The German Travel Association (DRV) has announced that it expects significant revenue growth in the tour operator market in its assessment for the summer season 2025.

According to the seasonal assessment prepared in collaboration with Dr. Fried & Partner and Travel Data + Analytics, demand for holidays in Germany remains high this year, with Eastern Mediterranean countries, cruises and long-haul travel in particular in demand.

For the summer season 2025 (April-October), the DRV expects a 3% sales increase for holidays organized through tour operators. Most individually organized trips by car, train or bus are in decline, with a 2% drop in sales. For the summer period, the overall travel market (the combination of tour operators and the individual travel market) forecasts a 1% sales increase. The number of travelers is expected to decline by two percent, especially with fewer people coming on vacation by car, bus or train.

This summer, the three most popular package vacation destinations were again Spain, Turkey and Greece. The highest sales growth in the summer season is expected for cruises (+6%), long-haul vacations (+6%) and travel to Eastern Mediterranean countries (+5%). After a very early start to bookings this year, there has been a noticeable increase in last minute business in recent weeks. Demand for short-term bookings is concentrated in most of the popular mid-haul destinations such as Turkey, Egypt, Balearic Islands and Greece.

High growth in eastern mediterranean countries

For the entire 2024/25 tourist year (including the winter season from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025), the development is similar to that of the summer months.  According to forecasts, the revenue of the tour operator market will increase by 4%. Package flights to medium-haul destinations in the east, such as Greece and Turkey, will register a 9% revenue growth and cruises will increase by 8%. Land travel by car, bus or train, traditionally predominantly self-organized, is also expected to decline by 2% over the year. Overall, the market for holidays organized through tour operators will continue to outperform the individually organized market over the entire tourist year.

Long-distance travels and shipping increase again

For the coming travel year, with the start of the winter season 2025/26 in November (November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026), the German Cruise Association also expects a slight increase in revenues. Early bookings for package tours for the winter season show that demand for long-haul travel and cruises is already strong. "Long-haul travel and sea vacations are currently driving winter tourism. The most popular long-haul destinations for package tours are currently Thailand, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates."