Despite substantial declines in bookings following the onset of the Iran war, the German travel industry reported a surprisingly successful summer season. According to Albin Loidl, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), the entire market, including individual trips, grew by one percent this season to reach 57 billion euros.
Loidl noted a strong increase in late-minute bookings, causing the revenue for package holidays to rise by four percent until the end of July compared to the same period last year. However, long-distance travel was significantly weaker; DRV figures show that sales in this segment plunged by 14 percent.
Regarding the effect of rising prices, Dr. Loidl observed that instead of travelers cancelling their vacations, Germans have become more mindful of their spending while actually on holiday. He stated that tourists are questioning whether they truly need a second glass of wine or are opting to book fewer activities, indicating that the cost-cutting is happening at the destination rather than canceling the trip itself.
