5 travel predictions for Munich and Bavaria 2021

What will happen to tourism in the year 2021 in Munich and Bavaria?

The year 2020 was dominated by the Covid 19 pandemic. The global tourism industry came to an almost complete halt. Starting in the second half of the year, the situation in Europe recovered again, but tourism remained at a much lower level than before Covid. But how will things continue in 2021? How will Munich, Bavaria and Germany continue in terms of tourism? I dare to take a look into the magic crystal sphere and give a few predictions for tourism in 2021 and 2022:

1. Focus on local guests and guests from neighbouring countries

Although travel restrictions will be lifted as the corona pandemic fades away and international travel will increase again, the next years tourists from far away countries like the USA, Australia, India, China or Russia will only play a secondary role. Especially Germans and Europeans (especially from nearby countries such as Austria, France, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavia and England) will be the main target group of tourists. The hotel and restaurant industry will probably respond to this. In particular hotels, which have a special target group, e.g. Chinese or Russian guests will have to change their approach if required.

2. More expensive air travel

After international air traffic, and especially air travel, came to a complete standstill, the airlines reacted with drastic measures.

The majority of aircraft fleets were mothballed, sold or even scrapped. If the number of passengers now increases, this initially means a shortage of the available seats. Especially on popular travel routes, such as New York – Munich, Los Angeles – Munich or Bangkok – Munich, this will lead to a much higher demand for seats than available. After all, long-haul flights in particular are likely to be more expensive than short and medium-haul flights. This will have an impact on the number of long-haul travellers (see point 1).

3. expanding loyalty programs

The trend towards the creation of loyalty programs will continue. Something that was previously only operated by very large hotel chains now appears to have also arrived at the medium-sized hotel chains. Everywhere you can see the creation of new loyalty programs and the competition for frequent travelers.

But this development will probably also separate the wheat from the chaff. Because not every loyalty program is worth to be used. The Hotel chains will have to focus on providing members with a real advantage compared to “ regular travelers“, but at the same time not losing any money through free upgrades, and cash benefits.

At the same time, there may be so-called „fare wars“, which means that the hotels outbid each other with (free) additional services or more attractive rates. Travelers will also take a closer look at loyalty programs. Only those programs that really offer a benefit, much lower rates or where the collection of points, miles or nights does not degenerate into a mammoth task, are accepted. Programs that will not offer any value will probably be punished by the customers. Especially the trigger word „according to availability“ will surely play a big role here, because it makes a big difference for travelers whether a late checkout is guaranteed or just possible and in reality hardly ever available.

4. Increase in "couponing"

Flash-sales, discount coupons, black-something-sales will gain in significance. In order to avoid or at least to soften the possible oversupply of hotel accommodation (especially outside of usual vacation and travel periods), there will be special sales with coupons and similar things. Possibly this will also be combined with loyalty programs (see point 3).This will often result in very good prices for travelers. But here, too, the customers will have a close eye and hotels with „fake deals“ will have a hard time.

5. Flexible cancellation regulations

Especially in Germany, the topic of „travel cancellation“ was a huge issue. In 2019, Germans were in third place among the countries whose citizens travelled the most (1st place: USA, 2nd place: China, 4th place: UK). In 2020, the value of the trips booked probably totaled several hundred billion US dollars.

And then came Covid-19. Hotels closed, borders closed, flights were cancelled, and all travelers asked themselves „How do I get my money back?

When the travel market reopened slightly, hotels in particular responded with flexible cancellation options, sometimes until a few hours before arrival. Travellers are getting used to this and I believe the flexible cancellation policy will play a big role in the post-covid travel era.

Deal: NH Hotels Munich up to 25% off, free breakfast and more until March 2021

NH Hotels in Munich from 57 USD/night including breakfast and more. Book until Oct. 5th, stays until June 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic also hit Munich and Bavaria. After the lockdown in spring, the hotel industry is recovering only slowly and the cancellation of the Oktoberfest 2020 does the rest to make it difficult for the tourism sector this year. But this also leads to a positive situation for travelers. The hotel prices are at rock bottom and those who want to book a stay now, are often rewarded with cheap rates and sometimes even with additional extras like free breakfast or guaranteed late checkout.

The NH Hotel group currently has a very nice offer for hotel stays. There is up to 25% discount, free breakfast, free late checkout and free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in.

NH Hotels in Munich

The NH Hotel Group, to which several brands such as NH, nhow, TIVOLI, but also renowned brands like AVANI or Anantara belong, operates six hotels in Munich. These are

– The NH Collection Munich Bavaria (Central Station)
– The NH Munich Airport (near Munich International Airport)
– The NH Munich South
– The NH Munich Fair (near Munich Fairgrounds)
– The NH Munich East Conference Center
– The NH Munich Unterhaching (in a suburb of Munich)

While the NH Collection Hotel at the main train station is probably the most modern, central and luxurious of Munich’s NH hotels, the other NH hotels in Munich also offer 4-star comfort (except the NH München City South, which is only 3-star).

Enjoy a stay in Munich

What is included in the rate?

When you book you get the following services included:

The following things can be booked for an extra charge:

How to book?

Book directly via the official NH Hotel Group website: www.nh-hotels.com/hotels/munich

My Opinion

In my opinion, the NH Hotels deal is quite good for Munich hotels. You can book for example the NH Collection Munich hotel, which is directly next to Munich’s Main Station starting from 90 EUR / ~106 USD / ~82 GBP / ~147 AUD per double room. Breakfast is included as well as a late check out.

Pro’s of this offer:

  • Included breakfast
  • Late check out
  • Free cancelation until 48 hours before arrival
  • 5 NH Rewards Points per stay (to be used within 3 months after check out). 1 NH Rewards Point = 1 EUR

Con’s of this offer:

  • Only the NH Collection Munich hotel (which is the mosty luxury NH Hotel in Munich) is in the city centre
  • You have to sign up (for free) for the NH Rewards program to get these rates
  • Parking for cars is not included (extra charge)
  • If you don’t collect NH Reward Points, the 5 points you get are nearly useless, as you can use them only if you have at least 10 points.