The German tourism group DER will reduce the number of travel agencies in Germany. 500 of the approximately 40 branches are to be closed. The aim is to reduce the number of employees by six percent, and this is attempted through a volunteer program with severance payments.

It is true that DER employees whose travel agencies are being closed are to be offered continued employment in other branches, but this should not be practical for all employees. In view of the crisis and the associated low number of bookings, there was no other choice. Touristik Aktuell first reported, with DER confirming the media report.

It is possible that travel agencies will also be closed at competitor Tui. Towards the end of 2020 there was talk of around 15 percent of the self-operated branches. A final decision has not yet been made, as intensive negotiations are still ongoing between management and the works council. The closure of stationary Tui travel agencies would not be surprising in view of the crisis.