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There is a lot of uncertainty about the new year for those working in the travel industry. Due to the current general situation, it is difficult to make reliable predictions about the future, the German Travel Association (DRV) told DW. “The war in Ukraine, inflation and rising energy costs dampen the outlook.”
This uncertainty is compounded by changes in booking and travel patterns. The trend of last-minute bookings has been growing since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, says DRV. This can be explained by constantly changing travel rules and restrictions during the outbreak, which made long-term holiday planning a challenge.
Outdoor travel preferences
Prof. Ulrich Reinhardt, who heads the Foundation for Future Research, explains. How external factors shape our travel behavior. He notes that it affects the situation and includes immediate factors such as “inflation, the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine”, but also more fundamental ones such as digitalisation, globalization and climate change.
Still, “for most Germans, vacation is the best time of the year,” Reinhardt told DW. “It means rest and recovery, and it gives an opportunity to forget about the stressful humdrum of everyday life.” It is certain that many Germans will continue to travel for this reason.
Camping holidays are coming back
The pandemic and related travel restrictions have led to a veritable camping renaissance in Germany, he says Reinhardt, because this type of outdoor holiday offers a lower risk of infection and greater freedom. That said, he does not foresee all Germans flocking to the camps in the future. He thinks these holidays only appeal to a segment of society, just as bike rides, hiking holidays, surf or camper van vacations don’t appeal to everyone. “Most Germans still want to relax on the beach or by the pool, eat well and break away from their everyday lives,” predicts Reinhart.
However, the Covid pandemic has increased our need for security, he said. “Safety becomes a critical factor when it comes to vacations, not just terrorist attacks or crime, but also personal health,” says Reinhart. Even so, the desire to see new places and meet new people remains. The pandemic has forced us to severely limit our vacations, travel, and interactions with others—and while we temporarily adjust to these restrictions, our basic human needs, especially during the holidays, remain to socialize, communicate, and connect.
While climate change is increasingly in the public discourse, it has little impact on the way we choose to travel. Wolfgang Strasdas, chief researcher at the Center for Sustainable Tourism at the Eberswalde University of Applied Sciences, says, “There is a wide awareness of sustainability. [in the world of travel] It’s growing.” However, this perception “is not fully reflected in our travel behavior.” He said environmental issues still only have an impact on planning and booking holidays.
A continuous journey
This was echoed by the German Travel Association (DRV), which said that one can “detect a certain gap between the ongoing travel demand and the actual booking”. The organization’s surveys show that most people want to travel sustainably, but only a fraction put their money where their mouth is.
DRV expects long-haul travel and cruise holidays to be in high demand next year, although both are particularly environmentally damaging. “Even in 2022, certain far-flung destinations such as the Maldives and the Dominican Republic were very popular, sometimes with higher demand than before the pandemic,” says DRV.
Therefore, holiday budgets can be a major factor in deciding where and when people will travel next year. Henrik Beer of the Society for Holiday and Travel Research (FUR) predicts that by 2023 people will be more reluctant to spend more money. That said, the researcher told DW that “only a few would consider giving up the holiday altogether.” Those who want to limit their expenses will reduce the number of holiday trips and be more selective in choosing destinations.
All-inclusive trips appeal to families
According to DRV, there are indications that Spain, Greece and Turkey will be among the most sought-after travel destinations in the summer of 2023, as well as in 2022. The association also said, “Especially families are trying to find a place that fits their budget.” Travel options and going on all-inclusive holidays. In the year It predicts that package deals will become even more popular in 2023. And while money may be a little tight with the cost of living, “certain” Germans continue to travel.
This article was originally published in Germany.
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