Why are staycations so popular, especially among Germans?
In terms of experiencing nature, Germany offers a highly diverse experience. Germany has topped TUI’s list of most popular destinations for years. This staycation trend has continued this year. Within Germany, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the favourite destination booked by TUI guests, accounting for around 25 per cent of all Germany bookings. Bavaria ranks second, followed by Baden Württemberg, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony – TUI’s home region. At TUI, the staycations trend had primarily picked up steam through the establishment of TUI-owned hotels. Robinson, TUI Blue or Best Family – TUI’s portfolio provides something for every target group. We also focus on an expansion of unusual accommodation options such as tree houses, wine barrels and river vessels but also best-sellers such as holiday homes and resorts including water adventure worlds (Linstow, Center Parcs, etc.). Demand is also strong for short trips, like wellness, culture or active holidays.
What is your task at TUI Deutschland? How do you contribute to the holiday experience?
With my team, I am in charge of planning, purchasing, calculation and the bookability of our hotels and round trips. My team and I are also responsible for sales, marketing and training activities. Our product management team is the one stop shop in charge of the entire chain from the idea all the way to the journey. My team and I contribute to the holiday experience by offering the right products at the right price and at the right time. Given the high level of customer satisfaction and few complaints, it looks as though we are succeeding in doing so.
What is new in our programme in Germany?
TUI provides the biggest portfolio of Germany holidays ever for the 2018 Summer season and has included a large number of new products in its programme, e.g. our new BEST FAMILY Baltic in the sunny island of Usedom or family-friendly holiday homes on the high banks of Rügen. TUI also offers more than 200 products for a couples getaway in Germany. New products include the A-Ja Resort Travemünde, which will open in August 2018.
What do you love most about Germany?
Germany is a country offering visitors a highly diverse and varied experience, with its mountains (low mountain ranges or rock massifs), sea (Wadden Sea or shallow Baltic Sea), lakes or heathland. However, Germany also offers rich cultural activities, from vibrant cities such as Hamburg or Berlin all the way to romantic towns such as Wismar, Fulda or Rotenburg. It also offers a varied hotel sector, featuring, for instance, Beachmotel Heiligenhafen or Hasseröder Burghotel in Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains, taking the guests back to the Middle Ages.
Can you tell us an insider tip? – What do people have to see?
The Harz Mountains are becoming a year-round trending destination for short breaks with TUI. As a tourist region, Germany’s northernmost low mountain range offers both natural and cultural highlights such as mountain theatres and forest stages or Quedlinburg, a Cultural Heritage town. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a broad range of hiking tours in the Harz National Park, which covers an area of around 25,000 hectares. Those aiming high can visit the high rope course and zipline or the Harz suspension bridge.
Describe Germany in 3 words:
Varied, beautiful and ideal for every target group.
Austria
