Strengthening Children’s and Youth Travel – Politics Must Act
As part of today’s parliamentary breakfast, the nationwide associations for children’s and youth travel presented their key political demands. Representatives of the sector made it clear: children’s and youth travel is far more than leisure – it is an essential contribution to the personal development, education, and social participation of young people.
The discussion focused on questions of quality, accessibility, and support for children’s and youth travel. The associations emphasized that their quality seals stand for safety, educational value, and reliable standards – from the selection and training of supervisory staff to certified accommodations and educational programs. At the same time, they pointed out that children and young people from low-income families are facing increasing barriers to participation. Yet all young people should have the opportunity to take part in group travel and benefit from these valuable experiences, regardless of their background, income, or individual circumstances.
Another key topic was the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles, particularly in cross-border group travel. Travel facilitation and simplified administrative procedures must receive stronger political support to ensure that language trips, class trips, and holiday programs abroad remain both possible and attractive. Especially in times of growing social inequality, increasing digitalization, and urgent climate and sustainability challenges, children and young people need spaces where they can develop independence, teamwork, and intercultural understanding.
The associations are therefore calling on the federal government to:
Ensure access and participation for all: Children’s and youth travel must be possible regardless of origin, income, or disability. Financial and bureaucratic barriers must be removed.
Expand financial support: Every child and young person should be able to take part in at least one supervised trip per year – for example through travel vouchers or an enhanced education and participation package.
Invest in accommodations and infrastructure: The renovation backlog in children’s and youth facilities must be reduced, accessibility ensured, and sustainable modernization supported. Mobility in rural areas also requires reliable funding.
Safeguard school and class trips: These trips must be an integral part of the education system – with clear framework conditions, trained staff, and secure funding.
Reduce bureaucracy and strengthen volunteerism: Families, providers, and volunteers need fewer hurdles, more flexibility, and fair financial recognition for their commitment.
Adapt travel law to practice: The specific conditions of children’s and youth travel must be taken into account in package travel legislation.
The associations emphasize: children’s and youth travel represents education, participation, and future development all at once. To ensure that this key educational field does not come under further pressure, clear political commitment and reliable federal support are essential.
