German Vacationers Favor Familiar Company on Holidays

Survey Insights: German Tourists' Social Preferences

The German Institute for Market Research GfK conducted a survey involving over 1,000 German tourists, half of whom regularly vacation abroad. The findings suggest that a significant portion of German travelers are inclined to socialize primarily with other Germans during their holidays. In fact, 37% of respondents indicated a preference for exclusively interacting with compatriots, with this figure rising to 48.5% among East Germans. Additionally, 25.1% of participants expressed no interest in making new acquaintances while on vacation, with East Germans again showing a higher rate at 31.2%.

The Issue with International Camaraderie

Despite the global nature of travel, 62% of German tourists surveyed seem to avoid forming connections with travelers from other countries, a sentiment that is even more pronounced among East Germans at 79.7%. However, there is still a segment of the population that embraces international interactions, with 11.3% of respondents enjoying meeting foreign tourists and 20.4% open to engaging with local residents.

Preferred Destinations and National Tensions

When it comes to favorite holiday spots, German tourists show a clear preference for countries with a substantial German presence. Spain tops the list with 17.4% of the vote, followed by Turkey at 13.4%, and Italy at 11.6%. Interestingly, the survey also shed light on the perceived behavior of tourists from various nations. A notable 61% of German travelers reported encountering improper behavior from other tourists, with 20% attributing this to British tourists, 18.5% to Russians, and 15% even to fellow Germans. Dutch tourists were mentioned by 11.9% of respondents. The majority, 62.2%, expressed discomfort in the presence of inebriated tourists of any nationality.

Conversely, Swiss and Austrian tourists were generally not considered bothersome, except in Bavaria, where 15.1% of locals took issue with Austrian tourists and 10.6% with Swiss visitors.

The Impact of Cultural Comfort on Travel Choices

The GfK survey results underscore a broader trend where cultural comfort significantly influences travel choices. This preference for familiar cultural surroundings can shape the tourism industry, as destinations may cater to specific nationalities to create a more welcoming environment for their largest visitor demographics.

The Data Behind the Preferences

• Communication Preferences:

  • 37% prefer to communicate with Germans only.
  • 48.5% in East Germany prefer German-only communication.
  • 25.1% do not seek new acquaintances.
  • 31.2% in East Germany do not seek new acquaintances.

• Openness to International Interaction:

  • 11.3% enjoy meeting foreign tourists.
  • 20.4% are open to local interactions.

• Top Destinations for German Tourists:

  • Spain: 17.4%
  • Turkey: 13.4%
  • Italy: 11.6%

• Perceptions of Tourist Behavior:

  • British tourists are considered bothersome by 20%.
  • Russian tourists irritate 18.5%.
  • German tourists themselves are a concern for 15%.
  • Dutch tourists are mentioned by 11.9%.

• Regional Variations:

  • In Bavaria, 15.1% are not satisfied with Austrian tourists, 10.6% with Swiss tourists.

The GfK's findings offer a valuable perspective on the social dynamics of German travelers and their impact on international tourism. For more information on travel trends and behaviors, you can visit the GfK website or explore the latest travel insights on TripAdvisor.

Understanding these preferences can help the tourism industry tailor experiences to meet the expectations of German tourists, ensuring their holiday experiences are enjoyable and align with their comfort zones.