Stories

#MachtOffline: Social media campaign for digital time-out brings DERTOUR fourfold award success

No posts. No stories. No explanation. This is exactly what led to one of DERTOUR’s most native social media campaigns – a clear statement in favour of digital time-outs, real relaxation and a message that captures the spirit of the times.

What caused a stir in the community in May 2024 is a multi-award-winning beacon of the industry in summer 2025. #MachtOffline was honoured with four of the most important communication awards in the German-speaking world – the 916 Award, the DPOK and the German Brand Award (double honour) – for creative excellence, strategic impact and emotional brand management.

Stories

Tourism with purpose: The DERTOUR Foundation’s new projects at a glance

In 2025, we are proud to announce four new projects that embody this purpose. Whether in coastal Egypt, island communities in the Indian and Caribbean oceans, or rural towns in southern Europe and Southeast Asia, these projects demonstrate how the tourism sector can support local resilience, promote inclusive economic participation, and help restore fragile ecosystems.

Each initiative is shaped by strong local partnerships and backed by DERTOUR Group’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every step of the travel experience—from the hotels we offer, to the excursions we promote, to the way we engage with destination communities.

DERTOUR Group

STATEMENT: Christoph Debus, CEO DERTOUR Group, on the business development of DERTOUR Group in 2024 

In the 2024 financial year, the DERTOUR Group benefited from the continued widespread appetite for travel in Europe. Despite challenging times, we were once again able to record a strong increase in demand for travel. As the focus on material goods is decreasing, the importance of experiences continues to grow. Especially in times of change and digital distance, consumers are consciously investing in their well-being.

DERTOUR Group

Travel buzz amongst Europeans continues: DERTOUR Group reports strong growth in 2024 and optimistic outlook for 2025

As a leading name in the travel and tourism sector, DERTOUR Group shares its latest insights into the European travel market at the international travel and trade show, ITB, in Berlin: Operating in 16 European source markets with over 130 travel companies and boasting a team of over 10,000 professionals, the Group was able to profit from a strong demand for travel in 2024, leading to a positive forecast for the year 2025.

DERTOUR Group

Sebastian Spratte Appointed Chief Financial Officer of DERTOUR Group Hotel Division

Effective April 1, 2025, Sebastian Spratte will be appointed Chief Financial Officer of the DERTOUR Group Hotel Division. Additionally, he will become a member of the Aldiana management team, succeeding Max-Peter Droll, who will take over the role as Senior Advisor Hotels & Resorts. In this dual role, Spratte will report directly to Karl J. Pojer, CEO of the DERTOUR Group Hotel Division. 

DERTOUR Group

DERTOUR Group takes over Hotelplan Group, with the exception of Interhome

DERTOUR Group acquires the entire Hotelplan Group from Migros, with the exception of Interhome, thereby strengthening its presence as a travel group in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany. The DERTOUR Group is already represented in 16 countries with over 130 companies and more than 10,000 employees. The takeover will take place as soon as possible – subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.

DERTOUR Group

DERTOUR Group takes over Hotelplan Group, with the exception of Interhome

DERTOUR Group acquires the entire Hotelplan Group from Migros, with the exception of Interhome, thereby strengthening its presence as a travel group in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany. The DERTOUR Group is already represented in 16 countries with over 130 companies and more than 10,000 employees. The takeover will take place as soon as possible – subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.

DERTOUR Group

Proširenje specijalizirane ponude putovanja: DERTOUR Group preuzima I.D. Riva Tours, turoperatoraspecijaliziranog za putovanja u Hrvatsku

„DERTOUR Deutschland GmbH“ preuzima specijaliziranog organizatora putovanja – turoperatora I.D. Riva Tours te time jača svoju ponudu u segmentu specijaliziranih putovanja. I.D. Riva Tours sa 55 zaposlenika, jedan je od najpoznatijih organizatora putovanja u Hrvatsku, s fokusom na krstarenja malim brodovima, grupna putovanja te iznajmljivanje kuća za odmor i apartmana.

