Travel Trends: The rise of all-inclusive stays and high-end hotels among German tourists.

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After 28 months of lockdowns and restrictions, tourists from all over the world are more willing to part with more money in so-called revenge spending. In the travel industry, that means a new, increasing demand for more frequent and indulgent vacations. According to a survey by tour operator Dertour, German tourists are no exception, being more likely in 2022 to spend on higher-quality travel experiences than ever before and spending on average 51% more in hotels. And considering all the events in the past few years, who wouldn't want to have the most carefree and relaxing holiday possible?

The number of three-star and lower-tier hotels being booked less frequently this summer is a reflection of the shift in demand away from these types of establishments. In 2019, around 40% of guests chose to stay in these categories, but only 28% are booking them this year. In contrast, the number of Germans planning on staying in 4-star hotels has increased significantly, from 47% in 2019 to 51% this summer, and in an even higher percentage, the demand for 5-star accommodations has risen from 13% to 21%. 

And they are not choosing only more high-end hotels, but they are choosing for everything to be laid and paid before they arrive. In 2019 only 11% of guests chose all-inclusive meals, but this has almost doubled to 21%. Dertour's Travel Barometer highlights that travellers are choosing "carefree holidays with no additional catering costs in the destination".

Due to the popularity of Spain as the main destination, the number of bookings for summer vacations has increased by 2% compared to last year. This is also a reflection of the increasing interest in all-inclusive accommodations that most Spanish hotels offer. Half board has been displaced from second to third place by All-inclusive, as it is chosen by 16% of guests, compared to 23% in 2019, and figures for other meal types are down. Breakfast, the most booked meal type, now accounts for 50%, down from 56%.

Would this trend continue in the future, or is it a reflection of the stress and uncertainty experienced during the pandemic? After these testing times for the hospitality sector, when hoteliers had to demonstrate their resilience, here is to hoping that this is just a sign of the times to come.

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