Travel Sector News
Distribution Networks
Dertour Reports “Record-Level Bookings”
According to Mark Tantz, Managing Director for Germany at Dertour Group, the tour operators are currently seeing a 21% increase in bookings for the summer season of 2025. For the winter season, customer numbers are even 39% higher compared to the previous year. In response to this surge in demand, the company is expanding its offerings.
We-Flytour Cancels All Booked Trips
The insolvent tour operator We-Flytour has now canceled trips with departures after January 1st. Customers and travel agencies have already been informed of the decision, according to the preliminary insolvency administrator, Heike Metzger.
TUI Sees Significant Improvement in Corporate Results
TUI reported a strong performance for the past fiscal year, with 20.3 million guests (+7%) and a revenue of 23.2 billion euros (+12%). The company achieved an adjusted operating profit of 1.3 billion euros (+33%). The overall corporate result improved by 66%, reaching 507 million euros.
Trendtours Expands with Small Groups for Greater Growth
Trendtours, a specialist in group travel, is continuing its expansion and focusing more on the travel agency market. The company is now introducing small group tours with a maximum of six participants. This move puts Trendtours in competition with specialists like SKR Reisen and Chamäleon, who typically offer groups of up to twelve guests, significantly reducing the group size for a more personalized experience.
Check24 Launches Cruise Sales
The announced entry of the comparison portal Check24 into the cruise sales market has officially begun. Nearly all major shipping lines are on board, covering both ocean and river cruises.
OTA Oojo Expands to Germany
The Trevolution Group, which operates brands such as Asaptickets, Skyluxtravel, Dreamport, Vagamo, and Oojo, is now launching its online flight platform Oojo in Germany. Previously active mainly in the USA, Canada, and the UK, Oojo aims to collaborate with the metasearch engine Kayak as part of its expansion into the German market.
Airlines
Passenger Growth at Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport anticipates an 8% increase in passenger numbers for 2025, continuing its recovery from prior years. Despite announced route reductions by airlines such as Ryanair, the airport leadership remains optimistic about maintaining a robust range of destinations and flight options in the upcoming year.
Low-Cost Flights in Germany Decline
According to the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the European low-cost flight market has grown by 2% since 2019. The German market, however, lags behind pre-COVID levels, attributed to increased taxes, higher fees, and reduced domestic flight options.
High Cancellation Rates for German Airlines and Airports
The 2024 flight year exposed significant weaknesses in European air travel, with Germany identified as a key problem area. According to the passenger rights portal Flightright, German airlines and airports were responsible for a considerable number of flight cancellations and delays, underscoring ongoing operational challenges.
Air Astana to offer more flights to Frankfurt
Air Astana, the largest airline in Central Asia and the Caucasus, is expanding its flight offering from Germany to Kazakhstan from summer 2025. A further connection will be added to the flight schedule.
Hotels
Lindner Files for Insolvency under Self-Administration
The Düsseldorf-based hotel group Lindner, facing financial difficulties, has filed for insolvency under self-administration. The company aims to restructure itself through this process to achieve long-term stability. Despite these financial challenges, the hotel and business operations are expected to continue without disruption.
Second Candlewood Suites Planned for Hamburg
Novum Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts are collaborating on a second Candlewood Suites in Hamburg. The Candlewood Suites Hamburg North, set to open in 2027 in the Barmbek district, will feature 175 apartments designed for extended-stay guests.
Me and All Hotels Opens Its First Property in Switzerland
The brand Me and All Hotels, operated by the Lindner Hotel Group, will open its first hotel outside of Germany in Flims, Switzerland. Located in the Graubünden canton, the Me and All Hotel Flims marks the first new opening of the brand since its sale to the Hyatt Hotel Group.
Market Insights
Germans Plan Increased Travel Spending in 2025
A survey conducted by Alix-Partners shows that Germans plan to spend more on travel in 2025 despite rising prices in the sector. To afford these trips, many are scaling back on non-essential expenditures such as dining out (54%) and entertainment (37%). The survey reflects strong demand, with 25% of respondents intending to increase their travel budgets.
Swiss Ski Holidays See Rising Costs
The cost of a week-long ski vacation in Switzerland during early March 2025 will rise by 6% compared to the previous year. While families may find rates reduced by 4%, couples face an average increase of 13%.
Relaxation Leads Travel Priorities
A YouGov study commissioned by Weg.de reveals that relaxation remains the top priority for German travelers in 2025. Popular choices include amenities like pools, spas, and 24-hour room service, with many seeking a laid-back vacation experience. Hilton’s research highlights a trend among Gen Z travelers preferring “lazy holidays,” characterized by minimal activity and maximum comfort.
