Study: Romanians Abroad Want to Spend Winter Holidays at Home
After last year’s winter holiday, which looked different from what we were used to—with Christmas and New Year celebrated mainly at home in small groups—this year, given the recent announcement of relaxed restrictions nationwide, more and more Romanians are planning to return home in the coming period. Relaxed travel conditions for tourists with EU green certification are contributing to the reunification of families whose members have left for work or study abroad. Thus, according to a survey by the online travel agency Vola.ro, 68% of respondents plan to return home for the holidays, and 44% have already purchased tickets for a reunion with their loved ones.
At the same time, while before the pandemic 60% of Romanians returned home at least twice a year, usually during the holidays and the summer season, this was different in 2021; approximately 40% of participants in the Vola.ro survey admitted they had the opportunity to come to the country only once, and 16% did not travel to Romania at all this year.
Possible restrictions and unexpected changes have recently kept Romanians abroad away from their families for the last 18 months. 60% of them withdrew their travel plans at least once due to the pandemic. The instability of the traffic light map and the risk of being quarantined upon arrival in Romania often prevented Romanians from traveling. Therefore, approximately 37% of respondents stated that government restrictions have kept them away from their loved ones at home lately, and another 22% said that travel unpredictability made them reluctant to return to Romania.
It can be observed that nearly 60% of Romanians in the diaspora fear potential overnight changes and quarantine. A previous Vola.ro study confirmed that Romanians’ concerns are solid, as every third flight was modified or even canceled in the last year, causing passengers to wait up to 60 days for refunds from airlines. Approximately 60% of tourists gave up travel plans at least once for pandemic-related reasons, such as the introduction of new travel restrictions or family illnesses.
Due to the lower need for flights, but also staff shortages or permanent changes to travel rules, airlines were forced to cancel some of the flights announced for the autumn/winter season, and for some destinations, even to increase fares to cover losses from the lockdown period. Thus, about a quarter of the Romanians who participated in the Vola.ro survey said that the main reason they have not come to the country recently was the price of plane tickets or the lack of convenient flight options to Romania.
“After last year when Romanians could not spend their winter holidays with their families, this year they want to make up for it and return to the country in impressive numbers. Although they are still cautious and thinking about the possibility of getting sick or transmitting the virus, tourists are more worried about possible restrictions imposed by the authorities—changes that could force them into quarantine upon arrival in the country, or even prevent them from returning abroad,” stated Claudia Tocilă, Marketing Director at Vola.ro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Romanians abroad choosing to return home for the holidays this year?
The main reasons are the relaxation of travel restrictions and the implementation of the EU green certificate, which facilitates family reunions after a long period of separation.
What are the primary concerns for Romanians traveling home?
Approximately 60% of travelers fear unpredictable legislative changes and the risk of being quarantined upon arrival in Romania or when returning to their country of residence.
How have flights been affected over the last year according to the study?
One in three flights was modified or canceled, and many passengers had to wait up to 60 days to receive refunds from airline companies.