Calls are growing within the German government to reshape the scheduling of summer vacation periods across the country’s federal states. Christoph Ploß, the Federal Government’s Tourism Coordinator, has voiced strong support for greater flexibility and a decoupling of the current vacation timelines.
Speaking to “Bild”, Ploß argued that extending the overall summer vacation window across all states could lead to more balanced utilization rates for accommodation providers, restaurants and leisure facilities. He emphasized the potential benefits of a more uniform vacation period, suggesting it would lessen stress associated with travel and mitigate price fluctuations for holidaymakers.
Ploß’s proposal includes shifting the vacation timeline to begin earlier in June and extend later into September. Critically, he advocates for an end to Bavaria’s existing unique arrangement wherein the state traditionally commences its summer holidays last. A system of rotation among the federal states would, according to Ploß, foster greater fairness and introduce variety, allowing individuals to experience vacations commencing in early June or concluding in September.
The ultimate goal, Ploß stressed, should be to optimally harmonize the competing interests of tourism businesses and individual travelers when determining the schedule for summer vacations. Discussions regarding a potential overhaul of the system are expected to continue within governmental circles.