Excerpts from issue No. 12, Vol. 13, December 2009
Customers in the east German states are determined to go on a vacation no matter how bad the economy is. 74% plan holidays independent of further strains. Only 10% are heavily pessimistic about their future vacation. These are results of a study undertaken by Leipziger Institut für empirische Forschung LEIF. 40% of customers in east Germany took a vacation abroad in 2009, minus 4 percentage points compared to the year before. 158,000 went on a cruise, plus 53%.
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Lufthansa is the number one choice for domestic flights only for 39% of all corporate customers, compared to 49% last year, the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef-Bonn found out. For 37% of all corporate customers, Air Berlin was number one (2008: 27%). In the market for international flights, Lufthansa’s preference ranking in the business travel sector jumped from 47% in 2008 to 60% this year. Sixt was named the most popular car rental company for corporates (34%), followed by Europcar (21%) and Avis (12%). In the hotel segment, “no names” constitute the largest group with 35% share. 29% of all customers could not remember the brand of the hotel they last stayed in on a business trip.
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Hotels in Germany suffer heavily in the crisis, German Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga says. 44.5% of all hotels and restaurants report a sales decline between April and September 2009 (same period last year: 26.6%). Only 31,9% could increase their sales (same period last year: 42.4%). 40.2% experienced a drop in occupancy rates, many others were forced to lower room rates – this especially in metropolitan areas. 49.3% of hoteliers expect further sales decreases (2008: 38.4%).
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68% of German hotel guests are annoyed by hotel parking fees, 50% by Internet fees, 38% by the price for mineral water offered in the room, 33% by the charges for fitness and wellness facilities, and 29% by the charges for breakfast. This is a result of a survey carried out by eResult commissioned by HRS.

Excerpts from issue No. 11, Vol. 13, November 2009
When Germans plan their holidays, they first decide upon the destination or a type of accommodation. Much less common is the choice of vacation type or scenery as a prime decision factor, “Reiseanalyse“ found out in a survey. Having come up with a short list, the next main consideration is value-for-money, followed by the attractiveness of the natural surrounding, good weather and hospitable population.
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71% of German consumers plan a substantial vacation next year, German automobile club ADAC reports. But 46% are resolved to save on extra expenses (plus 4.3%). Almost 60% intend to make some sort of holiday until the end of 2009. In general, there is a trend to longer holidays instead of multiple departures. This is confirmed by findings of the Europäisches Tourismus Institut (ETI).
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Of all vacation booked in advance, the travel agency portion dropped from 44% in 2005 to 40% this year, researcher “Reiseanalyse” reports. For the year 2020 a share of 30-35% is projected. Direct bookings are said to increase especially for accommodation, followed by carrier. Also Internet portals and tour operators are expected to profit from direct customer reservations. Researcher Europäisches Tourismus Institut (ETI) claims that only 20% of summer vacation bookings 2009 were made with the help of stationary travel agents.
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More than 80% of German companies are affected by the economic crisis, a survey of VDR The German Business Travel Association found out. 44% report a more stringent cost awareness. 21% have cancelled all non-essential trips.

Excerpts from issue No. 10, Vol. 13, October 2009
72% of German consumers predict a further growth of online bookings for travel until the year 2019. This opinion is especially strong in the groups of those 14 to 29 years old and of those with a better education. Only 28% predict that until then the traditional package tour is still around. Those are some results of the study “Reisetrends 2019“ of Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK) commissioned by Expedia.de. 64% each think that personal online assistants and virtual miniature showcases will help making holiday decisions. Those up to 49 years predict a growing relevance of interactive communication and networking for booking decisions such as live chats or social networks. 89% expect to receive input from friends and third-party ratings for their holiday bookings.
The aspect of medical care is seen not only by the now elderly as an important part of future vacation, but also by 82% of those now 14 to 29 years old. For 97% the own well-being and for 95% being pampered are paramount motives for going on a holiday. 93% of those up to 29 years are adventure-hungry. To gain self-awareness is important for 88% each of those up to 29 years and those between 50 and 59 years.
The most attractive types of accommodation will be small, family-run hotels (53%) and resorts and clubs (51%). Only 10% believe that mega-resorts will have a future. 64% believe in all-inclusive products for the next ten years.
Germany will remain the most attractive destination for holidays for the majority of Germans and especially those with a higher education. South Europe ranks number two in the destination selection, being most popular with male consumers. For long-haul travel, 37% are attracted by Asia and Australia. 19% of those between 14 and 29 years dream of a visit in the Antarctica or on still undiscovered islands in the Pacific.
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The number of business travelers in Germany has not changed this year in comparison to last year, the study “Geschäftsreisende 2009 – Strukturen, Einstellungen, Verhalten“ of infas, Bonn commissioned by Internationale Fachhochschule Bad Honnef-Bonn found out. In both years 5 million men and women (one eighth of the labor force) went on a business trip at least once a year. But the number of business trips dropped from 120 million to 105 million. While the average spending per business traveler and trip for air tickets and rental cars dropped by around 10% each, the budget for rail tickets remained unchanged and that for accommodation increased slightly. 

