The summer travel trends for 2025 are clear: German vacationers continue to favor the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean. This insight was shared by Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), at the ITB travel trade fair.
According to the latest data, package holidays to Eastern Mediterranean destinations, cruises, and long-haul trips are in even higher demand than last summer. Families, in particular, are driving sales in Türkiye, a perennial favorite for its extensive all-inclusive offerings. While Türkiye's growth this year is slightly below average, it still dominates the rankings as the number-one travel destination for Germans.
Türkiye leads a strong 12 percent growth in holiday sales
German business and travel magazine, fvw, reports that overall, demand for summer vacations (May to October 2025) is expected to result in a 12 percent year-on-year increase in sales, according to recent analyses by Travel Data + Analytics (TDA) for the DRV. These findings are based on booking data from travel agencies and online portals as of the end of January.
DRV President Fiebig highlighted an encouraging trend:
"The popularity of well-protected, classic package holidays is rising again. Compared to last year, 6 percent more travelers have already booked their summer vacations with tour operators."
Top 10 Package Holiday Destinations for Summer 2025 (by Revenue):
Türkiye
Spain
Greece
Egypt
Portugal
Italy
Tunisia
USA
Maldives
Bulgaria
Among these, two destinations stand out with particularly strong growth: Egypt and the Maldives. Bookings for Egypt have surged by 35 percent, while the Maldives has seen a 27 percent increase compared to last year.
Türkiye stays on top due to affordable luxury
Türkiye’s continued dominance is no surprise. Its combination of family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, affordable luxury, and strong hospitality infrastructure keeps it ahead of the competition. Even with only modest growth this year, the country remains the first choice for German holidaymakers.
Additionally, destinations like Tunisia, Bulgaria, and Egypt—traditionally known for their lower prices—are experiencing a boost in demand due to relatively moderate price increases.
"In economically challenging times, travelers are more budget-conscious, and this is reflected in their choice of destinations," Fiebig explained.
A rising star in 2025 is Albania, this year’s ITB partner country. The southern European nation, still considered an insider tip, is experiencing a remarkable 36% increase in bookings—though from a relatively low base compared to other Mediterranean hotspots.
Asia and long-haul destinations on the rise
Long-haul travel is booming, with Asia seeing a 33 percent surge in sales. Thailand, in particular, is growing at an above-average rate. In Africa, Tanzania is a key driver of regional growth, while the Dominican Republic leads in the Caribbean.
The Maldives continues to perform exceptionally well, with German tour operator sales rising by almost 29 percent. Meanwhile, demand for the USA, Canada, and Mexico remains steady compared to last year.
Interestingly, total long-haul travel revenue for summer 2025 has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019, though the number of travelers is still about 25% lower.
Türkiye also tops Easter holiday bookings
For the Easter holidays, German travelers are once again flocking to Turkey, alongside Egypt and the Canary Islands. Due to the later timing of the holidays this year—falling in April instead of March—Mediterranean destinations are seeing increased demand.
The top five Easter travel destinations are:
Türkiye (17% of total sales) – The Easter holiday leader.
Egypt (13%)
Canary Islands (11%)
Balearic Islands (8%)
Greece (5%)
This marks a shift from March 2024, when the Canary Islands held the top spot.
As summer 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: Turkey remains the top destination for German travelers, with its combination of affordability, luxury, and a strong package holiday market keeping it ahead of the pack.