The DACH Tourism Insider – August 2025

TRV 21 high res

Discover the latest travel industry trends, insights, and Kleber Group news.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside:
• The growing power of solo travel — and what it means for brands
• Why Latin America is becoming a luxury travel hotspot worth watching
• The rise of AI in travel planning — and who’s already on board
• How social media is shaping (and skewing) destination choices
• Updates from KLEBER GROUP’s latest clients and global projects

 

KLEBER GROUP INSIGHTS

The New Language of Solo Travel
New market data highlights a major shift: solo travel is booming — particularly among Millennials, Gen Z, and women. It’s less about isolation and more about autonomy, self-discovery, and cultural immersion.

The figures say it all:
▪️ Valued at USD 482.3 billion in 2024, the solo travel market is expected to more than double by 2030
▪️ 84% of solo travellers are women
▪️ Gen Z and Millennials are leading the way, prioritising independence, safety, and cultural authenticity

With the market set to double by 2030, brands such as Expedia and IHG are responding with solo-friendly offerings, from safety features to flexible experiences. The takeaway: solo travel is a growing opportunity that calls for thoughtful design, empathy, and a new narrative focused on freedom and connection.

🔗 Want to understand what this shift means for the industry? Read the full blog here

Latin America’s Luxury Travel Boom – Why You Should Pay Attention
Latin America is fast becoming a global hotspot for ultra-luxury travel — with the market projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2032. From Mexico to Brazil, affluent travellers are seeking more than high-end stays: they want privacy, personalisation, cultural depth, and emotionally rich experiences.

These travellers tend to spend more frequently and rely heavily on trusted travel advisers and word-of-mouth, rather than online bookings — making human connection and cultural understanding essential.

At KLEBER GROUP, our Madrid office serves as a strategic gateway to this audience. With a Spanish-speaking team, deep regional knowledge, and strong access to top-tier media and decision-makers, we help brands build lasting relevance in this high-value segment.

👉 Curious how to reach Latin America’s luxury traveller? Read our latest blog post here.

📚 Interested in more insights shaping the travel industry? Explore all of our Blogposts here

 

MARKET INSIGHTS

Austrians Spend an Average of €2,326 per Year on Holidays
Holidays are the top spending category for Austrians, according to a survey commissioned by the Austrian Banking Association. On average, Austrians spend €2,326 per person annually. Millennials are the most generous at €2,494, while Baby Boomers spend €2,106. Beach holidays are most popular, followed by city breaks and wellness trips. Men spend more than women: €2,505 vs €2,150.
Source: AHGZ Austria / Austrian Banking Association

DACH Region Strongly Supports Business Travel Despite Budget Cuts
A 2025 SAP Concur survey finds business travel still highly valued: 97% of Germans, 88% of Austrians, and 87% of Swiss consider it professionally important. However, cost-cutting is impacting comfort — 87% report fewer perks like business-class flights or bleisure stays.
Source: SAP Concur, Global Business Travel Survey 2025

Social Media Shapes Holiday Planning and Experiences
A recent Bitkom survey shows 64% of users are influenced by social media when choosing destinations or activities. However, 49% have been disappointed when reality didn’t match Instagram expectations. Social media inspiration is particularly strong among 30–49-year-olds (58%) and also significant among over-65s (46%).
Source: Bitkom

Majority of German Travellers Open to AI-Generated Travel Plans
According to Bitkom, 58% of German holidaymakers would consider letting artificial intelligence fully plan and book their trips. Enthusiasm is highest among 16–29-year-olds (66%), but 46% of over-65s are also open to the idea. Currently, 22% use AI for accommodation and destination suggestions, and 11% for city tours.
Source: Bitkom

 

DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

One in Eight Travel Agencies in Germany Has Disappeared
fvw|TravelTalk reports that one in eight German travel agencies has closed within the past year. The primary reasons: rising cost pressures and growing digital competition, particularly affecting smaller operators.
Source: fvw|TravelTalk

Explorer Launches Modular Travel Offering in Switzerland
Explorer — now part of the Schauinsland-Reisen Group — has entered the Swiss market with customisable modular trips, exclusive access to the Trip Builder platform, and expanded flight options from Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.

Check24 Surges Ahead in Germany’s Online Travel Market
With a 32% increase in travel revenue in 2024, Check24 has become Germany’s fastest-growing online travel agency. It generated €5.5 billion from package holidays alone — almost 70% of its travel business — and is now moving into cruise bookings.
Source: fvw|TravelTalk / TDA

 

AIRLINES

Condor Expands Long-Haul Fleet
Condor has confirmed an order for four additional Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, with options for four more, bringing the long-haul fleet to at least 25 aircraft by 2031. CEO Peter Gerber called it a strategic move to strengthen the airline’s intercontinental offering.

Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines in Talks to Acquire Stake in Air Europa
Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines are competing to invest in Air Europa, according to El Economista. Lufthansa is reportedly offering €240 million for a 25% stake, aligning with the valuation set by the airline’s owners, the Hidalgo family. Turkish Airlines is also in advanced talks and has proposed expanding the long-haul fleet with Airbus A330-900s. A decision is expected by September. Air Europa remains 20% owned by IAG.

 

HOTELS

Travel and Hotel Prices in Switzerland Continue to Rise
Package holidays in Switzerland have risen by 30% and hotel stays by 21% over the past five years. Labour and energy costs, along with limited capacity, are the main drivers. Despite a recent drop in airfares, overall travel costs are still climbing.
Source: Comparis / ETH Zurich (KOF)

 

KLEBER GROUP NEWS

Strengthening Angola’s Presence in International Source Markets

In July, KLEBER GROUP played a key role in raising Angola’s tourism profile through two major initiatives:

At the UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference in Luanda
In July, as the official representative of the Angolan Ministry of Tourism, we took part in the UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference in Luanda. The event focused on air connectivity as a driver for sustainable tourism growth and economic development across Africa. Working with international stakeholders, our team contributed to strategies aimed at positioning Luanda as a central hub for regional travel.

First German Press Trip to Angola

At the same time, we hosted the first-ever German media press trip to Angola, in partnership with DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen. From visiting Kuvale communities to standing before the Kalandula Falls, journalists experienced Angola’s cultural depth and natural beauty firsthand — capturing stories that will help shape the country’s emerging image as one of Africa’s most authentic and undiscovered destinations.

👉 Could Angola be Africa’s next major tourism destination?
📲 Follow Angola Tourism Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest.

KLEBER GROUP expands client portofolio:

👉Setouchi DMO, Japan
As the new PR partner for Japan’s captivating Setouchi region in the German-speaking market, we’re showcasing its stunning blend of nature, heritage, and slow travel — a peaceful alternative to Japan’s bustling cities.

💡Fun fact: Stretching across seven prefectures, Setouchi boasts over 700 islands and one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes.

👉Sri Panwa, Thailand
We now manage media relations for Sri Panwa, a luxury Phuket resort famed for its oceanfront villas and renowned Baba dining overlooking the Andaman Sea.

💡Fun fact: Sri Panwa is ranked among Thailand’s top five resorts and hailed as one of the world’s most seductive hotels.

We’re proud to share the stories of these extraordinary places — and we look forward to building lasting impact together.

 

Stay Connected with Kleber Group!

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