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 and Hindenburgwall, now known as Heinrich-Heine-Allee, the company has a remarkable travel history behind it under the direction of Heinrich Droste, who also ran the Droste publishing house and a bookstore. The travel agency is currently run by Felix Droste, who looks back proudly on the company's long tradition and stability.

Felix Droste, who is also deputy chairman of the Rheinische Post supervisory board, is leading the travel agency into the next generation. His father, Manfred Droste, who was born on May 27, 1927, led the company for five decades and will be honored during the anniversary. Manfred's passion for traveling was reflected in the company's philosophy by sending employees on information trips and encouraging a great interest in classic trips by bus and train to European capitals and winter sports areas.

Challenges of the past and present

The Droste travel agency has overcome numerous challenges, including economic crises, wars, digital transformation and the consequences of the Corona lockdowns. Despite these hurdles, the demand for experienced agents remains high, as many customers want to rely on the employees' expertise when dealing with complicated entry requirements. What is particularly pleasing is that many employees have been members of the company for many years and were trained there.

The focus of customers has changed over the years. While the company once offered classic trips, today high-quality long-distance trips, including the Maldives and Seychelles as well as cruises, are in high demand. In the 1980s, corporate trips and large tours for private customers also became more important. This shows the ability of the Droste travel agency to adapt to the changing requirements of the market.

Digital trends and the future of travel agencies

At a time when digitalization 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 changing consumer 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 combine traditional sales channels with digital offerings in order to meet the demands of modern vacationers.

In order to appeal to younger, technology-savvy target groups, TUI has, for example, 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 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's son Christoph and daughter Charlotte Droste, is already actively integrated into the operational process and thus shows that the tradition of the Droste travel agency is being led into a successful future. The company remains an important part of the travel business in Düsseldorf, consistent in its belief that well-trained staff and individual customer advice are essential.