Results
Around one in ten German citizens spontaneously decides on a holiday destination and books last-minute trips. Young adults are by far the most likely to react to offers at short notice, while people in all other phases of life are more likely to plan ahead.
Reasons
Last-minute holidays are very popular as they allow a high degree of flexibility. Spontaneous decisions make it possible to react at short notice to external circumstances such as the weather, a long weekend or remaining holiday days. The desire for a short-term change and a quick escape from everyday life also makes spontaneous holidays attractive. Another reason is the financial benefits. Remaining places with airlines or hotels are often offered at reduced prices, making last-minute holidays a cost-effective alternative. For many, this is an opportunity to discover interesting destinations even on a limited budget.
The above reasons are particularly important for young adults, which is why they show a higher level of interest. Short-term decisions fit well with their lifestyle, which is characterised by independence and spontaneity. They have a high degree of flexibility in their everyday lives due to fewer fixed work or family commitments and can therefore discover attractive destinations at affordable prices "at the last minute". They are also keen to experiment: they react spontaneously to current trends or recommendations and combine a thirst for adventure with freedom.
Despite all these advantages, almost nine out of ten people decide against making a spontaneous booking. A key reason for this is the lack of planning security. Those who book at short notice have less time to prepare for the trip, which brings with it organisational challenges. They also lack the anticipation that comes with long-term planning and is an important part of the holiday experience for many travellers. Another disadvantage is the limited choice. Popular destinations or accommodation are often already fully booked for last-minute bookings. As a result, travellers have to compromise and settle for alternatives that may not meet their original expectations. In addition, the spontaneous nature of last-minute holidays can create unnecessary pressure. The search for suitable offers within a short time frame often leads to stress when planning a trip. Longer-term planning therefore remains the preferred option for many German citizens in order to be able to plan their holiday in a relaxed manner and according to their individual wishes.
Forecast
Last-minute holidays will remain an option for last-minute travellers in the future, but their importance will be redefined by technical and economic developments. Providers will use data-based systems to calculate capacity utilisation more precisely and adjust prices even more dynamically. This will make it possible to show at an early stage which offers are available and at what conditions bookings can be made.
By introducing dynamic pricing models, providers can manage their capacities more efficiently. In times of low demand, prices are reduced in a targeted manner to generate more bookings in the short term. At the same time, prices increase during periods of high demand, making spontaneous holidays less attractive. As a result, last-minute offers are no longer just perceived as bargains, but are more dependent on the current market situation.
This results in advantages for travellers and providers: Optimised capacity management not only improves capacity utilisation, but also increases the profitability of the tourism industry. Travellers benefit from greater transparency in pricing, which enables them to make informed decisions.
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