Travel patterns have shifted since the pandemic, yet one trend remains clear: Spain, and particularly Mallorca, continues to be a summer favorite for luxury-seeking German travelers. Spain ranks highly among the top preferences for an upscale German audience, with Mallorca standing out due to the sheer concentration of luxury hotels and a growing array of upscale experiences.
Despite the lingering effects of travel restrictions, the most popular destination for German luxury tourists is still Germany itself, though it has declined about 14% from the 2019 summer peak. Mallorca and the other Spanish destinations show a modest rise of around 4%. This shift is highlighted by the DER Touristik Travel Barometer, a key industry gauge from the German tour operator network.
What draws German luxury travelers back to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and the broader Iberian Peninsula is the variety and reliability of high-end experiences. In Germany, the luxury scene remains anchored by smaller, ultra-luxury hotels, which continue to attract discerning guests. Greece has climbed three places in the luxury segment, driven by substantial growth—an impressive 109% increase. Meanwhile, Italy and the United Arab Emirates have ceded some ground in the premium market, drifting out of the top five for this audience.
Financial expectations have also shifted. Luxury travelers plan to spend about 44% more on vacations this summer than they did before the pandemic, signaling a strengthening willingness to invest in premium accommodation, dining, and experiences.
The DER Touristik barometer also sheds light on ongoing industry dynamics after two years of travel suppression. German travelers tend to spend about 51% more on hotel stays, with roughly half opting for four-star properties and roughly one-fifth choosing five-star hotels. This indicates a persistent preference for quality and value even as overall travel resumes.
Additionally, the report shows a notable rise in all-inclusive bookings this summer—about 21%—compared with 11% in 2019, while half-board options have declined. The shift toward longer stays and more inclusive packages reflects a desire for convenience, security, and predictable budgeting among premium travelers.
Work and leisure converge in winter travel to cut heating costs
Work and travel are blending more seamlessly for German vacationers who see winter as an opportunity to save on heating bills while enjoying longer stays. The Canary Islands emerge as a standout destination for this approach, combining work-friendly environments with sun and sea. Mallorca likewise holds steady in popularity as an Atlantic option for longer sojourns. The DER Touristik report notes that Portugal is expanding its winter long-stay list by adding destinations such as Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, and Thailand, offering Germans more choices for extended holidays during the colder months. In practice, travelers are choosing accommodations that stay current with evolving needs—more space, better amenities, and flexible terms—and tour operators are offering attractive incentives for longer island stays.
Overall, the trend points to longer, more relaxed stays with a focus on value and comfort. As the market adapts, German operators are adjusting offerings to meet the demand for sustainable luxury and predictable arrangements that can accommodate both work and leisure seamlessly. The continued appeal of island destinations in the Atlantic and the Iberian Peninsula underscores a preference for high-quality experiences, balanced by the practical benefits of longer, more cost-efficient stays.
In short, the summer scene for German luxury travelers blends familiarity with discovery. Spain remains a cornerstone, Mallorca stands out for its density of luxury lodging, and the Canary Islands along with other Atlantic and Mediterranean spots continue to attract repeat visitors who seek both indulgence and reliability. The winter horizon suggests more long-stay routes and flexible programs, as travelers look to stretch their budgets while maintaining a premium experience. All these shifts reflect a market that values comfort, consistency, and the freedom to tailor a stay to personal rhythms and needs, even as global travel recalibrates after the pandemic.