Dertour reports rising winter travel bookings despite Gulf tensions

German tour operator Dertour said the start of the winter travel season was delayed because of geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf region. Bookings arrived later than last year, leaving overall winter guest numbers still below the previous season.

However, Dertour Germany chief Boris Raoul noted a clear increase in weekly bookings over the past month and expressed optimism for the coming months. More than half of the current winter bookings are for long‑haul destinations, with Thailand and Egypt leading the list. Egypt’s demand is almost double that of a year earlier and may retain its top position, while the Maldives, the Canary Islands and other Asian and Caribbean spots also attract interest.

On the short‑ and medium‑haul side, Egypt, Spain and Turkey dominate, followed by domestic German trips. Raoul highlighted that the market is moving beyond the waiting period and anticipates stronger performance in the winter season.