The German travel group DER Touristik expects that demand will increase significantly in the second half of 2021. As part of the ITB held digitally due to the corona pandemic, company boss Sören Hartmann indicated that he has not yet given up hope for a “strong second half of the year”.

The manager is already tracking changes in booking behavior. This year, air travel should be less popular than destinations that can be reached with your own vehicle. The observation by DER Touristik could be an indication that some vacationers apparently feel safer when they are traveling with their own car. Both the behavior in terms of delayed refunds, but also the fact that in the previous year many flight connections were suspended without warning due to border closings are likely to play a role. The assumption seems to be that if the worst comes to the worst, a return journey with your own car could be possible at any time.

DER boss Hartmann also said during the online event that, in his opinion, this phenomenon should continue for at least two years. Since bookings are being made at shorter notice and the market is demanding cancellation options, this is likely to remain in place for years to come. The developments over the next few months will show whether the manager is right with his forecast.