DERTOUR Group

Expansion of Specialist Travel Portfolio: DERTOUR Germany acquires specialist for Croatia travelI.D. Riva Tours

DERTOUR Deutschland GmbH acquires the specialist tour operator I.D. Riva Tours and is thereby strengthening its offering in the specialist travel segment. I.D. Riva Tours, with 55 employees, is one of the most renowned providers of travel to Croatia, focusing on cruises on small ships, group travel, as well as holiday homes and apartments. Subject to antitrust approvals, the takeover is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2025.

DERTOUR Group

Change in the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group: Christoph Debus takes over as CEO

With effect from March 1, 2025, Christoph Debus will become CEO of the DERTOUR Group. Debus will lead the international tourism group with over 10,000 employees as Chairman of the Executive Board of the DERTOUR Group together with Dr. Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe, Patrick Lambertz, CFO from January 1, 2025, and Leif Vase Larsen, CEO International. Debus will also be a member of REWE Group’s extended Management Board team as Divisional Director for Tourism.

DERTOUR Hotels & Resorts / Aldiana

DERTOUR Hotel Division continues to invest in club brand Aldiana: Exclusive resorts acquired in Italy and Spain

DERTOUR Hotel Division continues to invest in the premium club brand Aldiana and acquires two exclusive resorts in Spain and Italy. With effect from year-end, the DERTOUR Hotel Division is taking over the former LABRANDA Rocca Nettuno Tropea hotel from the FTI Group. Aldiana is thus expanding its portfolio with an exclusive resort in Calabria, the southernmost region of the Italian mainland.

Stories

From Vision to Community Transformation: Smiling Gecko and DERTOUR Foundation’s Journey

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Smiling Gecko, a Swiss aid organisation which aims to support rural development in Cambodia.
The Smiling Gecko project has positively impacted the lives of socially disadvantaged Cambodians. A Swiss social entrepreneur, artist, and photographer, Hannes Schmid founded this aid project to help those living in impoverished conditions near Phnom Penh. Over a 150-hectare site, the project employs a holistic approach to uplift the community and provide opportunities and resources.

DERTOUR Group

Change in the Leadership Team of DERTOUR Germany and DERTOUR Central Europe

Effective January 1, 2025, Stefan Römheld, Chief Financial Officer DERTOUR Central Europe, will be appointed to the executive management of DERTOUR Germany as well as DERTOUR Central Europe.
“Stefan Römheld brings extensive experience and a proven track record from recent years. We are confident that he, with his strategic mindset, will help ensure our company’s continued growth in the future.”

Stories

Ensuring Ecosystem Balance: WORC and DERTOUR Foundation’s Mangrove Conservation

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to the Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation (WORC), an organization that has been at the forefront of ecosystem conservation in Sri Lanka. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, offering protection against erosion, filtering pollutants, and serving as carbon sinks. WORC’s innovative approach involves planting mangrove trees strategically to create natural barriers, fostering growth and mitigating the impact of motorized boats that often threaten these delicate ecosystems.

DERTOUR Group / Human Resources

Change in the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group: Patrick Lambertz succeeds Boris Schnabel as CFO Group

Effective January 1, 2025, Patrick Lambertz will join DERTOUR Group from the REWE Group and take over the role of CFO Group from Boris Schnabel. As a member of the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group, he will form the operational leadership team of the international tourism group, together with Dr. Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe, and Leif Vase Larsen, CEO International.

Hundetraining Wildspürhund
Stories

Protecting Wildlife: Endangered Wildlife Trust and DERTOUR Foundation’s Joint Conservation Efforts

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we celebrate the remarkable work of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), one of the largest and most respected biodiversity conservation NGOs in southern Africa.
Since its inception in 1973, the EWT has continually expanded its efforts to protect ecosystems and species across Southern and East Africa. Their mission is to safeguard wildlife for the benefit of animals, people, and nature alike.

DERTOUR Group

DERTOUR Group acquires IT and digital development company Anixe

Subject to the antitrust clearance by the relevant competition authorities, the DERTOUR Group is acquiring the technology company Anixe, headquartered in Wroclaw (Poland), from the Munich-based FTI Group. With Anixe, a leading technology provider in the travel sector, the DERTOUR Group further expands its technological and digital expertise, laying the foundation for future content enhancements in the booking and distribution systems.