Excerpts from issue No. 9, Vol. 13, September 2009
30.8 million customers in Germany use the Internet for their holiday planning, trade association Verband Internet Reisevertrieb (VIR) found out in a survey. About 7 million read information in online travel communities. 5 million intend to follow future online advice of the virtual travel experts. Most important reason for the acceptance of online travel communities is the authenticity of entries, followed by a broad variety of opinions. In the age group 45 to 55 years more than every second online user finds it very important that the contributor has actually been at the location of his or her comment. The majority (over 60%) of the 16 to 24 years old does not put too much emphasis on such qualification. Women seem to be more critical about online comments than men. Online travel communities are used mostly by members of lower income categories, VIR says. They are more influenced by them than users with medium or upper incomes.
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Almost half of the Germans 14 years and older intend to go on a hiking holiday within the next years, Trendscope found out. The researcher will explore this desire more closely now.
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66% of Germans on vacation busy themselves half a day of a one-week holiday with their job, hotels.com found out in an online survey. 25% of that group check their office emails several times a day, 20% do so once a day. The reason to hold up contact is mostly (57%) to stay tuned to developments in the office and not miss important events. 28% hope to ease the work load when returning. 7% name loyalty with those in the office as their motive, and 3% hope to secure their job by showing their interest also during vacation.

Excerpts from issue No. 8, Vol. 13, August 2009
While the last-minute segment in Germany accounted for approximately 23% of all bookings in last year’s summer season, its share of business will be considerably higher this year. In June 2009, according to GfK Tourism Panel, almost 40% of booking sales in stationary travel agencies were for trips in June or July. This corresponds to sales growth of almost 9%, or 22.7 million Euro, compared with the same month in the previous year. The number of vacationers booking at the last minute, that is, up to one month before departure, is on the increase. In May and June 2009, the percentage of last-minute bookings in travel agencies stood at 36.3% and 37% respectively, which represents an increase on the same months in the previous year (May: plus 2.1 percentage points; June: plus 1.7 percentage points). Taking into account holidaymakers who booked up to two months before departure, almost two thirds of all bookings in June were for last-minute trips (plus 3.4 percentage points). However, the overall level of bookings for the current summer season remains below that of the previous year; even the increasing number of late bookings has not fully compensated for this.
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Last-minute travel was selected in 2008 by 31.1 million Germans, resulting in 43.1 million trips, Ulysses - Web-Tourismus found out in a study looking at the whole retail market. This year, over 40 million Germans consider last-minute bookings, possibly inducing more than 50 million trips. The last-minute travel segment in 2008 amounted to almost 24 billion Euro, that is 554 Euro per trip per person. The projection for 2009 is a total of 32 billion Euro. Online travel agencies are claimed to profit most from the trend, often developing from an agent-only status to operator.
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In 2008 there were 8.5 million business travellers in Germany (2004: 7.4 million). Their 163.1 million business trips led to spending in the amount of 46.6 billion Euro (minus 2.1% compared to 2007) – translated into135 Euro per business traveller per day (minus 4.3%). These are some results of the “VDR Business Travel Report Germany 2009”. Intelligent travel avoidance is increasingly part of the standard repertoire of mobility management. Two out of three businesses make use of video, web and/or teleconferences as an alternative to business trips. Virtual meetings also top the priority list when it comes to demonstrating corporate social responsibility in business travel. There’s no question that telecommunications have become a major rival to travel. And with the trend pointing toward the mobile office, things are likely to stay that way, VDR – The German Business Travel Association says.

