ETC Survey: Travel sentiment is rising in Europe ahead of summer

56% of Europeans are positive about their summer vacation, while only 27% are reluctant to travel within the next six months. One in two Europeans feel more optimistic about travel as a result of the availability of vaccines.

The hope for summer getaways encourages the feeling of travel among Europeans, as the majority (56%) say they will go on vacation until the end of August 2021, either at home or in another European country. By comparison, only 27% of respondents still do not want to travel within the next six months. These are some of the conclusions of the latest report ” Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel – Wave 6 “ published by the European Travel Commission (ETC).

The availability of vaccines boosts confidence for summer getaways
Despite the slow launch of vaccines across Europe, traveler confidence continues to grow, raising hopes for a faster recovery. The survey shows that 48% of respondents share a sense of optimism about travel planning, driven by the development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines. Only 21% are not optimistic about planning a trip, regardless of vaccinations.

Among European “early-bird” travelers *, 9 out of 10 already have specific holiday schedules, oriented mainly towards July and August (46%). Another 29% say they plan to make their next trip even earlier, in May or June. Of these, 49% are willing to travel to another European country, while 36% choose to stay in their home country.

Concerns about making the most of the holidays
As Europeans begin to think about a summer getaway, the debate shifts to whether they can make the most of their upcoming vacation. While quarantine measures remain a major concern for 16% of “early-bird” travelers, another 11% are concerned about limited holiday activities due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In addition, there is an increased sense of caution regarding visits to bars and restaurants in a destination. 13% of respondents believe that these places pose a risk to their health. Air travel, meanwhile, remains at the top of the virus risk list, with 17% of Europeans believing flights to be potentially dangerous.

Poles and Italians the most positive for summer travel
Although summer vacations are on the wish list for the majority of Europeans surveyed, countries show varying degrees of enthusiasm. Poles (79%) and Italians (64%) are in favor of an escape before the end of August, followed by the Austrians (57%), the Germans and the Dutch (both with 56%). Among the top five, Italians are oriented towards domestic travel (53%), while more than two in five respondents from other markets have a clear preference for travel abroad.

* “Early-bird” travelers are the ones who answered the ETC survey and plan to travel in the next six months.

Source: traveldailynews.gr

Tatiana Rokou – 06 April 2021, 13:33