Global Travel Buyer Index for May 2025 Shows a Cautious Stance Among International Buyers

• The GTBI for May 2025 indicates a cautious assessment of the current tourism purchasing market, with a slight decline in the Current Situation Index from February.
• Future expectations in the tourism sector remain stable, with most buyers anticipating steady or increasing purchasing volumes and expenditures.

The Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI), a collaborative effort by Dr Fried & Partner and ITB Berlin, is a quarterly barometer for the tourism industry’s purchasing trends. The latest results from May 2025 reveal a cautious stance among international buyers regarding current market conditions, contrasted with stable future expectations.

In the recent survey, 52% of the participants reported increased purchasing volumes over the past six months, while 29% noted a decline. This represents a more moderate momentum compared to earlier assessments. The Current Situation Index dropped to 81 points, down from 94 points in February 2025. Despite this cautious current outlook, the sector’s future expectations have not faltered significantly. About 45% of buyers anticipate an increase in purchasing volumes over the next six months, and 63% expect a rise in contractual expenses.

The GTBI overall stands at 83 points as of May 2025, continuing a slight downward trend from 93 points in February. This index is crucial for providing insights into the travel market’s dynamics, helping tour operators, destinations, and service providers adjust their strategies accordingly.

The survey included responses from 91 tourism buyers, primarily from Germany, Europe, and Asia, who are involved in purchasing hotels, DMC services, package tours, activities & events, and transfers. This diverse group of buyers provides a comprehensive view of the market trends across various regions and service categories.

Overall, while the current market assessment has become more cautious, the stable future expectations suggest a balanced outlook for the travel industry as it navigates through varying economic conditions. The GTBI continues to be an essential tool for industry stakeholders to monitor and respond to the evolving market landscape.