77% of Europeans plan to travel this semester, says ETC

Global issues such as Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have not changed Europeans’ desire to travel. Three in four Europeans intend to take a trip in the next six months, with EU Mediterranean destinations having the highest appeal. Already dreaming about Summer, 77% of Europeans plan to travel between April and September 2022. Over half (56%) of them want to visit another European country, while 31% choose domestic travel.

These are the findings of the latest research by the European Travel Commission (ETC) on “Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel – Wave 11”. ETC is a non-profit organisation that gathers 34 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from 33 member countries in Europe.

 “Our report demonstrates that European confidence in travelling is growing now that COVID-19 has largely become a fact of life," says ETC’s president, Luís Araújo. "New uncertainties on the horizon, namely the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rising cost of living, are presenting challenges for the travel sector. However, ETC is pleased to see that in spite of these uncertainties, appetite for travel is still on the rise, and the European tourism sector remains resilient,” adds Araújo, who also presides the Portuguese National Tourism Authority.

When questioned what Europeans miss the most about travelling, most Gen Z travellers (18-24 years old) said they miss the chance to create new lasting memories; while the 25-44 age group long to escape from routine. Most Europeans over 45 years of age replied they miss enjoying life in a relaxing environment. Family travel (40%) is getting slightly more popular over travelling with one’s partner (37%).

Across all analysed markets, respondents from Italy, Spain, Poland, the UK, and Germany demonstrate the strongest optimism about taking a trip (more than 80%). Respondents from Belgium got nearly there.

Belgian optimism

Belgians' willingness to travel has increased from September 2021 to March 2022. Last year, 66% of Belgians thought about travelling. Now it’s 72% who aim to hit the road.

ETC's study reveals that 36% of Belgians would like to visit a neighbouring country, 27% a non-neighbouring European country, 18% want to travel inside Belgium, and 15% plan to visit a country outside the EU.

According to the research, Belgians are looking for sunshine: 21% intend to stroll along the beach, 17% are happy with a coast and sea view and 16% plan to enjoy nature and outdoors activities.

The top 5 European destinations chosen by Belgian tourists are: France (17%), Spain (12%), Italy (8%), Greece (6%) and Portugal (6%).

Last minute?

Despite the rise in travel sentiment, ETC remarks that only 1 in 4 Europeans have fully booked their next trip, indicating a consumer still suspicious about the possible impacts of the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic.

Therefore, Europeans have made full or partial bookings, mainly for trips in April or May. "Their commitment is slightly stronger for international travel than for domestic trips," the report highlights.

As Europeans are vaccinated to a great extent, Covid-19 vaccination is no longer the top travel confidence booster. "Flexible cancellation policies and lifted travel restrictions have taken the lead, while the importance of bargains and attractive deals also increased, potentially leading to more last-minute bookings," concludes the travel research.

The report is the result of online market research with nearly 6,000 Europeans who took at least 2 overnight trips during the last three years (2019-2021).

(VIV)

© Belga Photo (Ludovic MARIN / AFP) People walk on the beach in Le Touquet, northern France, on April 9, 2022.