Two-thirds of Europeans intend to travel by the end of November after months of lockdowns and restrictions, latest data reveals.
Only 15% remain uncertain, while 15% are not willing to travel, according to latest research by the European Travel Commission (ETC).
The speedy progression of Covid-19 vaccinations in Europe coupled with the recent introduction of the EU digital Covid certificate and the upcoming summer season are boosting demand.
Almost three quarters (70%) of the almost 6,000 respondents are making travel plans for the next six months, up from 56% in February and the highest point since August 2020.
More: Brits postponing summer foreign holidays – Travel Counsellors
Bid to ‘save summer’ for fully vaccinated travellers
More than half (57%) of Europeans feel much more optimistic about planning trips in the coming months thanks to vaccination rollouts, while 25% are neutral and 18% remain unconvinced.
In many cases, inoculation has a direct impact on travel arrangements, with 54% intending to book a trip once they have been vaccinated against the virus.
The introduction of the EU digital Covid certificate has received a wide acceptance among Europeans – 57% feel that the certificate will facilitate the planning of their next trip, while only 18% express the opposite opinion.
Almost a third (31%) plan to travel during June and July and 41% during August and September, while the other 16% intend to take a trip in autumn.
Half of the respondents wish to visit another European country (51%), while 36% favour domestic trips.
Europeans travelling abroad this summer prefer southern destinations, such as Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal.
A total of 42% have made some or all of their bookings, 40% have chosen a destination but not yet made any bookings, and 19% are still deciding where to go.
While travel sentiment continues to improve, 19% express major concern about unexpected quarantine measures during their trips.
“This once again proves that clear and coherent travel rules are essential to boost travel confidence across Europe,” the ETC said.
Air travel remains the most concerning part of the journey for 18% of all respondents for health and safety reasons.
Although it is still the most preferred option among Europeans with short-term travel plans, the appeal of air travel (47%) has decreased by 11% since February 2021, whereas the preference for travelling by car (39%) has increased by 23% over the same period.
More: Brits postponing summer foreign holidays – Travel Counsellors