Allianz Partners’ International Vacation Confidence Index has found that almost two-thirds (63%) of people across nine European countries expect to take a leisure trip of three days or more between January and March, either domestically or abroad, showing strong travel intentions across Europe this winter.
The International Vacation Confidence Index, carried out by OpinionWay in January 2023 on behalf of Allianz Partners, surveyed 9,337 people across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK and Poland, with the aim of gaining an insight into consumer trust and travel intentions in the first three months of 2023 – and the main concerns facing travelers this winter.
The research also shows that despite the widespread squeeze on consumer spending, foreign travel intentions are proving very strong: almost a quarter (23%) of those surveyed plan to take a foreign vacation in the first three months of 2023.
A few key trends:
- The top three reasons to get away this winter are three ’R’s: relaxation, relatives and reconnecting with nature.
- Despite inflation and the cost of living crisis, the average traveler expects to spend more than €1500.
- While cost pressures are not undermining demand, they are affecting travel plans for some.
- In the wake of 2022’s travel issues, expectations of disruption remain elevated.
- Fears about health are no longer stopping people from travelling.
- More people now buy travel insurance to protect against cancellation or disruption than to cover medical assistance.
- 75% of Europeans are confident about vacation prospects in 2023.
