Are multiple journeys the new normal?

Result

Ten years ago, one in five people (2014: 19 %) took more than one holiday trip. Last year, the figure was more than twice as high. Almost one in four (23 %) travelled twice, more than one in ten three times (11 %), and one in twelve even more often (7 %). The frequency of travel also increased with rising income: the proportion of multiple travellers was more than three times higher among higher earners than among lower earners.

Reasons

The increase in multiple trips reflects not only a growing desire to travel, but also social and economic developments that favour this behaviour. Holidays are increasingly seen as an essential part of quality of life. At the same time, travelling is increasingly perceived as a status symbol. Travelling more frequently not only signals prosperity, but also openness and cultural interest. This social pressure can lead to several trips being taken each year - even if this is associated with financial or organisational challenges.

The correlation between income and frequency of travelling is particularly clear when it comes to multiple trips. The differences between higher and lower earners can be explained by differences in financial leeway.

Another reason for the high number of multiple trips is the growing range of holidays on offer. The increasing variety and specialisation of destinations (from city breaks to nature holidays), types of travel (from cruises to camping holidays), target groups (from LGBTQ+ to families with special needs) and providers (from extreme expeditions to medical wellness trips) appeals to different interests and creates incentives for broad sections of the population.

Forecast

The trend towards more frequent holiday trips will generally continue in the coming years. Further increases can be expected, particularly among higher earners, as this group continues to have the financial means to offset rising costs. Households with lower incomes, on the other hand, will mostly stick to one holiday trip - if at all - as inflation and the higher cost of living reduce the scope for additional travel.

The growing number of older travellers will shape the market for multiple holidays. Many senior citizens have both the time and the financial means to travel more frequently and will therefore remain a key target group for providers.

In the long term, it remains to be seen whether the desire to travel more frequently will remain compatible with global challenges. Climate change, geopolitical uncertainties, pandemics or economic crises can affect the tourism sector at any time (such as the coronavirus pandemic in 2020/2021). Nevertheless, the desire to travel remains an integral part of people's lives - and tourism will always adapt to changing conditions accordingly.