A new survey by the European Travel Commission finds that despite concerns about increasing infections of the Delta variant of COVID-19 at destinations, almost 70% of Europeans say they plan to travel between now and the end of January 2022, 35% in their own country and 55% to another country in Europe.
Other significant findings:
- Increasing vaccination rates permit 54% of Europeans to feel more optimistic about traveling in the next few months.
- But 17% of respondents said they are unwilling to travel in the short term.
- 50% plan to book a trip as soon as they are vaccinated.
- 57% expect the EU Digital COVID Certificate to facilitate short-term trip planning.
- 20% plan to extend the summer season by taking a trip to the coast or a rural area in October or November.
- Top destination choices for those planning to visit another country are:
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Greece
- Croatia
- 44% of those aged 54+ plan to travel domestically, vs. 27% of those aged 18-24.
- Drivers of anxiety about travel include:
- Quarantine (cited by 18%)
- Rising COVID-19 case numbers at the destination (16%)
- Possible changes to travel restrictions during trip (15%)
- Concerns about personal health and safety while traveling relate mainly to:
- Air travel (17%)
- In-destination travel (15%)
- Cafes and restaurants (13%)
Results are based on a survey of 4,003 residents of Europe conducted in 3Q2021.