A new study conducted by Accor reveals optimism regarding the return of travel in 2022, with travelers intending to spend an average of 39% more on travel in 2022 than in 2019 and to take an average of four trips this year.
6,000 people from 5 countries participated in the study, namely the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Russia. The participants answered questions about their travel preferences and desires.
Over 80% of respondents intend to travel in 2022.
The study is part of an in-depth report on travel trends in Northern Europe, published by Accor, which examines how post-Covid behavioral changes will influence how we travel, live, work, and spend our leisure time in 2022 and in the future.
At the top of the wish list for travel in 2022 are beach destinations, with 33% of respondents planning such a vacation.
At the end of 2021, only 14% of travelers were planning extended vacations, and by the beginning of 2022, this number doubled to 28%.
Italy was identified as the number one destination for travelers in Europe. Additionally, 55% of those interviewed intend to keep their travels within Europe, and among those who wish to explore beyond the continent’s borders, 13% plan trips to North America and 11% to Southeast Asia.
30% of people are actively planning and booking trips for the first half of the year, 50% for the second half of the year, and nearly one in five (17%) are already booking trips for 2023.
The study highlights a strong appetite for travel but also presents anticipated changes. 1 in 5 respondents (22%) say that travel priorities will be different after the pandemic. Booking flexibility and high sanitary standards are at the top of the list of things Europeans expect as “must-haves” in 2022 and beyond. 31% want clearer health and safety standards, and 1 in 5 (19%) would be willing to pay more for a hotel room if it held a recognized award for cleanliness.
30% want more flexibility regarding booking modifications. Technology will also play a significant role in providing a smoother, contactless travel experience, with 23% of European travelers expecting more contactless payment options and 17% wanting an increase in hotel technology, from customer service via WhatsApp to improvements in the quality and functionality of hotel room TVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more do tourists plan to spend on travel in 2022?
According to the Accor study, travelers intend to spend an average of 39% more on vacations in 2022 compared to 2019 levels.
What are the top travel priorities for Europeans post-pandemic?
The main priorities include booking flexibility, high sanitary standards, and clearer health and safety protocols.
Which destination is most popular among European travelers?
Italy has been identified as the number one destination for travelers within Europe, followed by a strong interest in beach vacations.