Excerpts from issue No. 7, Vol. 13, July 2009
Summer bookings in German travel agencies are still down on last year. According to the monthly survey of 1,200 agencies by Gfk, bookings for departures between May and October are 5.4% lower than last year. June and July are only 1.8% down due to good late sales but August is down by 8.6%, publication fvw reports. The monthly survey by the TATS service organisation showed an 8.4% drop in holiday sales in April and an overall 12.6% decline due to a 17% slump in airline ticket sales. In May, holiday sales remained weak with an 8.5% drop, leaving January-May holiday sales, based on booked revenues, with a decline of 8.2%. Flight ticket sales plummeted by 25.5% in May, leaving them down by 18.3% over the first five months of the year. Overall agency sales dropped 13.3% between January and May. Advance bookings through to the end of October are more positive, however, with a 5.8% increase in volumes but a 3.9% decline in revenues.
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Over 12 million German consumers 14 years and older will book their summer holidays online this year, according to Bitkom and Forsa. About 7.2 million have already done so and a further 5 million plan to book online in the next few weeks. The largest online booking grouping are 30-44 year-olds where every fourth person (24%) booked a package holiday, flight tickets or accommodation online.
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Accumulated revenues of the leading 33 German online travel agencies went up by nearly 1 billion Euro to just under 4.3 billion Euro in 2008, according to estimates of fvw. None of the online travel agencies disclosed official figures to the Hamburg-based trade publication, though. Among the leading pure online agencies, Expedia is the largest, fvw concludes from their research, with estimated revenues in Germany of 510 million Euro last year (2007: 440 million Euro). Opodo increased revenues to 370 million Euro from 305 million Euro while the Unister group grew to 330 million Euro (2007: 210 million Euro). German Rail generates the highest online revenues with about 1 billion Euro in online sales, up from 757 million Euro the year before. However, the combination of low profit margins, minimal customer loyalty and the economic crisis is starting to impact on the tourism portals, and some are up for sale, indicating the start of a market consolidation, fvw comments.

Excerpts from issue No. 6, Vol. 13, June 2009
Germany, Italy and Austria are the most popular destinations for families with children, according to “ADAC-Reisemonitor 2009”, followed by Spain and France. Rank 5 to 10 are filled by Croatia and Slovenia, Benelux, Scandinavia, Greece and Turkey. More than 75% of familes take their vacation during the summer, but spring and fall increase their share lately. Most favoured accommodation is a holiday apartment or home (44%). Camping is chosen by over 7%. More than 50% of families take a 2-week vacation. 70% go on a self-organized trip by car.
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Online sales in Germany for travel products amounted to 18.02 billion Euro last year (total tourism sales: 47.98 billion Euro), according to researcher Ulysses Web-Tourismus in Munich. The online sector thus grew by 21% compared to 2007. Tourism had a share of about 25% of all e-commerce. 97% of all travel suppliers offer online sales. Transport services still lead the ranking of travel products in the Internet but loose market share: over 60% in 2008, over 65% in 2005, over 70% in 2002 and over 90% in 2000. Low cost carrier achieved over 80% of their sales through the Internet, scheduled airlines 40%. The accommodation sector had a share of 17% online sales. Tour operators registered an increase of 30% in online sales. For the running year cheap flights, wellness trips and city breaks are predicted to sell well.
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The average occupancy rate of hotels in Germany decreased from 64.0% in 2007 to 63.1% last year (minus 1.5%), according to Hotelverband Deutschland (IHA). The average room rate, however, climbed by 5.1% to 86 Euro, and RevPAR increased by 3.6% to 54 Euro. The accommodation sector in Germany reports net sales of 16.6 billion Euro last year (2007: 16.5 billion Euro). Considering inflation, that is a drop of 2.4%. The hospitality industry counted 218.2 million roomnights, plus 1.7%. Overnights of foreign guests grew by 1.8%, those of domestic customers by 1.7%. The supply of hotel beds grew by 2.2%. At present, 450 hotels with 73,566 guest rooms are being refurbished, extended or newly build, most of them in the 4- to 5-star segment. The average investment per hotel comes to 21.6 million Euro (previous year: 19.8 million Euro). The share of branded hotels remains low: 9.9% of all addresses (2007: 9.8%), 34.9% of all guest rooms (2007: 35.2%) and 50.6% of all sales (2007: 50.1%). RevPAR of hotels in Germany will drop by 5% this year, Hotelverband Deutschland predicts.

