The willingness of Germans to travel, even in times of Corona, is unbroken. That is the result of a representative study by the Bavarian Center for Tourism, carried out in the second half of March by GfK. Of the 2.010 respondents, 1.765 were “travelers” who were asked about their travel intentions.

39 percent of Germans who travel on principle definitely want to go on holiday in 2021. 26 percent of these people would like to spend their vacation in Germany this year, 18 percent in Europe and five percent in non-European countries. In Germany, the federal states of Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein are particularly popular, at the European level Spain and Italy, followed by Austria. 30 percent of people who want to travel outside of Europe do not yet know where to go.

At 47 percent, the desire to travel by the end of 2021 is particularly high in the 40 to 49 age group. In the age group of 60 to 69 year olds, it is significantly lower at 33 percent. There is also a greater willingness to travel among upper income groups and households with children.

"The increase in willingness to travel compared to the previous year is also reflected in the importance of travel for the respondents," explains Dr. Alfred Bauer, chairman of the Bavarian Center for Tourism. For almost half of German travelers, travel this year is “something special”, for 24 percent travel is “indispensable” and for another 16 percent travel is “a matter of course”.

Travel design 2021: Vacation homes continue to be popular with families as accommodation

As in the previous year, a holiday apartment or holiday home is the first choice for people who plan to travel. 42 percent prefer this for their vacation trips in 2021. This type of accommodation is even more popular with families than with households without children. People without children prefer small and medium-sized hotels. 41 percent of people who would like to travel in 2021 have August as their travel month in mind. In July or September, 31 percent and 32 percent respectively want to travel.

The need for sun, warmth and nice weather, for relaxation, time for one another and experiencing nature are the most important aspects for many people for a holiday in 2021. Accordingly, 35 percent would like a bathing or beach holiday, or a recreational trip or a relaxing holiday. Nature and family vacations are also popular. A city trip is mentioned by 24 percent.

The car is chosen by 80 percent for vacation in Germany and by 71 percent of people who want to vacation in other European countries. For trips outside of Europe, 83 percent of the names are given to the airplane.

Travel uncertainty: quarantine rules and travel warnings are unsettling

28 percent of those willing to travel in 2021 are still waiting for the time being. Half of this group of people would undertake a trip if there were no more quarantine rules when returning from the holiday region or if travel warnings from the federal government were lifted. For 69 percent it would also be decisive that the tourism provider incurs no costs if the booked trip cannot be started.

13 percent of all travelers will not travel in 2021 due to the pandemic. If you ask these people what must be fulfilled in order for them to travel, 47 percent state that they have been vaccinated themselves and 45 percent that large parts of the population are vaccinated.

Survey method

• Representative online survey on behalf of the Bavarian Center for Tourism, carried out by GfK between March 18 and 28, 2021.
• Sample: n = 2.010 men and women of the German-speaking population aged 18-74