Early booking trends for Germany’s 2025 summer holidays reveal that Turkey has emerged as the most sought-after destination, securing €1.2 billion in reservations.
According to the Association of German Travel Agents (DRV), Turkey is in the top 10 holiday destinations for German travelers.
A significant number of German tourists are opting for all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Antalya and the Aegean region, reinforcing Turkey’s appeal as a value-for-money destination. The strong demand has fueled optimism in the country’s tourism industry, with experts predicting that 2025 could be a record-breaking year for Turkish tourism.
Early Bookings Surge in Germany and the UK
As revealed at ITB Berlin 2025, early booking rates in Germany have increased by 6% compared to last year, with families favoring Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts. The trend extends beyond Germany, with British travelers also showing strong demand for Turkey, while a slight slowdown has been observed in the Netherlands and Russia.
Kaan Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association, emphasized the growing confidence in early bookings, stating that the trend has become a habit among travelers. He also highlighted that the Turkish tourism sector is well-prepared to handle the rising influx of visitors, with Antalya alone targeting 18 million tourists in 2025.
Seismic Activity in Greece Shifts Travel Choices
While Turkey’s popularity continues to rise, neighboring Greece has faced challenges due to recent seismic activity on its islands. As a result, some travelers have reportedly canceled their Greek holiday plans in favor of Turkey, further strengthening Turkey’s position as a top summer destination.
Mehmet İşler, Vice President of the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TÜROFED), highlighted that the ITB Berlin Fair has provided crucial insights into upcoming travel trends. He noted that early bookings from Germany are a strong indicator of another record year for Turkish tourism, with the Aegean region seeing a 10% increase in demand compared to last year.
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Strong Demand for Visa-Free Destinations and Cultural Tours
Beyond traditional beach vacations, German and other European travelers are increasingly booking visa-free international trips, further benefiting Turkey. Additionally, cultural tourism is gaining traction, with more tourists booking guided tours across Eastern Anatolia, the Black Sea, and historical sites in neighboring countries.
According to Ali Onaran, Chairman of Prontotour, demand for combined domestic and international travel packages has increased by 40-50% compared to last year. While Antalya remains the most popular destination, Aegean coastal cities are experiencing a growing number of early reservations.
A Record-Breaking Year for Turkish Tourism?
With early booking trends showing strong momentum, Turkish tourism authorities anticipate that 2025 will surpass previous records in visitor numbers. The combination of affordable all-inclusive options, visa-free travel opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences makes Turkey an attractive choice for European travelers.
As more travelers book their summer holidays earlier than ever, the industry remains optimistic about a strong, record-setting year ahead.
