Anniversary in Düsseldorf: Droste travel agency celebrates 100 years of success!

Anniversary in Düsseldorf: Droste travel agency celebrates 100 years of success!

The Düsseldorf travel agency Droste is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1925 on the corner of Grabenstraße/Hindenburgwall, today known as Heinrich-Heine-Allee, the company under the direction of Heinrich Droste, who also operated the Droste-Verlag and a bookstore, has a remarkable travel history. Felix Droste's travel agency is currently being managed, proudly looking back on the long tradition and consistency of the company.

Felix Droste, who is also the deputy chairman of the Rheinische Post Supervisory Board, leads the travel agency to the next generation. His father, Manfred Droste, who was born on May 27, 1927, led the company over five decades and is honored during the anniversary. Manfred's passion for travel was reflected in the corporate philosophy by sending employees on information trips and promoting great interest in classic trips by bus and train to European capitals and winter sports areas.

challenges of the past and present

The travel agency Droste has survived numerous challenges, including economic crises, wars, digital transformation and the consequences of the Corona Lockdowns. Despite these hurdles, the demand for experienced expedients remains high, since many customers want to fall back on the expertise of the employees in complicated entry requirements. It is particularly gratifying that many employees of the company have been a long -standing members and were trained there.

The focus of the customer has changed over the years. While the company used to offer classic trips, high -quality long -distance travel, including the Maldives and Seychelles as well as cruises, are in great demand today. In the 1980s, company trips and large tours for private customers also gained importance. This shows the adaptability of the travel agency Droste to the changing requirements of the market.

digital trends and the future of travel agencies

at a time when digitization is becoming increasingly important, experts such as Kathrin Spichala, press spokeswoman for TUI Deutschland GmbH, expect a decline in the number of travel agencies due to changed consumption behavior. However, younger customers also use travel agencies for personal advice, which underlines the relevance of competent service. The challenge for tour operators is to successfully link traditional sales channels with digital offers in order to meet the requirements of modern holidaymakers.

In order to address younger, technology-savvy target groups, for example, TUI has established modern TUI stores that use VR glasses and interactive applications to improve the customer experience. Other travel agencies also have to reposition themselves and expand digital services in order to remain competitive. Felix Droste sees the developments in artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity to increase efficiency in travel booking and recognizes the shortage of skilled workers as a further challenge for the industry.

The next generation, consisting of Felix 'son Christoph and daughter Charlotte Droste, is already actively integrated in the operating process and thus shows that the tradition of travel agency Droste is led into a successful future. The company remains an important part of the travel business in Düsseldorf, constantly in its conviction that well -trained staff and individual customer advice are essential.