It is stated that due to the economic recession, Germans have reduced their holiday budgets. For this reason, it is stated that the number of people planning a holiday in 2025 has decreased, and the rate of those who have given up on their holiday has doubled. However, Turkey still stands out as the most popular destination for early bookings with its "all-inclusive" options.

According to the Tourism Survey published by ADAC , an automobile club operating in Germany , although Germans' travel habits are starting to return to normal after the effects of the coronavirus outbreak and the Ukraine war, difficulties in the economy, inflation and recession are causing them to reconsider their holiday plans.

One-third of those surveyed said their holiday plans were affected by the economic slowdown, while 24 percent said they would be vacationing on a lower budget than last year. 32 percent said they were considering canceling their holiday plans altogether. 17 percent said they would take shorter vacations, while 31 percent said they would choose more affordable holiday options.

"Social inequality in travel is deepening," said ADAC Tourism President Karlheinz Jungbeck, after the rate of people giving up on holidays this year doubled compared to 2022. Jungbeck noted that while some people cannot afford to go on holiday, others can afford to go on holiday at high prices, and that the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming more apparent. Low-income Germans in particular are postponing their holidays due to the economic recession.

The Association of German Travel Agents (DRV ) announced at the opening of the Berlin International Tourism Fair (ITB) that it is forecasting a 12 percent growth in travel industry revenues and a 6 percent increase in the number of travelers this summer season. DRV President Norbert Fiebig noted that although the consumption trend has decreased, people are saving on other expenses to travel.

Türkiye stands out with its "all-inclusive" holiday options

Germans have started booking their summer holidays early. According to DRV data, Turkey is the most preferred destination for package holidays. Turkey is preferred by families because of its "all-inclusive" holiday packages. Spain and Greece come after Türkiye.

There has also been increased interest in Egypt and the Maldives . The DRV announced that holiday bookings to Egypt were up 35 percent compared to the previous year, while bookings to the Maldives were 27 percent higher. Fiebig said the increased demand for Egypt, Tunisia and Bulgaria was linked to the affordable prices these countries offer.

"In difficult economic times, people spend their money more carefully, and this also affects their choice of holiday destinations," Fiebig said.