Excerpts from issue No. 5, Vol. 13, May 2009
Employed adults in Germany on average receive about 27 vacation days per year,  compared to 27 days in 2008, 26 days in 2007, and 27 days in 2006. This is one of the results of the study “2009 International Vacation Deprivation”, published by Expedia.com and Harris Interactive. Employed adults in Germany on average leave 2 vacation days per year on the table, compared to 2 days in 2008 and 1 day in 2007 and 2006. 24% of employed adults in Germany usually don’t take all of their vacation (19% in 2008; 17% in 2007; 21% in 2006).
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The prices for private individual flights in Germany went up by an average of 10.3% in 2008 compared to 2007, according to the Federal Statistical Office. This was mostly due to fuel surcharges. While Economy Class tickets were 10.9% more costly, the increase of Business Class tickets amounted to only 5.8%. Prices for domestic tickets grew by 11.2% (Business Class plus 6.5%, Economy Class plus 12.5%), for tickets to European destinations by 14.3% (Business Class plus 4.9%, Economy Class plus 14.9%), and for long-haul tickets by 6.9% (Business Class plus 5.8%, Economy Class plus 7.2%).
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German tourists have a keen interest in cultural sightseeing. This belief is confirmed by a study carried out by University of Paderborn and the Europäisches Tourismus Institut commissioned by tour operator Gebeco. 63.6% of those surveyed reported an interest in the cultural choices at their last holiday destination. This interest ranks number 2 after the desire for relaxation, but in front of the motives to be active or to improve their health. More than half visit a church or a cloister during their holidays. 48.2% visit museums and/or exhibitions, 42.3% look at palaces and castles.

Excerpts from issue No. 4, Vol. 13, April 2009
53.1% of Germans will probably choose a domestic holiday destination this year, a survey of LINK Institut für Markt- und Sozialforschung commissioned by trade publication „Horizont“ found out. The overwhelming reason is interest in the home country. Only 1.9% give the uncertain economic situation as the motive for their decision.
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65% of Germans plan at least one holiday trip of two to three weeks duration this year, a survey of TNS Infratest commissioned by Expedia.de says. Those between 30 and 49 years seem to be especially travel-hungry. 86% target a European destination. „Dream destinations“ are the USA, Australia – and Germany. Beach holidays loose attractiveness especially among those between 20 and 39 years of age: only 29% (formerly 43%) strive for that type of vacation.
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American Express, BCD Travel, FCM Travel Solutions, HRG, TUI and Lufthansa are among those travel suppliers in Germany who have introduced reduced working hours for their staff.
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49.4% of Germans 14 years and older took a holiday trip of at least five days last year, according to “Reiseanalyse (RA) 2009” of N.I.T. Institut für Tourismus und Bäderforschung commissioned by F.U.R. The number of traveling Germans increased by almost 1 million to 64.9 million. The number of trips reached 64 million. German destinations and Mediterranean countries had a share of 30% each. Market shares of the top destinations: Spain 12.9%, Italy 7.2%, Turkey 7.0%, Austria 6.2%, France 2.8%, Greece 2.7%, Croatia 2.2%, Poland 2.0%. All long-haul destinations combined have a share of 6.2%.

Excerpts from issue No. 3, Vol. 13, March 2009
Germans will continue to go on holiday, researcher BAT Stiftung für Zukunftsfragen predicts, but trips will be shorter than before (2008: 12.2 days, 1980: 18.2 days), vacation budgets will shrink (2008: 960 Euro per person), and close-by destinations will become more popular. 38% chose a domestic region for their 2008 holiday (2005: 32%, 2006: 34%, 2007: 36%). Looking only at families with children, the share of the German market was 46% last year. The average cost for a domestic vacation came to 656 Euro.
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57% of Germans plan a summer vacation this year, 40% do not. This is the result of a poll taken by Forsa-Institut, commissioned by publication „stern“. Of those who plan a vacation, three out of four intend to spend at least the same amount as 2008.
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The financial crisis worries 72% of Germans, and 16% are affected directly, a study of Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen (F.U.R) commissioned by CMT Stuttgart found out. 13% say, the situation will influence their holiday planning for this year. Three quarters of Germans have thought about holiday plans in 2009. 28% see themselves in a situation to actually travel – they have the time, money and motivation to do so. 76% expect a further deterioration of the economic conditions in Germany. While 36% fear that their own economic circumstances will have worsened in a year, 42% expect no changes and 22% forsee even an improvement of their individual state of affairs.

