Political problems have not weakened Germans’ desire to travel – at the ITB Berlin, which opened in a virtual “coronavirus” mode, tour operators unanimously said – as the sales pandemic weakens, they grow and the fuel crisis over anti-Russian sanctions does not affect them.
“The booking curve is clearly pointing up, although at this time it would seem difficult to think of such a carefree thing as a vacation. There is a lot of talk today that this summer we will see a business that is approaching or even reaching pre-pandemic levels,” said Stefan Baumert, head of the German TUI, optimistically.
He also noted that this year the season starts earlier – in fact during the Easter holidays, to which many “beach” countries like Greece have timed another relaxation. In the first place in demand among the Germans – the classics of the Mediterranean. The main winners are Mallorca, the Turkish Riviera and the Greek islands.
“Due to good orders for the Easter holidays, TUI postpones the start of the season in Greece and will fly to Crete, Rhodes and Kos with its airline TUIfly in early April. A total of 120 additional flights will be launched in April, with most flights to Greece, followed by Mallorca,” said the German expert.
He also reassured tourists, saying that sharp inflation “will not affect already booked holidays. Hotel contingents and fuel for aircraft were paid for before the wave of inflation. However, due to the sharp rise in gasoline and gas prices this year, there may be fewer last-minute discounts than usual, so early bookings will pay off again,” he said.
Recall, according to the research association Holidays and Travel (FUR), during a survey conducted at the end of the year, ie before all political events, 61% of Germans planned a vacation this year. 28% already have a fixed goal. However, in general, the uncertainty is still greater than before the outbreak of the pandemic in Europe in March 2020 – German experts add.
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