2024-07-19 07:42:21
Significantly increased travel spending – Mediterranean destinations top the list as holidaymakers opt for beach trips
75% of Europeans plan to travel in the coming months, an increase of 6% from last year, and among the top choice destinations in fourth place is Greece, up one place from 2023. Additionally, Greece ranks of destinations based on the growth of inbound travel spending in the first half of 2024. In particular, travel spending increased by 25% in Spain, by 25% in Greece, by 20% in Italy and by 16% in France. At the same time, all Mediterranean destinations are at the top of the list for European travellers, as holidaymakers opt for sun-soaked beach trips. This is according to the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) latest rolling survey, ‘Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel – Wave 19’, which reveals a marked increase in travel interest among Europeans for the period June – November 2024. The rise is attributed mainly in the strong desire to travel among Spanish, Italian and British travellers. In all three of these countries, eight out of ten respondents indicated an intention to travel during this period. The study also reveals that 36% of Europeans plan to take at least one trip in the coming months, an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. Another 33% plan to make a second trip, while only 24% plan to make three or more trips.
With summer well underway, demand for Mediterranean destinations peaks, with most European travelers (45%) choosing warmer locations for their next holiday. Interest in the South of Europe is stable compared to 2023, but decreases by 10% from 2022. But not for Greece. Meanwhile, western (18%) and northern destinations (13%) continue to be in strong demand. Spain and Italy are the top choices, each preferred by 8% of respondents, followed by France at 7% and Greece at 6%.
This is partly due to travelers’ consistent preference for sun and beach trips, with 19% choosing this type of holiday over the next six months. Other travelers chose culture and heritage holidays (17%), nature and outdoor excursions (14%) and city breaks (13%).
The perception of a destination’s safety (16%) is the most important factor for travelers in the process of choosing a holiday destination, followed by pleasant weather (13), opportunities (11%), friendly locals and stable temperatures (both 8%).
Most travelers surveyed plan to take a trip in the summer months: 45% have traveled or will travel in June and July, and 39% choose August and September. Only 12% aim to travel in October and November, suggesting that the heat waves and high numbers of tourists in destinations with limited carrying capacity, which affected parts of Europe in the summer of 2023, are not greatly affecting this year’s plans.
Air travel is the most popular mode of transport for intra-European travel. Flying is favored by over half (54%) of Europeans, up 5% from last year. This can be partly explained by fully restored air connectivity and the availability of low-cost flights to a variety of destinations across Europe. Travelers from the UK (73%), Spain (68%) and Italy (62%) are most likely to fly to their next holiday destinations. Driving to holiday destinations is the second most popular choice, with 28% of respondents choosing to travel by car – a slight decrease from 2023 (30%). This trend is particularly strong among Germans (40%), Belgians (38%) and Austrians (35%). Train travel remains stable at 10%.
Top concerns for travelers in the summer and fall of 2024 include high travel costs (21%, down 3% from last year), personal finances (16%) and geopolitical issues (11% worried about the Russia-Ukraine war and 10% for tensions in the Middle East). Extreme weather conditions and potential problems in transport connectivity are also major concerns for the 10% of Europeans looking to travel in the coming months.
Source kathimerini.gr