A European Travel Commission (ETC) survey suggests that Europeans are keen to travel again from the Spring, and are progressively interested in trips during the second quarter of 2021 as COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out. Confidence in air travel also seems to be steadily on the rise.
The findings come from the latest report from ETC’s “ Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel – Wave 4”, featuring data collected in December 2020.
These monthly reports provide up-to-date information on the impact of COVID-19 on travel plans and preferences regarding types of destinations and experiences, holiday periods and anxieties related to travel in the coming months. The survey covers Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, and Austria.
The proportion of Europeans willing to travel during Spring 2021 grew by 20% compared to the November 2020 survey, with one out of three stating this intention.
The number of Europeans planning to travel in the next six months increased slightly from 49% to 52%. These two figures point to a more positive outlook for spring-summer.
The latest survey indicates that intra-European travel is now the top choice as more are willing to take a trip to another European country (40%) than travel domestically (36% – a 7% decline compared to the November survey).
Confidence in air travel also seems to be steadily on the rise. 52% state that they are willing to travel by air, compared to 49% in September. A lower percentage (17%) considers that flying poses the greatest risk to their health, down from 20% in September 2020.
The report suggests that strict health and safety protocols build trust and peace of mind and make travel more enjoyable. 67% feel safe and relaxed enough to enjoy their trip when strict protocols are in place.
©2024 All rights reserved LaingBuisson 
