Title: Decline in Leisure Travelers Visiting Germany for Holidays Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Travelers Seek Leisure Getaways in Germany for Vacation
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Some hard-hitting facts! The airport association ADV reports an alarming trend: travelers jet-setting to Germany for vacation purposes have dropped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. From 32% back in 2017 to just 21% in the past year, according to their latest survey of over 125,000 brave souls. Eek! That's a hefty drop!
Industry insiders are pointing fingers at hefty taxes and government fees as the main culprits behind the limited flight offerings to Germany. In a bid to change the tide, ADV is advocating for the scrapping of the air traffic tax, taking Sweden as their inspiring role model [2]. Ralph Beisel, ADV's big cheese, said it best: "Germany, once the enchanting travel destination continues to see a steady decline ever since the pandemic. The new government must acknowledge the air traffic industry, too, in order to revive Germany's tourism scene."
Curious about the rest of the survey findings? Here's the lowdown: the percentage of corporate travelers has plummeted by half, leaving only a meager one-fifth of passengers still jetsetting for business purposes [3]. But fear not! The rise in domestic travel is prospering thanks to visits with loved ones as well as city and event escapades. Interestingly, a whooping 48% are heading to the airport in their trusty automobiles.
Ironically, even Germany's largest airport has been hit by these turbulent times. Fraport AG, the geniuses who run Frankfurt Airport, have reported a whopping 26.4 million euro loss in the first quarter of 2022 [4]. In contrast, the company made a profit of 12.7 million euros during the same week-teaser last year! From January to March, they welcomed only 12.4 million passengers, that's a disheartening 1% drop in comparison to the previous year, due in part to a later Easter holiday.
Sources: ntv.de, DPA
Fun fact: Did you know that even counties with impenetrable barriers, like North Korea, have airports? Now that's a story for another time!
- Air Passenger Figures for Germany Continue to Drop
- Airlines Struggle Amid Pandemic
- Airline Safety Measures in Response to COVID-19
- Frankfurt Airport Loses Millions Due to Pandemic
In light of the decline in leisure travelers visiting Germany, the need for policies that attract tourists may require reconsideration. This could potentially include revising the community policy and employment policies related to the travel industry. Furthermore, considering Germany's decreasing appeal as a travel destination, adopting a lifestyle that promotes domestic travel could be an alternative option for maintaining a vibrant travel industry within the country.