Trend: “Lying in Bed or Lounging Around”
Sleeping has become the new “inactive activity.” According to a global survey by Hilton involving 13,000 travelers, one in four individuals aged 18 to 34 want to do nothing more on their vacation than “Hurkle-Durkling” – or simply “lying in bed or lounging around.” While the idea of going on vacation to do nothing might seem puzzling, it seems that for many, a fulfilling holiday only requires a bed, a pool, spa, wellness facilities, good food, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Travel Agencies Surpass Influencers in Travel Inspiration
According to a recent YouGov survey, the most important sources of travel inspiration for German travelers are personal recommendations from friends and family (33%), followed by travel agencies (21%) and traditional media such as travel magazines (17%). Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube play a smaller role, with only 8% citing them as a key influence. Half of the respondents believe that influencers often showcase unrealistic and expensive trips and lack cost transparency.
DRV Forecasts Optimistic Outlook for 2025 Travel Industry
According to the latest market forecast by the German Travel Association (DRV), developed with the consultancy Dr. Fried & Partner and Travel Data + Analytics, Germany’s travel industry anticipates a 6% revenue growth in 2025. Expenditures on pre-booked travel services are expected to reach €85 billion, with package and modular tours contributing about half of this total. Despite economic challenges, early booking trends indicate strong travel demand.
Winter 2024/25: Sun Destinations Drive Growth
For the winter season, expenditures are forecasted to grow by 6% to €27 billion, even as traveler numbers dip slightly to 45 million. Popular destinations include the Canary Islands, Turkey, and Egypt, with strong interest in air travel, long-haul trips, and cruises.
Summer 2025: High Demand for Mediterranean and Cruises
Revenue for summer 2025 is projected to grow by 5% to €58 billion, driven by early bookings for Mediterranean destinations, cruises, and long-haul trips. Around 94 million travelers are expected, maintaining last year’s levels.
Trends for 2025
Travel Trends for 2025 (TUI)
- Social Media-Inspired Adventures
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to shape how and where we travel. Trendy destinations and viral hotspots are driving younger generations to seek photogenic and shareable experiences.
- Backyard Tourism
The desire to explore without venturing far is growing. Travelers are rediscovering the beauty of their own countries, with Germany being a prime example of this trend.
- Multi-Generational Vacations
Quality time with extended family, especially grandparents, is gaining popularity.
- Solo Travel for Independence Seekers
More individuals are embracing the freedom of solo travel to discover themselves and the world on their terms.
- Horoscope-Inspired Destinations
Travel influenced by astrology is a quirky new trend. People are aligning their vacation plans with their star signs.
- Bleisure Travel
As remote work grows, more professionals are extending business trips into short vacations.
Hotel Trends for 2025: What You Need to Know (Betterspace)
- Smart Rooms: Intelligent Room Control: 45% of German travelers prioritize temperature control as a top feature in hotel rooms. Smart rooms will continue to rise in popularity, offering customized, tech-driven experiences.
- AI-Powered Vacation Planning: 78% of travelers worldwide are interested in using AI during their trips. AI tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or dedicated vacation-planning apps will become commonplace for organizing holidays. In fact, 26% of travelers already use AI for their travel planning.
- Simplified Check-In Process: The elimination of the special registration requirement for German citizens starting January 1, 2025, will streamline the check-in process. This opens the door to digital check-ins via apps, terminals, or tablets at reception.
- Mandatory E-Invoicing: Beginning January 1, 2025, electronic invoicing (E-Invoicing) will be mandatory in Germany for B2B transactions. Hotels will need to adapt to this new system, with large businesses fully transitioning by 2027, while smaller hotels have until the end of 2027.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Hotels: As hotels increasingly digitalize, the risk of cyberattacks grows. Hotels must enhance their cybersecurity measures to protect guest data, especially in the face of rising ransomware and phishing attacks.
- TikTok for Hotels: Hotels are tapping into the power of TikTok, with 35% of German TikTok users between 18 and 29 years old.
- Changing Guest Expectations and Travel Behavior: Personalization and flexibility will be key in 2025, with travelers preferring spontaneous and last-minute bookings. Guests are becoming more cost-conscious, pushing hotels to offer more adaptable pricing and booking options.
- Traveling for Events: 65% of travelers worldwide are now more likely to travel for an event than they were a year ago.
- Combining Business and Leisure Travel: Millennials are increasingly blending work and leisure during trips, with 50% planning to work on their travels in 2025, reflecting a shift towards leisure-focused trips.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Approximately 46% of travelers worldwide are looking for pet-friendly amenities in hotels, reflecting the growing demand for accommodations that cater to furry companions.
- Plant-Based Dining: Expect more plant-based menu options in hotels, catering to growing demand for sustainable and vegan-friendly diets.
- Sustainable Alternatives for Hotels and Guests: Hotels will continue to adopt sustainable alternatives, from eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient operations. Green initiatives will become a key priority for travelers and the hotel industry alike.
- From Trash to Treasure: Circular Economy and Upcycling: More hotels are embracing upcycling and circular economy practices, turning waste materials into valuable resources.
