Tourist holiday destinations abroad have suffered significant losses in recent months as a result of the weak economy, price effects of the euro changeover and fear of terrorist attacks. Many Germans have temporarily turned their backs on air travel to the south and to non-European countries - but have not lost their desire to travel: they favour short trips in the local area. 26 million Germans aged 14 and over (41%) have taken short trips lasting between two and four days in the past twelve months. One in five Germans (20%) have even taken several short trips. This is the result of a recent tourism survey conducted by the Leisure Research Institute of British American Tobacco, in which 3,000 people aged 14 and over in Germany were asked about their travel behaviour from 23 April to 15 May.
"Short trips to local destinations are in demand. What has long applied to the consumption of experiences in everyday life - 'experience more in less time' - also applies to short holidays," says Professor Dr Horst W. Opaschowski, Director of the B-A-T Institute. "A second travel market of short times and short distances is emerging. A great opportunity for Germany as a short holiday destination - and not just since 11 September." Young adults aged 18 to 24 (53%) and childless couples (49%) are over-represented among short-break travellers. People with a net household income of over €2,500 (53%) and higher educated people with a secondary school diploma (56%) or higher education (55%) are also particularly well represented among short-break travellers.

Short breaks: More Baltic and North Sea than Mallorca and Verona

Germany is the Germans' favourite short break destination - with almost no competition. This includes lakes and mountains in the immediate vicinity as well as domestic cultural metropolises. The Baltic Sea (11.5%) and North Sea (10.1%) as well as the Black Forest (9.8%) and Bavarian mountains (10.1%) top the rankings for German short-break travellers.
In comparison, foreign destinations such as France (3.1%), Italy (2.4%) and Spain (1.2%) lag far behind. The three countries Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg together account for just 3.4 per cent. Neighbouring Austria is the only exception, with a market share of ten percent, holding its own alongside domestic short-haul destinations.
In critical and economically difficult times, short breaks offer a successful combination of nature, wellness, culture and culinary delights. They attract short-break tourists who want to see, experience and enjoy almost as much as on their main holiday in less time. Short-break travellers move between sand dunes and chalk cliffs, musicals and world heritage sites, fitness and anti-ageing arrangements, rustic cuisine and culinary highlights. Flexible offers from local holiday regions that are not tied to a rigid weekly rhythm ("arrive on Saturdays") pay off.

"A short holiday from marriage? No, thanks"

The following applies to short breaks when travelling: better together than alone. Half of short-break holidaymakers (50%) travel with their spouse/life partner. A further 18 per cent are travelling with their partner and children. Professor Opaschowski: "The family also proves to be the most important reference group on short holidays. Some focus on their togetherness, while for others the short trip becomes a family experience. Quite conventional and traditional - the 'holiday from marriage' is a legend." In contrast, the sometimes noisy association and club holidays almost lead a shadowy existence (7%). Hardly anyone still travels alone: even two thirds of singles (64%) only set off when they have found friends, a circle of friends or a clique as travelling companions for their short holiday. Like-minded people replace the family on a short holiday.

Technical data of the surveys

Representative survey on the intensity of short trips/travelling partners:
Survey period: 23 April to 25 May 2002
Number of respondents: 3,000 people aged 14 and over

Representative survey on short holiday destinations:
Survey period: 8 January to 1 February 2002
Number of respondents: 8,000 people aged 14 and over