Unprecedented change: Challenges in this vacation spot - accommodations respond
Shift Towards Domestic Vacations Expected for Germans in 2025
By: Stephanie Eva Fritzsche
Germans are predicted to take an increasing number of holidays domestically, according to the German Hotel Association (IHA). This trend is said to be a response to rising temperatures in Europe and a preference for avoiding air travel.
IHA CEO Tobias Warnecke told our editorial team that the pandemic forced many Germans to rediscover their homeland and that this had led to a significant increase in bookings at German coasts and in the mountains. He expects this trend to continue, with an anticipated shift from Mediterranean countries to coastal regions in Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland.
The Mediterranean is becoming increasingly unattractive for many due to the scorching summer temperatures that have reached 40-45 degrees. Instead, German tourists are expected to choose coastal regions in their own countries, offering a more comfortable climate during the hotter months.
Cost savings, short travel times, and lower carbon emissions are also driving factors for those opting for domestic holidays. Warnecke highlighted that staying on the ground, especially by train, has become a popular choice for many travelers, besides the cost savings.
More than 75% of guests in German hotels are local, with only about 24% coming from abroad. The tourism industry is optimistic about the summer season, despite the forecasted zero growth in the German economy, as Germans' desire for vacation remains undiminished.
Nearly 40% of Germans have already booked their summer vacation, though many are still undecided. According to Warnecke, now is the perfect time for travelers to take advantage of last-minute offers on package tours.
The widespread demonstrations against mass tourism in popular destinations, such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, could also influence Germans' vacation choices. Moreover, there are concerns about waste on beaches in another Mediterranean country.
When it comes to family holidays, children's meals in restaurants can become costly, with hidden charges adding significantly to the bill. Meteorologist Dominik Jung notes that this is a common tactic employed by some establishments.
IHA recommends that families with school-age children book their summer vacation well in advance, ideally in the fall, to secure cheaper prices and a wider selection. Those who wish to book late can still find bargains but may need to be flexible with their destination or hotel choices.
Germany's most popular vacation regions for the summer remain the North and Baltic Seas, Bavaria, Lake Constance, and the Black Forest, according to Warnecke. The midlands are gaining popularity as attractive vacation destinations, with last-minute bookers advised to avoid hotspots and compare prices across various booking platforms.
The Enrichment Data suggests that in addition to the trend towards domestic travel, there is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and culturally rich experiences within Europe. As Germany takes a leadership role in ecotourism and has a well-established infrastructure for sustainable travel, it is poised to benefit from these evolving traveler preferences. Green-conscious travelers seeking deeper connections and value in their trips amid economic uncertainties are expected to find Germany an attractive destination in 2025.
- As a result of the predicted rise in domestic holidays among Germans, there might be a shift in focus from Mediterranean countries to home-and-garden destinations such as coastal regions in Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, offering a more comfortable climate and lower carbon emissions.
- The trend towards domestic travel in 2025, driven by factors like cost savings, shorter travel times, and a preference for avoiding air travel, is also expected to align with an growing emphasis on eco-friendly and culturally rich experiences, positioning Germany as an attractive and sustainable destination for lifestyle-focused travelers seeking deeper connections and value.
