In its 50th anniversary issue, “Reisen 5.0,” the publishers of the German trade magazine, FVW, posed the question “What will German tourists want in 2030?” To help them answer the question, the publication asked top tourism industry executives in the country—it is the fifth largest overseas source market for the USA—for their thoughts.
Concluded FVW, travelers will want “individual holidays where everything is possible instead of standardized packages.” According to the tour operators they talked to, the journal said, “The days of satisfied customers quietly and thankfully enjoying the luxury of a foreign holiday are over. In future, German will be travel-happy individuals who want to be able to do whatever they want on their trip, according to senior managers. Tour operators see individualized offers, service and quality as key demands from tomorrow’s customers, while technology will play an essential role.” Below, we’ve digested the commentary that appeared in the FVW article.
| Respondent | Comment |
|---|---|
| Stefanie Berk, chairman of the Board, Thomas Cook Germany, managing director Central/Eastern Europe, Thomas Cook | Tomorrows holidaymakers will travel more individually above all. They will use digital channels to inform themselves or to book. But they will also put more value on good advice, additional products and special service, and at the end will receive a tailor-made offer for their specific personal travel wishes. |
| Peter-Mario Kubsch, head of cultural holidays, Studiosus | Travelers will still want to make their individual and personal wishes and interests come true, especially on holiday. The convenience factor will increase further as part of this. Since customers can already buy up everything on the internet already today, they will expect even more perfect organization and extremely individualized service, |
| Marek Andryszak, CEO TUI Germany. | The most important piece of luggage for tomorrows holidaymakers apart from their swimming costumes will be a smartphone Tourists will travel paper-free, check in online in advance at the hotel, book excursions from a sun-lounger, click their reservations for evening dinner, and share their holiday experiences digitally and sometimes perhaps even live with anyone and everyone. |
| Sören Hartmann, CEO of DER Touristik Group | Travelers will use every new option that is simple and rapid, enables a lot and reduces costs. Mobility will be completely different to today. Perhaps transfers will be organized with car-sharing or with self-driving shuttles in tourist hotspots. Travelling will have to impact the environment as little as possible. Many more customers will have that in mind when making decisions in 2030. |
| Ralph Schiller, group managing director, FTI | Sun and beach will still be the most popular holiday theme. Possibly the choice for beach holidays will be wider as more countries and regions are recognizing the opportunities and potential that tourism creates, and are investing in their infrastructure and offers. |
| Gerald Kassner, managing director, Schausinsland-Reisen | We see customers in 2030 as very well informed and sustainability-oriented holidaymakers who will focus strongly on traditional values such as service, reliability and service. |
| Felix Eichhorn, president, Aida Cruises | The uniqueness of a personal travel experience will be the priority for holidaymakers in coming years. Digital communications will play a decisive role so that our customers receive the right, individualized offers. |
| Wybcke Meier, CEO, TUI Cruises | Customers will be even more experienced in travelling, will be older and more mobile. Technical progress will provide rapid access at any time. But holiday motives such as relaxation and contrast to everyday life will not change. |
| Thomas Bösl, managing director, RTK | (Holidaymakers will be used to dealing with artificial intelligence and robots as well as going on) short holidays in cyberspace. |
| Michael Buller, chairman, VIR (Verband Internet Reisevertrieb/Association of Internet Travel Agents) | In 2030, intelligent systems will ensure that holidaymakers enjoy a trip, including all its elements, that is individually designed for their tastes. |
| Bernhard Steffens, managing director, Traveltainment | The human body and digital tools will grow increasingly closer together metaphorically but also physically and so the digital identity of travelers will follow them everywhere, even to the beach! |
