According to a study conducted by the travel portal Vola.ro, the price of a city break in Europe decreased last year by 22%, reaching an average value of EUR 210/person, while a 7-day vacation, also abroad, cost EUR 370/person, 19% less than in 2013.
The best-selling city break destinations last year were Rome, Barcelona, and Paris, followed by London, Istanbul, and Venice. On the other hand, Dubai, Crete, Zakynthos, Corfu, and Rhodes were among the most sought-after seaside destinations, and the price of a stay reached an average of EUR 370/person.
Regarding flight ticket purchases, the most popular destinations in 2014 were Rome, London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, and Barcelona, and the average price of a round-trip ticket was EUR 161, a decrease of nearly 25% compared to 2013.
According to Vola.ro, international vacations and city breaks became cheaper in 2014 because new low-cost routes were introduced with lower fares; thus, last year, low-cost tickets accounted for 62% of the total volume of flight tickets sold by the travel portal.
At the top of the preferences for both flight tickets and city breaks was Rome, where the price of a flight ticket reached a minimum of EUR 24 in 2014, and a city break, including 3 nights of accommodation, flight ticket, and medical insurance, could be purchased for as little as EUR 130.
Additionally, city breaks to Brussels became cheaper starting in the fall of 2014, when Ryanair introduced a new route, increasing demand for this destination by over 15%. The price of a city break in Brussels starts from EUR 150/person but also saw values slightly over EUR 100 during 2014.
The most sought-after vacation destination in 2014 was Dubai. Although it is considered an exotic destination due to its warm climate year-round, prices for Dubai were similar to those for European destinations; thus, a 7-day vacation in Dubai, with flight ticket and medical insurance included, started at a price of EUR 300 per person.
According to the study, Romanians buy vacations at most one or two months before departure; however, package prices would decrease significantly if purchases were made several months in advance, allowing tourists to benefit from early booking offers.
The most sought-after hotels were 3-star structures positioned near the city center. Additionally, Romanians prefer hotels that offer at least breakfast.
Most vacation/city break bookings last year were made for two people.
Source: Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the most popular city break destinations in 2014?
The top-selling destinations were Rome, Barcelona, and Paris, followed by London, Istanbul, and Venice.
Why did flight and vacation prices decrease?
The price drop was driven by the introduction of new low-cost routes, which accounted for 62% of the total ticket sales volume.
What were the accommodation preferences for Romanian tourists?
Romanian travelers preferred 3-star hotels located near the city center that offered at least breakfast included.