Turkey remains the leading summer holiday destination for German travellers despite geopolitical uncertainty and changing travel patterns, according to the president of the German Travel Association (DRV). Industry leaders say demand has recovered strongly following a brief slowdown earlier this year, with bookings expected to accelerate during the peak summer season.
German Holiday Demand Returns After Temporary Slowdown
Speaking at the Turkish Embassy's summer reception in Berlin, DRV President Albin Loidl said the 2026 summer season had started strongly before reservations temporarily slowed during March as travellers reacted to conflict in the Middle East.
However, he said confidence has returned in recent weeks, with last-minute bookings expected to drive a successful summer season. He said: "We started the summer season very brightly and strongly. A highly optimistic atmosphere has been re-established in the market in recent weeks, and business volume will gain significant momentum with last-minute requests."
Loidl also noted that Turkey remains the number one summer destination for German travellers, adding that current forecasts indicate the country will retain its leading position throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Quality and Value Continue to Attract German Visitors
According to Loidl, German travellers continue to prioritise destinations offering high-quality accommodation, attractive beaches and reliable tourism infrastructure, areas where Turkey continues to perform strongly.
He said: "When Germans come to a destination, they first look for beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure and equipment quality in hotels. These features exist at an extraordinary level in Turkey. Turkey has excellent all-inclusive hotel complexes that are extremely well managed."
At the same time, Loidl stressed the importance of maintaining a strong price-to-value proposition, noting that German holidaymakers remain highly conscious of travel costs when comparing destinations across Europe.
Tourism Outlook Remains Positive
Despite higher energy costs and wider economic uncertainty affecting household budgets across Europe, Loidl said German consumers continue to prioritise holidays. He noted that German households have consistently allocated between 6% and 8% of their net income to travel.
He added that maintaining competitive pricing will be essential as Turkey competes with other Mediterranean destinations for visitors. He said: "If Turkish hoteliers maintain balanced budgets and pricing policies, they could easily attract many more guests from Germany."
Cameron Deggin 
Founder & CEO, Property Turkey
Cameron Deggin is Founder and CEO of Property Turkey. A former finance professional and FCCA-qualified accountant, he founded the company in 2001 after recognising Turkey’s investment potential. With more than two decades analysing Turkish real estate, Cameron regularly advises international investors and is quoted by media including the Financial Times and BBC.
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