According to the most recent report, the Long-Haul Travel Barometer 3/2023 from the European Travel Commission (ETC), travelers are making smart choices to improve their experience while effectively managing their spending. They opt for popular inter-European transport options, including budget flights and rail passes.
There was a substantial increase in Chinese travelers’ intention to visit Europe between September and December 2023.
This increase in the number of Chinese travelers is part of a broader trend observed by the Long-Haul Travel Barometer, which closely tracks the travel intentions of long-haul travelers in six key markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan and the United States. , with a particular emphasis on their propensity to explore Europe.
Despite the current challenges posed by high travel costs and soaring airfares, 74% of Chinese surveyed plan to experience a European destination between September and December 2023. This reflects a ten percent increase from the previous year and an increase of nine percent from the previous year. pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Australia and Brazil saw a slight decline in their desire to travel to Europe compared to the previous year. Australia saw a 3% decline, likely due to growing interest in exploring alternative destinations, particularly with the allure of the southern hemisphere summer making local travel more appealing. Similarly, in Brazil there was a 3 percent drop, but the desire to travel persists, with 52 percent of respondents expressing their intention to visit Europe.
Despite the impact of rising inflation, travel enthusiasm saw moderate growth in other countries, with the United States seeing a 3 percent increase and Canada seeing a 2 percent increase .
Japanese respondents showed a significant 12% increase in their desire to explore Europe compared to the same period in 2022. However, Japan stands out as the most reserved market among the markets surveyed, with only 25%. of respondents expressing their intention to visit Europe in the future. coming months, according to LHTB 3/2023 published on October 12 by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV.
Following the publication of LHTB 3/2023, ETC President Miguel Sanz highlighted that Europe was restoring connections with Asian tourists after the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic.
“Our appeal remains strong with long-haul travelers around the world, with Europe’s timeless culture and history the main draw. It is particularly encouraging to see the growing popularity of the train and increased tourist interest in slow travel. Now more than ever, it is important that we pay particular attention to the responsible development of the tourism industry,” said Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission.
The appeal of European travel
What captivates travelers in Europe is above all its rich cultural and historical heritage. This sentiment is shared by tourists in five of the six markets studied, with the exception of China, where travelers show a clear preference for culinary and urban experiences.
In 2023, tourists from Japan, Canada and the United States are increasingly inclined to slow travel in the fall, reflecting a 7% increase from 2022.
Additionally, in 2023, six percent of respondents expressed a desire to visit European destinations renowned for their iconic monuments, marking a change from the previous year. Another important factor influencing destination choice is the weather, which is of particular importance to Chinese tourists, with 39 percent taking it into account, closely followed by Australians and Brazilians at 34 percent. .
Inflationary Concerns and Affordable Travel
Despite the strong desire to explore Europe, inflation remains the main concern deterring potential travelers across all six markets. This concern is particularly pronounced in Brazil and Australia, where 45% and 40% of travelers respectively express reservations due to the costs associated with vacationing in Europe. As a result, a growing number of travelers across markets are prioritizing discovering affordable services and experiences in their destinations of choice. Specifically, 32 percent of travelers emphasize affordability, up from 28 percent the year before.
When it comes to cost-saving strategies, the most popular approach among travelers in these markets is to reduce purchasing expenses, with 34% of respondents favoring this method. This tactic is particularly favored by travelers to countries like Canada, Australia and Japan. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents across the six markets, particularly in Brazil and China, prefer to use loyalty programs and opt for cost-effective all-inclusive packages.
Transportation preferences among long-haul travelers
Low-cost flights remain the preferred choice for long-haul travelers, closely followed by train travel. While train travel is traditionally favored by Brazilian travelers, air travel has grown in popularity, with a remarkable 13% increase in the adoption of economy flights. Likewise, the Canadian market saw a 9% increase in the use of economy flights.
Australia, on the other hand, has experienced a shift in its transportation preferences. Air travel remains the first choice, but there has been an 8% increase in the use of train tickets and a 2% increase in bus travel.
In contrast, Canadian and American travelers are turning to rail because of its cost-effectiveness and reliability, despite their traditional preference for air travel. In Canada, train travel plays an important role, with 34 percent of surveyed respondents showing interest in purchasing a rail pass and 32 percent favoring single train tickets.
Source: schengenvisainfo.com