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.

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...
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Europe Online Travel Overview 2018 Market Sheet
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: January 2019 Analysts: Coney Dongre, David Juman, Ralph Merten, Benedikt Hofmeister, Linda SchmidtDespite economic and political challenges in the region, Europe’s travel market continues to expand. Gross travel bookings were projected to climb 2% in 2018, with most supplier segments projected to...

Europe Online Travel Overview 2018
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: December 2018 Analysts: David Juman, Ralph Merten, Benedikt Hofmeister, Linda Schmidt US $2,495Despite economic and political challenges in the region, Europe’s travel market continues to expand. Gross travel bookings will climb 2% in 2018, with most supplier segments projected to notch at least...

Germany Online Travel 2018: By the Numbers
Category: Market Overview & Sizing Published: December 2018 Analysts: Linda Schmidt, David Juman, Ralph Merten, Karen BurkaConsolidation in Germany’s airline segment will contribute to a slight dip in gross travel bookings in 2018, after which the market is projected to establish a four-year upward trajectory. Buoyed by the...