Excerpts from issue No. 2, Vol. 13, February 2009
Demand for holiday products in 2009 might come out to be fairly stable, Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen e.V. (F.U.R) commissioned by CMT Stuttgart says. As their research shows, 21% of Germans plan less travels than last year, but 22% plan more. And while 25% want to spend less for holidays this year, another 25% is ready to spend more. Of those declaring to save, 40% consider to travel less, 31% might not travel at all, 35% look for cheaper accommodations or destinations and 37% hunt for bargains. The most popular destinations will probably be Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Austria, all of which together will capture about two thirds of the business. Increasing interest is shown in Norway, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Southeast Asia.
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German consumers will spend 60.5 billion Euro for holidays this year, Dresdner Bank predicts, minus 1% compared to 2008. A possible scenario is seen in an increase of late bookings, a cut-down of additional trips and less spending for extras during vacation. About half of all consumers expect a decline of available income compared to last year.
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Holiday spending per segment was the object of research of Ulysses Management. On average in 2007, every German holiday maker had spent 810 Euro per trip domestically or abroad, minus 27 Euro compared to 2006. On average 263.30 Euro (minus 21 Euro, share: 32.5%) went for accommodation and food, 194.40 Euro for transport (minus 3 Euro, share: 24.0%). The average expenditure for additional food and drinks was 78.60 Euro (9.7%), for local mobility 44.60 Euro (5.5%) and for shopping and entertainment 29.20 Euro (3.6%). According to Ulysses, 10.50 Euro of the total average (1.3%) went for profit of tour operators and almost the same for profit of hoteliers (1.2%). Travel agents took 20.20 Euro (2.5%) profit, transport suppliers 4 Euro (0.5%).
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Germany’s share as a holiday destination for Germans will go up to 40%, Stiftung für Zukunftsfragen predicts. While the worldwide figure for average daily holiday costs is calculated as 81 Euro, the German figure only comes to 73 Euro. As expensive destinations are named e.g. Italy (82 Euro), the UK (85 Euro), Greece (107 Euro), the Caribbean (135 Euro) and USA/Canada (164 Euro). 
 
Excerpts from issue No. 1, Vol. 13, January 2009
Destinations in Europe will increase in popularity for holiday makers this year, ITB World Travel Trends Report says, but trips will be shorter than in the past. The uncertainties in the economic environment such as in the financial, currency and commodity markets make predictions unusually hard. The report, published by ITB Berlin and researcher IPK International, is based on the opinions of 60 international experts and findings of the World Travel Monitor. Two trends are seen as possible: growth in luxury markets and an increase in last-minute bookings for discounted products. Long-haul travel might suffer and the demand for city breaks in connection with low cost airlines may level out.
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Busses and trains are used for 19% of all overnight travel in Germany, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Car trips make up 64% of the total travel volume, flights account for 17%. Of all domestic leisure trips, more than 75% are done by car. Looking at all international leisure trips starting in Germany, the share of the airplane is 41%, that of the car 45% and that of the bus 9%. About 20% of all overnight travel in Germany is a business trip. For domestic overnight trips, the car has a share of 68%, the airplane of about 10%. In the international business travel market, airplanes are used for 63% of all trips.
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The airline industry does not experience a crisis but merely a cycle. This is the opinion of two thirds of top managers from over 80 airlines and airports from more than 20 countries organized in the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG). Growth in middle- and long-term perspectives is given as 5 to 6% annually. As a recent study further revealed, more than half of the members do not believe in solid price hikes to ensure profitability. Over 60% think that rising fuel prices cannot be passed on fully to consumers. 75% see consolidation as the solution for network carriers as well as low cost carriers. About 70% project less orders for new aircraft and order cancellations in 2009; over 80% believe that new aircraft will be used to replace older airplanes rather than to expand fleet capacities. Within the network airlines, more than 80% of the managers expect to activate efficiency reserves in ground handling. 85% see better procurement as cost-cutting measure number one for passengers airlines, followed by reductions in work force, fuel management, network management, route cutting and mothballing of aircraft. Of the airport community within BARIG, over 80% said that additional cost-cutting is vital to ensure competitiveness. 65% expect to adjust their price stuctures to the suffering airline market. About two thirds of the experts think that airports will look for more sources of non-aviation revenue. About half of them expect airports to increase offers for premium customers such as VIP lounges.