Please note: the following information has been compiled from the most important German-speaking Trade Media.
CURRENT MAJOR TOPICS WITHIN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE DACH REGION
- BOOKING ENTERS THE CRUISE MARKET IN THE USA: Booking.com is adding cruise content to its site for customers in the United States through a partnership with global travel agency World Travel Holdings. The company said U.S. consumers can now access more than 10,000 sailings on more than 30 cruise lines from 55 departure points around the world. Customers can book a cruise through Booking.com online or over the phone and live chat is also available. Read more
- BCD TRAVEL AND BELMOTO START COOPERATION: From bike leasing and public transport to car sharing, car subscriptions and classic car leasing – BCD Travel and Belmoto are convinced that the consistent implementation of holistic mobility offers contributes to employer attractiveness, sustainability goals and cost optimisation. Particularly in view of the shortage of skilled labour, new concepts are needed to attract and retain talented employees. Service providers therefore want to cooperate and offer their customers appropriate mobility options. Read more
- EXPENSES RATES FOR BUSINESS TRIPS INCREASE IN 2024: The Growth Opportunities Act adopted by the Federal Government provides for an increase in the domestic per diem meal allowances, which are also deductible as income-related expenses, from 28 to 30 euros for each calendar day. They are to be recognised if an employee is absent from their home and primary place of work for 24 hours. Read more
- DEMAND FOR LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAYS TO RISE BY HALF: Online travel portal Lastminute.com has analysed the current booking behaviour of German holidaymakers and identified travel trends for 2024 based on data analysis and other research: Compared to 2022, holidays booked up to two weeks in advance have increased by 48% this year, with August and September being the most popular months for spontaneous holidays. The top destinations are Mallorca, the Turkish Riviera, Hurghada, Crete and Barcelona. Read more
CURRENT TOPICS WITHIN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY IN GERMANY & EUROPE
- 1,000 USA FLIGHTS ARE AT STAKE FOR KLM: The Dutch government’s plans to reduce traffic at Schiphol Airport could hit KLM harder than expected. The USA has announced countermeasures because it sees the reductions as jeopardising the Open Skies Agreement. KLM could be deprived of slots at US airports, with up to 1,000 flights in question. Read more
- CONDOR AND EMIRATES ARE INTERLINE PARTNERS: Condor and Emirates announced an interline agreement at the Dubai Airshow. This will provide travellers with improved flight connections on 70 routes operated by the two airlines with a single continuous ticket fare and continuous baggage transport. Read more
- FRAPORT EARNS MORE IN THE SUMMER THAN EVER BEFORE: Between July and September, Fraport’s operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by around 14% year-on-year to €478m, as the MDAX-listed company announced in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Read more
- DEUTSCHLAND TICKET COULD BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE: There is an ongoing dispute over the financing of the Deutschland Ticket, which was launched in May. The summit between the federal and state governments did make progress on this issue. However, a final decision will not be made until next year. Read more
DESTINATION NEWS
- SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Changi Airport opens remodeled Terminal 2. After just three and a half years of renovation work, Singapore’s Changi Airport is now fully operational. The expanded Terminal 2 will increase the airport’s capacity by five to a total of 90 million passengers per year. The amenities of the terminal, which has been expanded by around 21,000 square meters, include a digital waterfall and special automated lanes for people with disabilities or small children.
- THAILAND: Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin announced that he will introduce a marriage equality bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the country, and his cabinet would debate the bill second week of November. If the bill receives cabinet’s approval, it will be brought before Thai parliament in December, Prime Minister’s spokesman said. If the bill passes the legislature and becomes the law, Thailand would become the first country in Southeast Asia that legalized gay marriages.
- Thailand plans visa waiver for Europeans: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to propose to the cabinet to extend the visa waiver for visitors from over 50 countries from 30 to 60 days. In the first phase, the extension will mainly apply to countries in and around Europe such as the UK, Germany, the Scandinavian countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. European visitors make up around 20 percent of foreign tourists and are the second largest group after visitors from Asia. Last year, the average length of stay for Europeans was 18.55 nights per person with an average spend of 66,000 baht per trip. The TAT has set a target of 2.5 trillion baht in revenue from foreign visitors in 2024, while Thai tourists will contribute another 1 trillion baht to the industry, bringing total tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht next year.
That’s a wrap for this edition! Whether you’re typing away from a hammock or planning your next unique Euro trip, here’s to new experiences and embracing the world. Safe travels!
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