The travel fair Reisen and Caravan at the Messe Erfurt has been running since 29 October and ends on Sunday. According to the organisers, the 2026 event is fully booked; they say it has a record number of exhibitors . Exhibitors in Halls 2 and 3 are showcasing motorhomes, caravans, travel offers and accessories. The latest observations come from the fair weekend: exhibitors report noticeably younger prospective customers, stronger demand for more compact motorhomes and a sharp increase in interest in accessories.
Several caravanning-Manufacturers say there is growing demand for smaller layouts with flexible seating and storage modules. Their target customers are urban couples and first-time buyers, who value ease of handling and lower running costs more highly than maximum vehicle size. Dealers also stress that equipment packages are becoming more important: parking heaters, solar panels and battery-powered systems are among the products in demand, as they ensure comfort even on short trips and during the shoulder season. Accessory sales also help stabilise margins, according to the view expressed at the trade fair stand.
Thuringia’s largest travel fair brings together traditional catalogue offers, advice on long-haul travel and regional inspiration. In the special area Discover my Thuringia destinations from across the state are promoting short breaks, activity holidays and cultural programmes. According to trade fair observers, demand for family holidays and long-haul travel remains steady; at the same time, interest is growing in flexible, nature-focused ways of travelling that can be planned at short notice.
Final visitor figures were not available by midday on Sunday. However, the organisers point to heavy footfall in the camping and caravanning sections. Whether the apparent trends – younger customers, more compact models and more technology packages – will prove lasting will only become clear from sales figures in the coming months. Alongside prices and financing, factors include delivery times, campsite capacity and energy prices. What is clear is that the trade fair gives manufacturers and dealers immediate feedback and provides regional tourism with a platform to prepare for the 2027 season.
The trade fair’s focus in Erfurt therefore highlights an industry direction that places greater emphasis on efficiency, flexible use and self-sufficient energy supply than on size alone. For Messe Erfurt itself, the full capacity confirms the event’s role as a showcase for trends and a meeting place for manufacturers, retailers and the public in central Germany.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).