• Despite the slight travel reductions in 2023/24, reserves increased by six percent, which contributed to a general turnover of more than 83 billion euros, an increase of 20 percent prior to the pandemic.
• The president of DRV, Norbert Febig, anticipates sustained growth in the German travel market. The first reserves are becoming the new trend and demand for vacations and cruises are increasing significantly.

The president of DRV, Norbert FEBIG, in his speech at the ITB Berlin Opening Press Conference, provided information on the evolutionary preferences of German travelers. He stressed that despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, Germans prioritize trips to escape everyday life and obtain new experiences.

Febig said that the travel season of 2023/24 saw a lower decrease in trips. However, this was compensated by a six percent increase in reserves, which led to a turnover exceeding 83 billion euros, marking an increase of 20 percent compared to the pre-pandemics years. The organized travel market, such as packages of packages and travel services offered by tour operators, enjoyed substantial growth, generating almost 40 million euros, an increase of seven percent.

Looking around 2025, Febig was optimistic. The surveys suggest that almost a quarter of the Germans plan to pass more on vacation, with the first emerging reserves such as the new trend. Summer holiday reserves saw a 11 percent increase compared to the previous year, driven by ‘First Birds’.

Febig also highlighted the increase in package vacation demand, with an increase of six percent in travelers who opt for organized trips. Approximately 62 percent of the reserves were made through travel agencies or websites, indicating the lasting attraction of traditional packages. The cruise ship also reported a 18 percent increase in reserves, stimulated by a price decrease.

Spain, Türkiye and Greece remain the preferred destinations for German travelers in 2025. However, countries such as Egypt and Albania are seeing a greater demand due to their competitive prices.

Febig emphasized the importance of sustainability in tourism and requested that international cooperation provide sustainable fuels for air and maritime transport. Despite the world economic challenges, I believed that the German travel market could expect a growth of around six percent in 2025, provided there is a stable policy framework to boost consumer confidence and promote sustainable growth.

Finally, Febig stressed that the trip is more than an economic factor. It represents a symbol of cultural exchange, diversity, hospitality and tolerance. The German travel industry proclaimed, undertakes to maintain these principles and promote global dialogue.