Foundation for Future Studies presents 38th German Tourism Analysis

For the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the vacation habits of many Germans. After a significant drop of about 40 percent compared to 2019, only about one in three Germans took at least five days of vacation in 2020. This figure has increased considerably again in the past twelve months.

In 2021, almost half of all Germans packed their bags at least once (49%). While this figure is still the second lowest since reunification, it also shows how important holidays and travel are (once again) for German citizens.

Professor Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt, Scientific Director of the BAT Foundation: „After a year of deprivation and restrictions, despite ongoing travel warnings, the motto for about half of the population in the past season was: wanderlust instead of travel frustration.“

Reasons for non-travelers: Corona as a holiday crasher

Despite the euphoria surrounding the return of many tourists, it shouldn't be forgotten that half of all German citizens haven't taken a vacation of at least five days in the past twelve months. Regardless of age, region, town size, or income, the coronavirus pandemic was by far the most common reason for not going on vacation in 2021.

Whether it was uncertain and rapidly changing travel conditions, fear of quarantine stays during or after the holiday, necessary and expensive PCR tests, or the worry about infection: Corona spoiled the holiday spirit for every second person in 2021.

Financial reasons came in second place by a wide margin. One in four (25%) simply could not afford or did not want to take a vacation. This particularly affected lower-income and older population groups.

About one in six also cited personal reasons, and one in ten preferred to spend their time and money on something else, citing health or family reasons.

The fear of terrorist attacks or natural disasters played virtually no role – a concern that was mentioned far more frequently in other years. This reveals the chronic short-term memory of the public. Let's hope that Corona will be forgotten just as quickly.

Domestic travel destinations 2021: Bavaria maintains its top position

Approximately half of all holiday trips (50%) took place in Germany in 2021, roughly the same number as in the 1970s. Compared to the pandemic year of 2020, the share was slightly lower (2020: 56%), but significantly higher compared to the pre-pandemic year (2019: 34%).

Looking at the market shares of the individual federal states, Bavarian holiday destinations were able to win the domestic competition. Overall, almost one in ten travelers spent their vacation in Bavaria in 2021.

The holiday destinations on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts followed in the rankings. Compared to the previous year, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was able to further increase its market share, while the other regions suffered losses. However, since the total number of travelers rose by 32 percent, and thus the overall number of holidaymakers also increased, all holiday regions were able to celebrate an increase in visitors.

In addition to the traditional holiday destinations in the north and south of the country, numerous other holiday regions "close to home" were also popular in 2021. For example, more Germans spent their main holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia (2.71%) than in Croatia (2.31%), France (2.11%) or Poland (1.11%).

European travel destinations 2021: Italy and Türkiye gain significantly, Austria loses market share

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the choice of holiday destination is unmistakable among European travel destinations. While Austria was the most popular foreign travel destination for German citizens in 2020 for the first time since the 1970s, it has fallen to a significantly lower level than before the pandemic in 2021. In 2011, Austria accounted for 3.8 percent, in 2019 for 4.2 percent, and currently stands at 3.3 percent.

This was primarily due to travel warnings and accommodation bans in Austria in 2021. Even after these were lifted, holidaymakers remained uncertain and many travelers opted for other destinations.

In contrast, Turkey, for example, was able to overcome its low point and welcome almost as many tourists as before the pandemic (2021: 3.31 million visitors, 2020: 1.11 million visitors, 2019: 3.51 million visitors). In Spain, too, the easing of restrictions led to a significant increase in German tourists on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Overall, almost twice as many Germans spent their main holiday there last year compared to 2020.

However, the big winner in 2021 was Italy. Even more Germans spent their holidays in Italy last year than in 2019. A key reason for this was the relatively relaxed situation on the ground and the associated – at least perceived – sense of security.

Long-distance travel 2021: Holidays outside Europe stagnate

Following the record year of 2019, the long-haul travel market experienced a significant slump in 2020. And even in the past travel season, the market only recovered very limitedly. Only one in 13 holidaymakers chose a destination outside Europe. By comparison, in the year before the pandemic, it was more than one in six (2019: 17.2).

Those who longed for distant destinations most likely chose locations in the Caribbean or Central America. Southeast Asian holiday destinations experienced the steepest decline overall, which can be explained, among other things, by travel warnings, uncertainty, and strict entry requirements.

