Tourism: how did the summer 2022 holidays go?

In the middle of the back-to-school rush, let’s take the time to make an initial review of the summer season. After two years heavily disrupted by Covid, summer 2022 seems to have marked a strong comeback for tourism, especially in France. Time to take stock.

FIGURES SIMILAR TO, OR EVEN ABOVE, PRE-COVID TOURISM ACTIVITY

According to Didier Arino, CEO of the consulting firm Protourisme, the 2022 tourism figures in France are fairly similar to those recorded in 2019. The Ministry of the Economy estimates that 7 out of 10 French people went on holiday this summer.

For Solange Escure, national director of Gîtes de France, summer 2022 was a very good season. Gîtes in France recorded an 86% occupancy rate this summer, in August.

French people also showed real enthusiasm for camping! Whether last-minute bookings or ones planned months in advance, the French made their taste for outdoor accommodation clear.
Good news for those who already want to plan ahead for the 2023 summer season. If you own a campground, we can support you in developing and managing your business with our Reservit Camping solution.

THE COAST, TOURISTS’ FAVOURITE DESTINATION THIS SUMMER

You may have noticed it over the past few months when booking a hotel: it is easier to cancel your booking, notably thanks to free cancellations or the option to pay on site. These measures were put in place when the Covid crisis was at its peak, to make life easier for travellers.

To fill their properties, many hotels also offer packages for remote workers. For example, you can rent rooms by the day, or take advantage of half-day remote work offers.

As a hotelier, it is important to promote these new offers to your guests and on social media. It is a way to attract new customers.

FOREIGN TOURISTS ARE BACK IN FORCE

After two years of travel restrictions, borders reopened this summer. There was a strong influx of foreign tourists, notably British, German and American. According to the Paris tourist office, 9.9 million tourists visited the capital from early June to late August (-3.5% compared to 2019).

HOLIDAYMAKERS SENSITIVE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

We all still remember the images of the pine forests near the Dune du Pyla in flames, in the middle of July. Or the impressive hailstorms in eastern France.

This summer, climate disruption made its way into the summer holidays. News that echoes a trend observed for several years already: the question of tourism’s impact on the climate.

SNCF saw record ridership this summer, with no fewer than 23 million tickets sold, an increase of about 10% compared to summer 2019 for the rail company. The climate, but also the cost of fuel, pushed holidaymakers to favour this means of transport.

Travellers are also keen to stay in eco-friendly accommodation. Sustainable tourism is booming, as we discussed in this article published on our blog this summer.

A SHOULDER SEASON THAT ALREADY LOOKS PROMISING

The shoulder season already looks promising for tourism professionals. According to a recent review provided by the Ministry of the Economy, the number of hotel bookings is already higher than last year. This trend is particularly noticeable in Île-de-France, as trade shows resume right after the summer.

Also discover our tips for preparing calmly for the shoulder season as a tourism professional!

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Amélie Manceau