The ETC’s newest report reveals that 75% of Europeans plan to journey between Might and October 2024, which is 3% greater than final 12 months. Security is a vital think about selecting locations.
In response to the ETC, 37% of respondents plan to take one journey, whereas 57% put together for 2 or extra getaways throughout this era. South European nations, significantly Italy and Spain, are the highest selections for 43% of vacationers. European air site visitors has virtually returned to pre-pandemic ranges, with 55% aspiring to fly to vacation locations, a 5% enhance from 2023.
Moreover, 28% of Europeans plan to journey by automobile, and 13% desire greener choices similar to practice or bus.
Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, commented that it is encouraging to see Europeans sustaining their need to journey regardless of present geopolitical and financial circumstances. He additionally famous that whereas standard locations will proceed to carry out nicely this summer season, there are vital alternatives for lesser-known locations, as many vacationers search quiet and genuine experiences.
The Dedication to Journey
Regardless of security considerations and monetary constraints, Europeans present outstanding resilience of their curiosity in late spring and summer season journey. Enthusiasm is excessive throughout all demographic teams over 25, reaching 81% amongst extra mature vacationers (over 55). These vacationers are navigating a posh panorama of geopolitical tensions, such because the Ukrainian battle and unrest within the Center East, in addition to financial uncertainties, together with inflation and rising residing prices. Nonetheless, their dedication to journey stays robust.
This dedication, mixed with the need to safe a vacation at a extra favorable value, results in reserving prematurely. Round 52% of European vacationers (together with 56% of these aged 18–24) have absolutely or partially booked their upcoming journeys.
Probably the most requested period is from 4 to 6 nights, most popular by 36% of these interviewed. That is adopted by seven to 9 nights (26%) and greater than ten nights (21%).
Budgets remained unchanged in comparison with a 12 months in the past, with 42% of respondents planning to spend as much as 1,000 euros per particular person on their subsequent journey, masking each lodging and transport prices.
The Significance of Security Perceptions
Amid geopolitical tensions, local weather occasions, and financial uncertainties, prioritizing security has develop into essential for traveler selections. The journey trade has responded to those considerations with strong security measures.
Feeling secure is the highest precedence when selecting a vacation spot (16%), adopted by a pleasing local weather (13%), engaging offers and presents (11%), pleasant native communities (9%), and the bottom value of residing within the vacation spot (8%).
Regardless of the robust need to journey, 22% of Europeans are involved about rising bills, and 17% are apprehensive about private funds within the present financial local weather. As well as, geopolitical tensions, such because the battle in Ukraine and unrest within the Center East, are growing considerations, with 12% and 10%, respectively, expressing unease. Different vital sources of concern embrace disruptions in transportation choices (10%), overcrowding (9%), and excessive climate occasions (8%).
Native Delicacies and Pure Magnificence
European vacationers are exhibiting a robust choice for vacation locations with scenic magnificence and native delicacies. Many Europeans plan to journey inside Europe within the upcoming months, with 34% planning to journey in Might and June, 44% in July and August, and 17% in September and October. There’s a rising curiosity in leisure journey, with 74% expressing a need to indulge, which is a 5% enhance in comparison with final 12 months. This pattern signifies a shift in the direction of extra relaxed and experiential journey, with vacationers searching for to immerse themselves within the native tradition and surroundings.
The highest summer season locations this 12 months are Italy and Spain, every capturing 8% of curiosity, adopted by France (7%), Greece (6%), and Germany (5%). Probably the most desired vacation kind is a “solar & seashore” trip (20%), adopted by metropolis breaks (16%) in the direction of the top of the season.
European vacationers are drawn to locations with scenic magnificence (19%), alternatives to strive native delicacies (17%), connecting with native communities (15%), and seeing well-known landmarks (15%).
