows
A TTG survey found 95% of UK travel agents support fines for advisers cancelling industry events at short notice. Some organisations already impose fees to deter no-shows. Expedition Cruise Network will charge delegates cancelling within two weeks, citing the substantial costs faced by organisers and international partners.
Source: ttgmedia.com
Audley Travel Identifying Sites to Open First-Ever Retail Shop in UK
Audley Travel is exploring its first UK retail locations, having operated mainly through telephone, online and appointment-only consultations. Potential sites include London, Oxfordshire, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Norwich, Southampton and Bristol. The expansion comes despite rising rents, staffing shortages and geopolitical uncertainty affecting high-street agencies, signalling confidence in face-to-face travel planning.
Source: ttgmedia.com
MENA Market Insights
GCC Travel Demand Rebounds as Confidence Returns
Travel bookings across the GCC are moving back towards pre-disruption levels as flight operations stabilise and regional travel confidence improves. Industry data points to particularly strong recovery in intra-GCC travel, while international demand is returning more gradually. The rebound provides a positive signal for the region ahead of the winter tourism season.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
Dubai Airport Traffic Strengthens as Airline Capacity Returns
Dubai International welcomed 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, with traffic improving steadily during Q2 as international airline capacity returned. Monthly passenger numbers rose from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June, while Dubai Airports expects stronger momentum in H2, supported by recovering networks, winter schedules and Dubai’s events calendar.
Source: mediaoffice.ae
Saudi Hotels Show Resilience Despite Travel Disruption
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector remained resilient in Q2 2026, supported by domestic and religious tourism. Makkah hotel occupancy reached 68.2%, with RevPAR increasing 8.7% year-on-year, while Madinah recorded the Kingdom’s highest occupancy at 75.1%, according to JLL data reported this week.
Source: tradearabia.com
Middle East B2B Travel Business Records 112% Growth
PriceTravel Holding reported a 112% year-on-year increase in Total Transaction Value from Middle East source markets in 2026. The company now works with 16 active B2B clients across the Middle East and GCC, including six added in the past eight months, highlighting growing demand from the region’s travel distribution sector.
Source: ttnworldwide.com
South Africa Market Insights
South Africa Welcomes Over 5.5 Million Visitors in H1 2026
South Africa welcomed 5.58 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, up 12.3%. African arrivals grew 14.3%, while overseas arrivals increased 5.6%, led by the US. American travellers increasingly seek “safari-plus” experiences combining wildlife with culture, heritage and food, creating opportunities for longer, higher-value stays beyond traditional game viewing.
Source: itizen.co.za
Johannesburg Among World’s Best Cities for Street Food
Johannesburg ranked eighth in Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s best street-food cities, ahead of Bangkok and Mumbai. Alongside Cape Town’s culinary performance, the result strengthens South Africa’s food-tourism credentials and highlights the potential of township cuisine and street-level experiences for tourism promotion.
Source: timeout.com
Digital Tourism Month Supports Domestic Travel Growth
South Africans took 21.2 million domestic trips in early 2026, up 4%, while holidays surged 36% to 5.2 million. Tourism Month’s theme highlights how platforms such as TikTok support destination discovery and smaller businesses. Discounted Sho’t Left packages, free September park access and a focus on Limpopo aim to convert interest into bookings.
Source: itizen.co.za
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