In contrast, destinations in North Africa saw significantly higher visitor numbers in 2021 than in the first year of the pandemic. The typical hotel and beach holidays there, with little contact outside the resorts, proved quite attractive to long-haul travelers. However, overall, fewer tourists spent their summer in Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco than in Rhineland-Palatinate or Thuringia.

Travel duration 2021: Holidaymakers are traveling for longer again

Germans spent an average of 11.2 days away on their main holiday in 2021. This means that the average travel duration has passed the low point of last year, at 9.9 days, and is expected to rise slightly in the coming years.

A comparison of holiday destinations reveals a clear picture: the further away, the longer the stay. Long-distance travel, in particular, has increased the average holiday duration. Those who vacationed outside of Europe spent an average of 19.3 days at their holiday destination.

Within Germany, the average vacation duration was less than half that, at 8.6 days. On average, a vacation in Europe lasted 12.8 days. Turkey, in comparison, was almost a long-haul destination, with visitors staying for a full 17.5 days. Austria, on the other hand, with an average vacation duration of 9.3 days, was more in line with domestic travel.

Travel costs 2021: Germany more expensive than Europe

Long-distance travel remains a dream vacation and is correspondingly expensive. At nearly €2,000 per person, only a small portion of the German population could afford it in 2021. These travel expenses included not only accommodation, food, and transportation costs, but also all other expenses, from entrance fees and souvenirs to tips.

An analysis of the most popular European travel destinations reveals significant price differences. Last year, Scandinavia, Greece, and Spain were the most expensive destinations. This wasn't because vacations there lasted longer than elsewhere; rather, the daily costs were simply higher.

The most expensive destinations were Spanish holiday resorts, at €112, whereas a day's holiday in Turkey cost only €60. Whether it will still be so cheap there in 2022 remains to be seen, as these costs last year sometimes didn't even cover operating expenses.

Looking at the average total travel expenses for the main holiday trip, these amounted to €1,098 per person. In Germany, the average cost was only €857, while for holidays abroad, the costs were already over 40 percent higher (€1,233); however, holidays abroad also lasted significantly longer.

Therefore, it's also worth taking a look at the daily costs. At €99 domestically, these were for the first time higher than the daily costs in other European countries (€96).

Travel forecast 2022: Uncertainty decreases significantly

No one can currently say when the pandemic and the associated measures, restrictions, and uncertainties will finally be over. But after two years, many Germans seem to have grown accustomed to the situation and feel a sense of security in these uncertain times thanks to measures taken by tour operators.

Already, more than half of all Germans (57%) are certain they will go on vacation this year. That's 27 percent more than 12 months ago. About one in five is still undecided and will only decide later in the year whether and where to travel. And just as many are not planning a vacation in 2022.

When choosing travel destinations, just under a third prefer a domestic destination. The reasons for this are manifold: short travel time, high standards, hospitality, and attractive scenery with water, mountains, and forests.

Within Europe, destinations around the Mediterranean traditionally top the wish list. Spain and Italy are at the forefront, but Greece, France, and Turkey can also expect a large number of visitors from Germany. Destinations outside Europe can anticipate slight increases in 2022, as roughly one in seven Germans is already planning a long-distance trip.

Looking ahead, Reinhardt notes: „People are tired of the pandemic and no longer want to be confronted with it around the clock. They long for sun, sand, and sea, want to travel again, and ideally leave the uncertainty at home. The chances for this are good, and with a high vaccination rate and fewer infections, travel warnings and restrictions will also decrease. There will then be little standing in the way of a vacation in 2022.“

Special survey: Travel during and after Corona

When Germans can finally travel again without hesitation, roughly three-quarters of them want to spend their holidays primarily with family and friends. They have missed being with them more than the travel itself.

Two-thirds of Germans can also imagine rediscovering shorter trips instead of taking long journeys. This could be a great opportunity for domestic destinations, and also a response to rising prices; after all, 77 percent of citizens expect vacations to be more expensive after the pandemic ends.

Looking ahead, Reinhardt notes: „Citizens are hoping for a return to normality. They long for a carefree holiday on the beach or in the mountains and finally want to be out and about again.“

Technical data of the 38th German Tourism Analysis 2022

Number and representativeness of respondents: 3,000 people aged 18 and over in Germany
Survey period: December 2021 / January 2022
Survey institute: GfK Marktforschung/Nuremberg

The complete evaluation of the 38th German Tourism Analysis 2022 is now available at www.tourismusanalyse.de on the internet.