Holiday mood in danger: A third of Germans are planning fewer trips!

Holiday mood in danger: A third of Germans are planning fewer trips!

The tourism season for 2025 is influenced by a tense economic situation, as current surveys show. According to a study by the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW), which was carried out between May 19th and 21st with over 2,000 people, almost a third of those surveyed are planning to travel either less (20%) or for shorter periods (11%) this year. Only 10% said they traveled more often and spent more money on vacations. 44% of those surveyed remain the same as their travel behavior compared to the previous year. This suggests that the influence of economic circumstances on travel patterns should not be underestimated, particularly in a year perceived by participants as economically challenging. [Süddeutsche] reports that two thirds of respondents still intend to plan their vacation in the summer months from June to September, regardless of extreme weather events such as heat waves or forest fires.

Similarly, the ADAC Tourism Study 2025 shows that Germans' travel behavior is also changing. Over 5,000 people were surveyed in December 2024, and the results show a stable proportion of 58% of Germans taking vacation trips of at least five days. What is notable is the increase in so-called “frequent vacationers,” who take 5 or more trips per year, from 3% to 8%. This growing group could indicate that there is some desire to travel despite economic uncertainties. In fact, 69% of respondents intend to travel abroad in 2024, compared to 64% in 2022.

Travel behavior and vacation locations

At the same time, the data shows a shift in travel within Germany, the share of which has fallen to 31% - a significant decrease from 51% in 2020. Germany still remains the most popular travel destination, even if the need for efficient infrastructure is obvious. One aspect that is becoming more important according to the ADAC study is booking in advance. 44% of respondents plan their main vacation four months in advance, an increase from previous years.

Travel dynamics are also influenced by the choice of means of transport. Airplanes are becoming increasingly popular and are used by 37% of respondents, while cars remain the most common means of transport. In addition, the demand for package tours is increasing and reaches 32%, while the share of individual trips is 67%. These trends reflect the needs of travelers who value easy arrivals and departures - 74% of respondents emphasize this.

Social and environmental aspects

The surveys also illustrate travelers' awareness of social and environmental issues: 72% of respondents see overtourism as a serious problem, and 61% avoid vacation regions that are severely affected. 50% even support access fees to provide relief to these crowded regions. At the same time, 18% say that natural disasters influence their vacation plans. While sustainability and political stability appear to be less of a priority for many, the discussion around overtourism and resource distribution shows that these issues are deeply anchored in the minds of travelers.

The upcoming “tourism summit” in Berlin, at which Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) is expected, could provide important impetus for the industry. The upcoming discussions are likely to address the trends and challenges described and show perspectives for sustainable tourism development.