Holidaymakers across Europe are showing “remarkable resilience” with their intentions to travel this summer, according to new research.
The European Travel Commission study says they are “defying costs and conflicts”, as the intention to travel between May and October has reached 75% – up by three percentage points on the same time last year.
More than a third (37%) of respondents plan a single trip and more than a half (57%) are gearing up for two or more getaways during this period.
Destinations in southern Europe are preferred by 43% of travellers, with Italy and Spain topping the list.
However, “feeling safe” is the number one priority when selecting a destination (16%), followed by pleasant weather (13%), bargains and attractive deals (11%), friendly local communities (9%), and lower cost of living at the destination (8%).
According to the report – the latest edition of Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel – air traffic in Europe is now “within touching distance of pre-pandemic levels”.
Miguel Sanz, ETC president, said: “It is very positive to see Europeans maintaining their desire to travel despite the ongoing geopolitical and economic circumstances.
“Popular destinations will continue their strong performance this summer season, but there are also great opportunities for lesser known and quieter destinations as many travellers look for peaceful, authentic experiences.”
The ETC noted how Europeans are displaying “remarkable resilience” when it comes to travelling this summer season.
“This determination, coupled with a desire to secure a holiday at a more favourable price, leads to early bookings,” it added.
“Some 52% of European travellers (including 56% of those aged 18-24) have already fully or partially booked their upcoming trips.”
The most popular trip length is four to six nights, while travel budgets have stayed at the same rate as this time last year.