According to data from the Paravion travel agency, city break vacations in Europe have entered the off-season starting in May, which will last until the end of August, a period during which accommodation service rates will decrease by up to 15 – 20%.
The decrease in rates is mainly generated by the drop in demand, as tourists’ interest shifts towards charter-type packages in sea and beach destinations.
Most tourists who buy vacations online have chosen for this summer packages in sunny locations, such as the Greek islands – Chania, Crete, Lefkada, or Santorini, but also Mallorca and Tenerife (Spain), Cyprus, Croatia, or Portugal.
In spring, city breaks generate about 45% of Paravion’s total vacation sales, while during the summer, specifically in June, July, and August, they come to generate approximately 30%, the rest being replaced by charter stays.
Despite the attacks that have hit Europe in the last six months, the demand for city breaks has not decreased at all. Paravion sales for this type of package increased by about 40% compared to the same period in 2015.
Recently, Paravion announced that it will enter the markets of the United States of America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia this year, an expansion that will generate, in 2017, about 25% of the consolidated turnover, per group, of the largest online travel agency in Romania.
The Paravion portal is present in markets such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, or Cyprus.
Source: Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are city breaks cheaper during the summer months?
Prices for city breaks drop by 15-20% between May and August because tourist demand shifts toward beach destinations and charter packages.
Which summer destinations are currently trending for online bookings?
Popular choices include the Greek islands (Chania, Crete, Santorini), Spain (Mallorca, Tenerife), Cyprus, Croatia, and Portugal.
Has the demand for city breaks been affected by recent security concerns in Europe?
No, demand remains strong; Paravion reported a 40% increase in city break sales compared to the previous year despite the regional context.