Solo trips are booming: Experts give tips for travel agencies!

Solo trips are booming: Experts give tips for travel agencies!

As part of a recently held expert talks on solo trips, experts such as Jeanette Buller from G Adventures, Steffen Butzko of Adamare Singereisen and Ralph Benecke from Sunwave Singleisen discussed the growing popularity of individual trips. The event, moderated by Rabea Fieguth from FVW | Traveltalk, made it clear that 27 percent of Germans are now planning a solo trip this year. Nevertheless, tour operators who offer such trips are often little known on the counter.

The experts' discussion focused on strategies to increase the sale of solo trips. Despite the increasing demand that the industry could experience, many organizers are confronted with the challenge of putting these rarely advertised trips in the right light and communicating the advantages of such a travel form.

market situation of the tour operators

In the tour operator industry, a mixed picture shows. The market is an important sub -area of ​​the German tourism industry. In 2024, German tour operators generated sales of over 37 billion euros and generated an additional 21 billion euros in further income. An impressive plus that the industry has achieved through Corona pandemic after difficult years. Compared to the previous year, the total sales of travel agencies rose by 30.8 percent, in particular due to the demand for cruises and air travel.

However, there are also dark sides. In 2022, Germany recorded almost 2,400 taxable tour operators, which is a clear decline compared to 2019, when around 3,100. Nevertheless, 2023 17 insolvency proceedings against tour operators met the pre-crisis level, which reflects the uncertainty in the industry.

shortage of skilled workers and trust of customers

Another central topic in the industry is the shortage of skilled workers. Around 39 percent of service companies in the tour operator market report difficulties to find suitable employees. This is reinforced by the decline in the number of trainees in the industry, which fell into a new low of around 1,600 in 2023. This trend could continue to burden the future of the tour operators.

Nevertheless, surveys show that many Germans still compete in travel agencies and direct bookings at organizers despite the trend for online travel booking. Over 64 percent of travelers pay more attention to the price than the tour operator brand. Organizers who offer transparent price models and flexible, refundable products are particularly valued.

The leading actors in the market are clearly defined. In the 20222/2023 financial year, the TUI Group was the highest sales tour operator in Europe with almost 21 billion euros, followed by tourism with EUR 7.2 billion. In the ranking of the tour operator with the best service, TUI took second place, while alltours air travel takes the top position in Germany in 2024.

The further development in the travel industry, especially in the area of ​​solo trips, remains exciting. The current trends and challenges could influence the dynamics of the industry in the long term.