The German Travel Association (DRV) predicts a bright outlook for the travel sector in 2025, revealing top destinations for German travelers in 2025 as their spending is expected to reach an impressive €85 billion, a 6% increase from last year.
This optimism is fueled by Germans’ unwavering enthusiasm for travel, early bookings, and growing demand for all-inclusive packages.
All-inclusive travel has seen a significant surge, with sales up by 10% compared to summer 2023. While organized travel numbers are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, sales figures tell a different story, showing robust growth in popular destinations. Eastern Mediterranean countries, including Turkey and Greece, saw an 11% rise in sales, while Western medium-haul spots like Spain and long-haul destinations each grew by 8%. Cruises emerged as the standout segment, boasting a 14% increase during the summer.
German travelers clearly preferred early bookings, with many securing their summer vacations as early as fall 2023. However, last-minute bookings also bolstered summer travel figures, particularly during peak months.
October, which remains part of the summer season in the travel industry, witnessed 18% growth in package tour sales. Families, in particular, extended their summer by flocking to sunny destinations like the Turkish Riviera, which emerged as the most popular spot for the season. Other top destinations for October included Antalya, Mallorca, Hurghada, Crete, and Fuerteventura.
This trend aligns with Germans’ preference for combining affordability with sunny escapes, especially in shoulder seasons when crowds thin out, and prices are more attractive.
Looking ahead to the winter season, the trend of early bookings continues. German holidaymakers are showing a strong inclination toward classic winter destinations, such as the Canary Islands and Egypt, both of which promise warm weather and relaxed getaways. DRV’s data indicates that these hotspots are set to dominate the travel landscape as Germans seek refuge from the cold winter months.
As the year draws to a close, the travel sector reflects on a year of strong recovery and growth. With an 8% rise in visitor numbers and a 12% year-on-year increase in sales, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for travel. The data reinforces the resilience and adaptability of the German travel market, as well as its ability to embrace new trends while remaining anchored in popular destinations.
The steady growth in travel spending, coupled with Germans’ enthusiasm for both early and last-minute bookings, paints a promising picture for the industry’s future. Whether it’s a sunny escape to the Mediterranean, a luxurious cruise, or a winter retreat in Egypt, German travelers are ensuring that their wanderlust continues to fuel the global tourism economy.
