DACH travel trends, all in one place. Check out our November newsletter for the key updates shaping the tourism market in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Travel Sector News

Distribution Networks

Expedia’s Growth Strategy in B2B and Cruise Markets 

Expedia is actively pursuing growth in the B2B segment and the cruise market, highlighting a strong performance and innovative strategies post-COVID.

Expedia’s B2B operations have seen impressive growth, with over 100 million room nights sold in2023. The company reports a consistent growth rate of over 20% in recent quarters, focusing on corporate, agency, and airline partnerships. Additionally while Expedia currently emphasizes cruise sales primarily in the U.S. and Canada, there are plans to expand into the German market. The company has established strong connections with international cruise lines and is preparing to offer exciting cruise options to German customers.

Dertour Group launches new eco-labelling scheme 

The Dertour Group is now labelling more sustainable offers from its tour operators Dertour, ITS and Meiers Weltreisen with a new logo. According to the company, around 1,800 hotels are currently labelled with it. The data basis for this is provided by Fairweg.

Anex Group harbours ambitious growth plans 

The tour operators of the Anex Group sent around 750,000 customers on holiday from Germany in the past financial year, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year. 560,000 guests travelled to Turkey. In the long term, the aim is to be at the top of the German market in the Turkish business, says Yasir Karaçor, Head of Germany. The portfolio is also to be expanded in other destinations. There are also plans to open concept stores under the Neckermann brand in Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt.

Promoting Poland as a destination for younger target groups 

Marcin Płachno, the new head of the Polish Tourist Board in Berlin, is planning to work more closely with German travel agencies and tour operators to further promote tourism in Poland. Despite the 1.6 million German overnight guests already expected in 2023, he sees potential in lesser-known regions and cities such as Lublin and Toruń. Płachno is focussing on increased social media marketing to appeal to young people in particular.

Airlines

CEO Peter Gerber: ‘2024 was successful for Condor’

Condor has experienced a long dry spell. Now, according to the new CEO Peter Gerber, the holiday airline is ‘back’. He and his team have now celebrated this with 400 guests at the ‘Condor Talknight’.

Hotels

Reisetopia Hotels introduces a flat booking fee 

The booking portal Reisetopia Hotels, which specialises in luxury hotels, is introducing a flat-rate booking fee of 99 euros per year for all new customers with immediate effect.

First trade fair specifically for independent luxury hotels 

A new trade fair for independent luxury and boutique hotels in Germany awaits interested trade visitors from the hotel industry for the first time on 20 and 21 November in Munich. The ‘Independent Hotel Show’ format has already established itself in London and Amsterdam and is now set to gain a foothold in Germany.

Hyatt plans to double the number of hotels in Germany 

“We are working on further acquisitions”, says Javier Águila, Hyatt Manager for the EMEA region, in an interview. He wants to double the number of hotels in Germany. The Me And All Hotels brand in particular has great potential. Águila is satisfied with the course of business.

                                          Market Insights

Consumer Restraint Despite Improved Financial Situation, fvw  

Despite an improved financialoutlook, consumer restraint persists in Germany. According to the Simon-Kucher Travel Trends Study 70% of respondents plan to cut back on spending, particularly in restaurants and travel, citing high prices as the main reason. Interestingly, 67% feel their financial situation is “at least good,” reflecting a slight increase in optimism, especially among younger individuals aged 18 to 29, where positive assessments rose by 13 percentage points since January.

Gen Z: How German Travelers Are Redefining the Market 

German Generation Z travelers, born from the mid-90s to early 2010s, are shaping travel trends with a focus on flexibility, digital engagement, and sustainability. Known for taking multiple short trips annually, they prefer affordable European destinations like Spain, Italy, and Greece, but are also drawn to eco-friendly options in Scandinavia. Gen Z’s trip duration is the shortest among generations, averaging 6.5 days, with many opting for car-sharing and budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. Digital influence is strong, with 53% using social media for travel ideas, while TikTok inspires 29% of their travel choices.

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Swiss Tourists are Gaining Global Popularity 

Despite rising travel costs and growing sensitivity to environmental issues, the Swiss populationdemonstrates a high willingness to travel and considerable purchasing power. This financial strength makes Swiss tourists especially attractive for destinations offering luxurious and tailored travel experiences. Data from this year’s Comparis survey, the Allianz Partners study, and other sources provide interesting insights into the travel behaviour of the Swiss and show how tourism providers can benefit from this market.

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DZT Unveils AI Influencer “Emma” to Promote Travel to Germany 

The Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus (DZT) has launched its first AI influencer project, introducing “Emma,” a fully AI-generated ambassador designed to promote travel to Germany. Emma aims to inspire potential travelers by providing 24/7 interaction and personalized travel experiences through her Instagram channel, @EmmaTravelsGermany. Utilizing advanced technology, Emma can communicate in over 20 languages and will soon access real-time data to create tailored itineraries.

Swiss Guests Prioritize Accommodation During Their Holidays 

A recent study by Switzerland Tourism, in partnership with HotellerieSuisse, reveals that guests in Switzerland spend over half of their holiday time enjoying their accommodations. The research highlights that accommodations play a vital role in the travel experience, with 75% of tourists stating that the quality of their lodging is crucial to the overall success of their trip. This finding underscores the importance of hotels in enhancing guest satisfaction and shaping positive travel experiences in Switzerland.

Growing Popularity of Solo Travel and Dining in Germany 

A recent study by Kayak and OpenTable shows a significant rise in solo travel and dining among Germans. Solo travel has grown by 10% over the last five years, and solo dining saw an 18% increase in just the last year. Over 80% of Germans have traveled alone, with 62% doing so multiple times a year.

Rail travel replaces business flights for business trips 

Business travellers prefer the train to the plane. According to the Travel Perk platform, 84 per cent of business travellers now choose the train. They appreciate the higher productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency. Companies support the switch, as travelling by train is often cheaper than flying or staying in a hotel. On average, business trips are being extended to four days because travellers are increasingly combining several appointments.