Tourexpi
The GTBI is an industry indicator for tourism purchasing and is based on a quarterly survey of international buyers from the ITB Buyers Circle. The index provides valuable insights into the current market situation and the expectations of tourism buyers and serves as an early indicator for the development of the travel market.
In May 2025, the index shows a more cautious assessment of the current purchasing situation compared to February, while expectations for the coming months remain stable overall.
Current market situation: Purchasing activities show more moderate momentum
52% of respondents report an increase in purchasing volume in the past six months compared to the previous year, while 20% see no change and 29% observe a decline. With regard to the proportion of fixed purchases, 48% reported an increase, 34% a stable development and 18% a decrease. According to 69% of participants, contractual expenditure in purchasing has increased, while 23% report no change and 8% report a decrease.
The Current Situation Index falls to 81 points (February 2025: 94 points).
Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI): Current situation assessed more cautiously - expectations remain stable. copyright: ITB Berlin/ Dr. Fied & Partner
Future expectations: Predominantly stable to cautiously positive
Expectations in the sector remain positive overall, albeit with somewhat subdued momentum compared to previous quarters. 45% of those surveyed expect purchasing volumes to increase in the coming six months, 49% expect them to remain the same and 5% anticipate a decline. With regard to the proportion of fixed purchases, 40% expect an increase, 53% a stable contract situation and 8% a reduction. With regard to contractual expenses, 63% expect an increase, 33% expect the burden to remain the same and 4% expect a decrease.
The Future Expectation Index stands at 84 points (February 2025: 92 points).
Global Travel Buyer Index
The Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI)stands at 83 points in May 2025. This continues the slight downward trend from February (93 points). The current results indicate a more cautious assessment of the tourism purchasing market overall, with expectations for the coming months remaining stable.
The GTBI is updated quarterly and provides continuous market monitoring for tour operators, destinations and service providers.
About the sample
In May 2025, a total of 91 tourism buyers took part in the survey. The majority make purchases for the source markets Germany (29%), Europe (43%) and Asia (9%), while the remaining respondents buy for North America, South America, Africa, Oceania or for all source markets equally. Procurement focuses in particular on hotels (87%), DMC services (62%), package tours (51%), activities & events (48%) and transfers (48%).
Picture Credit: © geralt
The most interesting news
Read the News

Travel technology at ITB Berlin 2026: AI and global innovation reshape the industry
With six fully booked Travel Tech halls, strong international participation and a new Travel Tech Track in the convention programme, ITB Berlin 2026 underscores its role as the world’s leading platform for travel technology and digital transformati
Read the News

Türkiye’s airline fleets expand significantly over five years
Driven by rising passenger demand and major airport investments, Türkiye’s airlines have expanded their fleets sharply since 2021, with Turkish Airlines accounting for the largest share at the end of 2025
Read the News

Emirates extends Chauffeur-Drive service in Japan to Narita and Kansai
Premium ground service now available at three major Japanese airports from February and March 2026
Read the News

Moxy Hotels brings a playful twist to the New Year with Sweet Moxy Fest
Limited-edition candy cocktails and interactive lobby experiences roll out across 10 Moxy Hotels in China
Read the News

DRV welcomes National Tourism Strategy as a clear signal for the travel industry
German cabinet sets priorities on competitiveness, cutting red tape and sustainable development
Read the News

Celebrity River Cruises announces 10 additional ships and opens 2028 Europe season
With an order for ten new vessels and the opening of bookings for its 2028 European season, Celebrity River Cruises is significantly accelerating its expansion on Europe’s rivers
Read the News

Air India expands single-aisle fleet with order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets
By ordering 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Air India is accelerating the modernisation of its fleet and reinforcing its growth strategy in India’s rapidly expanding domestic and regional aviation market
Read the News

Hurghada: TUI Care Foundation supports Maaza Bedouin community through cultural tourism
With a new cultural tourism initiative in Hurghada, the TUI Care Foundation is strengthening the visibility, livelihoods and cultural heritage of Egypt’s Maaza Bedouin community while creating authentic experiences for visitors to the Red Sea desti
Read the News

TAT launches ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign with LISA as Amazing Thailand Ambassador
With a new TV commercial featuring Lalisa “LISA” Manobal, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening its Trusted Thailand strategy and positioning the country as a high-quality destination through emotion-led storytelling
Read the News

China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan
Beijing cites security concerns and earthquake risks as tensions with Tokyo remain high
Read the News

Four Seasons marks 65 years with focus on disciplined global growth
Anniversary year highlights expansion in key markets, residential strength and the debut of Four Seasons Yachts
Read the News

Spain presents Tourism 2030 Strategy at FITUR and strengthens global tourism governance
At FITUR 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism outlines strategic priorities for the decade ahead, relaunches social dialogue in hospitality and confirms the opening date of the Parador de Ibiza
Read the News

Emirates and Air Peace activate bilateral interline agreement
Enhanced partnership expands seamless connectivity between Africa, the UAE and London
Read the News

Shiso City unveils new sustainable experiences rooted in forests, fermentation and heritage railways
Located near Kyoto and Osaka, the forest-rich city in Hyogo Prefecture positions itself as an emerging destination for nature-based and culturally grounded travel
Read the News

Diamond Princess expands culinary offering with two new specialty restaurants
Makoto Ocean and the Crown Grill debut for the 2026 Asia and Japan season, further enhancing Princess Cruises’ dining experience at sea
Read the News

Germany issues travel alert for the United States after Minneapolis shooting
Foreign Ministry urges vigilance following violent confrontations during protests in several U.S. cities
Read the News

Eurowings expands services and routes in early 2026
Fast onboard internet, a top employer award, flexible flight vouchers and a new summer route from Graz underline Eurowings’ focus on connectivity and quality
Read the News

ITB Berlin 2026 launches ITB Navigator for matchmaking and show preparation
New digital platform supports networking, appointment planning and information access ahead of ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026
Read the News

Marella Cruises reveals headline acts for 30th Birthday sailings in May 2026
Live performances and celebrity Q&A sessions will mark three decades of Marella Cruises with celebratory voyages across the fleet
Read the News

Oceania Cruises marks America’s 250th anniversary with distinctive Alaska and New England voyages
Luxury cruise line unveils 19 journeys in 2026 combining heritage, landscapes and destination-focused culinary experiences
Read the News

Condor launches daily Frankfurt–Cairo service from May 2026
New route strengthens Condor’s international network and expands access to a key market in North Africa
