Almost two thirds (61%) of Europeans remain optimistic about travelling between January-June, demonstrating continuous resilience in spite of disruption caused by Omicron, according to the European Travel Commission.
Intra-European trips remain the preferred choice for half of people looking to travel before the summer peak, latest ETC research reveals.
However, quarantine measures remain a major concern to travel around Europe (18%), followed by rising Covid-19 cases at the destination (15%) and potential changes in travel restrictions (14%).
Europeans are counting on vaccination (14%), flexible cancellation policies (11%), destinations’ effectiveness in managing Covid-19 (10%), and fully lifted restrictions (9%) as key drivers to travel.
The holiday booking process is being delayed in the hope of enjoying more freedom and mobility later.
With trip planning prolonged, the booking window is broadened with four out of ten people having chosen their destination but not yet booked, while only 19% have partially booked transportation or accommodation for their next trip.
Fragmented policies across Europe towards the validity period of the EU digital Covid certificate for national use also undermined its role as a tool to facilitate travel.
And an increasing number of Europeans believe that strict health protocols in destinations have a direct negative effect on their travel experiences.
The intention to stay longer and spend more are seen as positive trends – correlating to a growing desire for trips in early summer.
Preference for journeys of more than ten nights has surged by 38% compared to a previous survey last October.
The share of travellers planning to spend more than €2.000 has grown by 31%, specifically among those with travel plans in May or June 2022.
Leisure travel remains the top choice for 63% of Europeans while business travel is also showing signs of improvement for the first time since autumn 2020.
Over the next months, 15% of respondents expect to travel for business or participate in events and conferences.