European tourists are more likely to travel during the summer months, according to the latest survey by the European Travel Commission (ETC), with a 6 percent increase compared to last year’s figures.
According to a report by Schengen News, 75% of respondents, mainly from Spain, Italy and the UK, said they wanted to visit an EU country this summer.
The survey further revealed that 36% of Europeans plan to take just one trip from 2024 onwards, an increase of 6% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, another 33% plan to take two trips, and only 24% plan to take three or more trips.
With summer upon us, demand for southern destinations remains strong, with the majority of European travellers (45%) choosing warmer locations for their next holiday. Interest in southern Europe remains stable compared to 2023, but is down 10% compared to 2022. Meanwhile, demand for destinations in the west (18%) and north (13%) remains strong.
European Travel Commission (ETC)
Safety is top factor for EU travellers when choosing their next holiday destination
According to the ETC report, the top factor travelers consider when choosing a vacation destination is safety (16%), followed by pleasant weather (13%), shopping (11%), friendly locals and stable temperatures (both 8%).
Moreover, the majority of those surveyed who want to travel this summer want to do so in June and July, with 45% choosing August and September, while 39% are choosing August and September, while only 12% want to travel in October and November.
Here are the main reasons, including the biggest concerns for tourists traveling this summer:
High travel costs (21%, down 3% from 2023), personal finances (16%) and geopolitical issues (11% are concerned about the Russia-Ukraine war and 10% are concerned about tensions in the Middle East).
At the same time, extreme weather and transport disruptions are also major concerns for Europeans.
According to ETC’s research, 76% of respondents report adapting their travel habits to climate change as of early 2024. 17% will avoid destinations with extreme temperatures, with that number rising to 32% for those aged 55 and over, suggesting that older travelers are more concerned about dealing with rising temperatures.
Overall, 16% of travelers prefer locations with stable weather, 15% monitor the weather forecast, and 11% choose activities that aren’t dependent on the weather.
