The German government’s Tourism Coordinator, Christoph Ploß, is advocating for a significant shift in the scheduling of summer holiday dates across the nation’s federal states. Ploß, speaking to Bild newspaper, argues that greater flexibility and a wider time corridor for vacations could yield substantial benefits for the tourism sector and holidaymakers alike.
Currently, each of Germany’s 16 federal states sets its own summer holiday schedule, often resulting in staggered start and end dates. Ploß’s proposal centers on extending the overall duration of the vacation period and aligning the timing more broadly. He envisions a potential earlier commencement in June and a later conclusion in September.
Central to the plan is the phasing out of Bavaria’s current unique scheduling arrangement, where the state traditionally begins its summer holidays last. Ploß suggests a system of rotation amongst the federal states, allowing for more equitable distribution of vacation timing. This would potentially see individuals experience holidays earlier in June or later in September, offering greater variety and potentially alleviating some of the pressures associated with peak travel periods.
The underlying objective, according to Ploß, is to achieve a better balance between the needs of tourism businesses and the desires of travelers, fostering a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the interests of both industry and individuals when considering adjustments to the seasonal holiday calendar.