Since the pandemic situation has already improved and restrictions have been eased globally, countries are finally seeing a significant return to tourist attractions.
In a bid to better analyze consumer travel expectations, the European Travel Commission (ETC) has published a new study named “Exploring Consumer Travel Attitudes and Expectations to Drive Tourism Recovery,” SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In a statement issued regarding this report, the ETC also stressed that the same consists of the first part of a two-phase study.
The report is based on in-depth interviews with consumers from European markets such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, and long-distance markets such as Australia and the US. It analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on travel experiences and tourists’ behaviour, travellers’ attitudes towards travel in Europe and their expectations for the upcoming summer.
Whereas the second phase of the report that has yet not been published will provide information related to consumer travel expectations for the winter of 2022 and 2023, analyzing new developments and relying on the main findings of this report.
“The study shows that those who travelled during the pandemic were generally satisfied with their travel experiences at their destinations. Obstacles were mostly experienced while getting to the destination, especially by plane,” the statement reads.
In addition, the study shows that those who travelled during the pandemic were in general satisfied with their travel experiences at the destinations they visited. However, they encountered obstacles mainly upon arrival at the destination, especially by plane.
According to the ETC, COVID-19 has greatly influenced consumer behaviour by making them more cautious. This approach also includes not booking holidays too far in advance, planning the trip more carefully and in detail, and following the instructions for COVID-19. In addition, respondents indicated they are more open to travel insurance to mitigate potential financial losses and visit nearby destinations.
The study also shows that about 94 per cent of respondents positively perceive Europe as a travel destination. Meanwhile, among the Mediterranean countries that are most preferred to be visited by travellers are the following: Spain, France, Italy and Greece.
The Russian-Ukrainian crisis has also affected some of the respondents when making plans to Europe, but the conflict has not negatively affected their perceptions of the continent. However, travellers seem to be warier about visiting Eastern Europe.
The study reveals that 80 per cent of respondents consider booking a vacation to a European destination. Moreover, the report provides recommendations for European destinations, allowing them to take strategic action to enhance tourism experiences and ensure a robust recovery in their tourism sectors.
