Is Lidl throwing in the towel?

The discounter Lidl is to stop arranging trips at the end of the year. This was reported by the German industry portal «FVW», citing a communication sent to Lidl Reisen's partners. Lidl Germany is not commenting on the alleged withdrawal, but has not, however, denied it.

The discounter cooperates with a range of tour operators. An important partner was the FTI subsidiary Big Xtra, which went bankrupt alongside its parent company at the beginning of June. According to the report, other tour operator partners of Lidl-Reisen include Falk Travel and Coral Travel.

Lidl entered the travel agency business in December 2006, almost in parallel with its competitor Aldi. From 2016, Lidl Reisen even temporarily tried its hand at the tour operator business itself. However, in May 2020, shortly after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the discounter made a U-turn and from then on resumed work exclusively as a travel agent.

Lidl Reisen is currently also active in Austria and Switzerland. Travelnews reached out to Lidl Switzerland's media office to inquire about  the future of their travel business in this country. However, their response was rather vague, stating simply: “We appreciate your understanding, but we are unable to comment at this time.” Their answer is not very enlightening. It writes succinctly: “We ask for your understanding that we are unable to comment at this time.”