Trendtours

Trendtours Touristik GmbH operates as a German direct tour operator, having established a significant presence in the travel market since its inception. The company was founded in 2005 by Werner Scheidel, who previously gained experience in the travel sector organizing trips for seniors. He led the company as the sole managing director until 2018. In a strategic move for long-term growth and to arrange for his succession, Scheidel sold Trendtours to the investment company Bregal Unternehmerkapital, which is part of the Brenninkmeijer family-owned Cofra Holding. Following the acquisition, Project A Services also came on board as an investor.

The company's business model is centered on organizing and directly selling packaged tours, which include flight, bus, and sea voyages, as well as spa, adventure, and recreational holidays. Trendtours has specifically carved out a niche by focusing on the "Best Ager" demographic, generally travelers over the age of 55, offering them competitively priced, well-organized travel packages. This clear focus has allowed the company to cultivate a loyal customer base and serve over 400,000 travelers annually in pre-pandemic years. Revenue is generated directly from the sale of these travel packages, which were initially marketed primarily through direct mailings and advertisements in newspapers and magazines.

Under the leadership of CEO Markus Daldrup, who joined in February 2019, Trendtours has been undergoing a transformation. Daldrup, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the German tourism industry, including executive roles at Alltours, has been guiding the company towards expanding its product portfolio and distribution channels. This includes a gradual opening to sales through travel agencies, expanding online offerings, and diversifying the types of trips available. The product portfolio is extensive, featuring everything from European bus tours and cruises to long-haul destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Recognizing diverse customer preferences, the company has also introduced small-group tours and even mini-group excursions for a maximum of six people.

Keywords: direct tour operator, packaged travel, Best Ager travel, senior tourism, group tours, bus travel, German travel company, flight tours, sea voyages, package holidays, European tours, long-haul travel, travel succession planning, private equity travel, Markus Daldrup, Werner Scheidel, Bregal Unternehmerkapital, organized travel, travel for over 55s, direct marketing travel