Tourism: what are the trends for summer 2022?

Now that the Easter holidays are over, a large number of French people are already thinking about their summer vacation. After two years dominated by the pandemic, the French seem keen to make the most of this summer. Here is a breakdown of the main trends for summer 2022!

IS IT TIME FOR “REVENGE TRAVEL”?

After several months of being unable to travel and living with health restrictions, tourists seem to be experiencing a kind of travel frenzy.

Indeed, after two years without travelling, many people want to make up for lost time. With health restrictions lifted, travel plans face fewer obstacles, and many travellers are eager to dive headfirst into new projects!

Remote work – which we have already discussed several times here – has helped change the game. For many travellers who can work without being at their workplace, the reopening of borders is a real windfall. They can combine work and leisure, discovering a new culture in particular.

TRAVEL ABROAD IS PICKING UP AGAIN, BUT LOCAL TOURISM STILL HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE

Over the past few months, health restrictions have been lifted in many countries. Now, if you are fully vaccinated, travelling abroad is easier than in the past two years. A study carried out by Marriott reveals that the foreign destinations favoured by the French for 2022 are Greece, Austria and Spain (source).

However, many French people once again prefer to book their vacation in mainland France this year. VVF reports that in March, the booking rate for the summer holidays had already reached that of a normal month of May (source). Many families have opted for vacations in France, with 3 destinations standing out:

• The PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
• Brittany
• The Pays de la Loire

THE FRENCH HAVE A BIGGER BUDGET FOR THEIR VACATION THIS SUMMER

In its recent report on future travel trends, Expedia revealed that more than half of tourists (54%) planned to spend more than before the pandemic, pretty much all over the world. The French are obviously among them.

According to a study conducted by Marriott, the French plan to treat themselves and make the most of their summer vacation. The additional budget is quite substantial, as the study indicates that among the 49% of French people who already plan to go abroad this summer between June and September, 90% say they will spend an average of €1486 more per person compared with their vacations before the Covid 19 pandemic.

This trend particularly concerns young travellers (under 25), even though they have more modest incomes than their elders.

This increase in budget is also explained by the desire to stay on vacation longer. Tourists want to treat themselves to a stress-free change of scenery, to recharge their batteries and spend good times with friends or family.

There has thus been an upsurge in 14-day stays. 2 weeks in the middle of summer to discover a destination, rest, try new activities… If you are a hotelier, do not hesitate to create combined offers with local businesses to offer activities to your guests. Sport, gastronomy, culture… It is up to you to use your network to showcase your local identity!

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Amélie Manceau