In January 2024, German travel agencies were able to record a 9,4 percent increase in sales in the tourism sector (including cruises) in direct comparison to the same month last year. However, it was not air travel but cruises that catapulted the result upwards. The reason for this is likely to be increased prices from service providers, as the number of trips arranged fell.

Stationary travel agencies play a relatively minor role in the area of ​​flight tickets, as many passengers book them either directly with the airline or via OTAs themselves on the Internet. Only a few travelers go to stationary agencies in person to purchase their tickets there. However: Many travel agencies have a mainstay here that should not be underestimated, because they also act as “outsourced travel agencies” for companies.

In the area of ​​package tours and cruises, stationary agencies have the upper hand over direct sales or Internet competition. The corona pandemic has even led to a significant proportion of customers who previously booked online buying their next trip at a nearby stationary agency. There are many reasons for this, but the factor of having a personal contact person on site in the event of an emergency is likely to be the most important decision-making criterion for many people.

In January 2024, German travel agencies recorded a 27,1 percent increase in placements in the cruise sector. In the area of ​​flight package holidays, brokered sales rose by 14,1 percent compared to the same month last year. Overall, 12,7 percent more trips were sold than in January 2024. Taking all German agencies' business areas into account, an increase of 4,6 percent was recorded.

If you take a closer look at the figures from the service provider Tats, which are included in the latest travel agency report that the company publishes monthly, you can see that the increased sales are at least partly based on higher prices charged by the providers. Compared to the same month last year, there were 8,8 percent fewer tourist bookings. The cruise sector reported a decline of 5,6 percent. However, the total order backlog, taking all business areas into account, is 14,2 percent higher than the same month last year. In the cruise sector, the portfolio has increased by 23,2 percent, taking into account previously arranged bookings. As mentioned: The new placements seem to have stalled a bit in January 2024.