Stories

Empowering Thailand’s Disadvantaged Youth: Pimali and DERTOUR Foundation Team Up

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we celebrate the remarkable work of the Pimali Association and its impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth in Thailand.

Founded in 2013 by Stéphanie des Arts-Loup and Alexandre des Arts, Pimali is dedicated to equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to build successful futures.
Through comprehensive training, the organization empowers young people, helping them escape cycles of poverty and exploitation.

Stories

Reviving Education in Camagüey: DERTOUR Foundation’s Partnership with FLY & Help

Today, we shine a spotlight on the DERTOUR Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, focusing on the partnership with the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP. Together, we are dedicated to improving education through the renovation project of the “Juan Manuel Viamonte” elementary school in Cuba. In the vibrant city of Camagüey, nestled in the heart of Cuba, lies the “Juan Manuel Viamonte” elementary school, a cornerstone of the community since the 1970s. Over the years, this institution has seen generations of children pass through its doors.

Stories

Protecting Sea Turtles: DEKAFOK and DERTOUR Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Efforts

Today, we are highlighting DEKAFOK as part of our “10 Faces” series, which honours the DERTOUR Foundation’s 10-year anniversary. DEKAFOK is a key partner dedicated to protecting sea turtles on the Turkish Mediterranean coast – this is their story of conservation and community engagement.
The Turkish Mediterranean coast, a popular tourist destination, also serves as a nesting site for two of the seven sea turtle species; these include the loggerhead turtle and the green sea turtle. In particular, Titreyengöl beach, is a nesting area for these endangered animals.

Stories

Maasai Women’s Education Centre: DER Touristik Foundation Collaborates with ECLAT to Empower Women in Tanzania

As the DER Touristik Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to the Maasai Women’s Education Centre in Tanzania, which supports the education of women and girls.  

Traditionally, women have few rights among the Maasai in Tanzania. They are usually married off during adolescence and then must care for themselves and their children.

DERTOUR Foundation Projekt Malediven Korallen
Stories

Restoring Coral Reefs: DER Touristik Foundation’s Collaboration with Maldives Coral Institute

As the DER Touristik Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Maldives Coral Institute (MCI), a science-led organisation that aims to help coral reefs to survive and adapt to the changing climate.
Their mission is to research, develop and implement the means to build coral resilience, mitigate adverse human impact and save our corals and reefs from irreversible loss and degradation.

Baraka Lazaro_Berufsbildungszentrum im Simanjiro-Distrikt
Stories / Sustainability

Transforming Lives through Vocational Training: DER Touristik Foundation’s partnership with ECLAT and upendo

As the DER Touristik Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to ECLAT, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation which is committed to improving life in poor communities in Tanzania, and upendo e.V., a Germany-based charity which supports development projects in Africa.

Stories / Sustainability

Celebrating A Decade of Empowerment: KOTO and DER Touristik Foundation

As the DER Touristik Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners, and one that holds a special place in our hearts is KOTO. Celebrating over 25 years of dedication to its cause, KOTO, founded by the visionary Jimmy Pham, spans its influence from Vietnam to Australia, embodying the ethos of “Know One, Teach One.”

Pojer, Karl J. / CEO DT Hotel Division
DERTOUR Group

Karl J. Pojer appointed new CEO of DERTOUR Group Hotel Division

With immediate effect, Karl. J. Pojer will be overseeing the entire Hotel Division of DER Touristik Group. With extensive management experience in the international hotel and cruise industry, he will head up one of DER Touristik Group’s main growth areas. As the new CEO of DERTOUR Group Hotel Division, Mr. Pojer will report to Dr. Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe and Member of the Executive Board of DERTOUR Group.

DERTOUR Group / DERTOUR Hotels & Resorts

Expanded position in the market for land-based travel: DERTOUR Group acquires a majority stake in DR Hospitality

DERTOUR Group has just made another major investment in its growing hotel business and increased its holdings in the market for land-based travel. The hotel division of the DERTOUR Group, DER Touristik Hotel & Resorts GmbH (Cologne), has acquired a majority stake in DR Hospitality GmbH & Co. KG, a company based in the northeastern German city of Rostock.