Mr. Merten has authored and contributed to a range of Phocuswright reports and other research centered on the European travel industry. He has helped shape Phocuswright's European research, in particular the Europe Online Travel Overview, where he oversees market sizing and coordinates Phocuswright's European analyst team. Since 2007, he has written various spotlights dealing with European online travel agencies, tour operators, airlines and car rentals. Ralph has also managed numerous custom research projects focusing on travel technology and marketing strategy. He is executive vice president at h2c GmbH, a professional service provider for the hospitality industry, and holds a degree in aircraft and aerospace technology from the Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
Areas of Research
Ralph is well versed in the trends that shape the European travel marketplace. His knowledge of the region's many markets enables him to research and analyze each country's unique opportunities and challenges, while appreciating Europe's interconnectivity with the global travel industry.
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Scandinavia Online Travel 2019: Key Developments
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: December 2019 Analysts: Marty Kostmann, Ralph Merten, Karen BurkaScandinavia has become the center of climate activism over the past two years, with “flygskam” (or “flight shame”) prompting travelers to forsake flying for rail travel to reduce their carbon...

Scandinavia Online Travel 2019: By the Numbers
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: December 2019 Analysts: Marty Kostmann, Ralph Merten, Karen BurkaRising smartphone penetration rates, coupled with nearly ubiquitous internet access will translate to steady growth for Scandinavia’s online travel market over the next several years. Meanwhile, travel...
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Germany Online Travel 2019: Key Developments
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: November 2019 Analysts: Linda Schmidt, Ralph Merten, Karen BurkaGerman airlines are facing key challenges on multiple fronts, including competition from foreign carriers, rising fuel prices and growing environmental activism that promotes other forms of travel...

Germany Online Travel Overview 2019
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: November 2019 Analysts: Linda Schmidt, Ralph Merten, Karen Burka US $795With record-low unemployment and a growing reputation as a global travel destination, Germany is well positioned to remain Europe’s largest travel market. Despite some geopolitical and economic...
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Germany Online Travel 2019: By the Numbers
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: November 2019 Analysts: Linda Schmidt, Ralph Merten, Karen BurkaRising internet penetration continues to boost online travel revenue in Germany, with 6% growth in online bookings projected for 2019. By 2022, online distribution, powered by supplier-direct web and...