Back to the desire to travel andsummer 2023 promises a departures boom. Finally overcoming the pandemic the 78% of Europeans declare themselves enthusiastic about traveling and 75% (the highest figure since 2011) intend to leave for this summer. European data is vastly higher than that of the United States, which has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels. This is what emerges from 22nd Holiday Barometer Ipsos-Europ Assistance which analyzed the intentions, future trends and habits of travelers for 2023. And the Italians? In Italy, the83% declares to be very happy to leave (+9% compared to 2022) with the same percentage of people planning at least one summer vacation (+7% compared to 2022), the highest figure in Europe. The propensity to book in advance is also growing: 34% of the interviewees stated that they have already booked their holiday, 58% that they have done so or do so at least 2 months in advance and 31% that they have booked earlier than what he did in the past.
“Il travel world started 2023 with great momentum and, according to forecasts, it will reach, and probably even exceed, the levels of 2019,” he declared Fabio Carsenzuola, CEO Mediterranean&Latam Region of Europ Assistance.
Inflation doesn't stop the wanderlust
Inflation e price increase they worry the Italians but they don't whip up their enthusiasm and desire to leave. 75% of the interviewees declare that they are worried about the impact of inflation on their travels, but, despite this, grow up, albeit slightly, the average vacation budget (€1.800, +2% compared to 2022): 53% of the sample expect to increase it, even if Italians are confirmed to be among the most attentive in Europe to saving when choosing destinations closer to home, accommodation, means of transport and in the search for last minute offers. On the other hand, the concerns related to Covid have dropped drastically (-19% compared to 2022), which has not left significant effects on the travel habits of Italians.
Travel abroad is on the increase. Boom of art cities
Travel abroad is growing again (trend already observed in 2022). The number of those planning a trip to a foreign country is increasing (44%, +13% compared to 2022), in particular among young people (73% in the 18-24 age group). On the other hand, journeys by car decreased (-8%) while those by plane increased again (+5%). Despite this, Italians, together with the French and Spanish, are among the most likely to remain within national borders (59%, -6% compared to 2022). The preferred foreign destination of Italians is Spain (about 15%), followed by France and Greece (9%). Italy, France and Spain remain the preferred choices for Europeans. THE Seaside (63%) are always the favorite destination for the summer but among the Italians there is a boom in interest for the cities of art (26%, +5% compared to the previous year). The hotels are the main choice of accommodation (46%) while increasingly popular are the Bed & Breakfast, preferred by 31% of the sample (+8% compared to 2022 and higher than the European average).
For Italians, a holiday is relaxation. The concept of Workation is growing
For the majority of Italians, thethe main objective of the holidays is relaxation. 42% of people prefer to spend their free time in the company of family or friends, dedicating themselves to moments of rest and entertainment. The number of those who want is growing explore new cultures during their holidays (28%, +4% compared to 2022) o make new friends (12%, +3% compared to 2022). This trend reflects the growing awareness that travel offers a unique opportunity to meet new people and enrich one's experiences.
Un a rapidly growing phenomenon is the concept of "work" (work + vacation). 38% of Italians (+9% compared to 2022), especially between the ages of 18 and 34, consider the possibility of work from the holiday resort, to lengthen or bring forward the time spent in the holiday destination. Italians are also among the most inclined in Europe to adopt forms of sustainable tourism to protect the environment and support local communities. At European level, however, there is still a strong gap between actions and intentions: in the face of a declared greater attention to the environment, the use of airplanes increases and only 9% of Europeans declare that they take account of the environmental impact in the choice of means of transport.
Increase the propensity to insure. The Italians are the most attentive
Research shows that the Italian are confirmed as one of the oldest European populationswatch out for the unexpected during travel: 79% of Italians are worried about having a bad experience during their holidays, while 75% express fears about their health and 63% about travel arrangements. Thus increases the propensity to insure. In fact, 33% of the sample declared having purchased travel insurance for their last holiday, compared to 25% recorded in 2022. Of these, 24% chose a policy for a single trip, while only the 9% have opted for annual policies. The most requested guarantees mainly concern medical expenses (71%) and trip cancellation (63%). Among those planning to travel by car during the summer, 43% are interested in the additional services included in the policy, especially roadside assistance abroad (60%). It decreases the number of people who did not think of buy insurance before leaving. Only 32% of the sample said they had not considered insuring their trip, compared to 43% in 2019 and 37% in 2022. main reason for this choice is the price, considered too high by 35% of survey participants. On the other hand, the cheapest price is the most common selection criterion in choosing a policy (33%), followed by the reputation of the Company (15%) and the variety of products and services offered (12%).
"If you travel again a lot and especially abroad, with new habits, in different ways and with a growing one propensity to insure. As a company born with the mission of taking care of people anytime, anywhere, especially when traveling, we are committed to offering our customers products and solutions that can respond to their ever-changing needs and solve any kind of unexpected. Furthermore, we work to disseminate correct information on the importance of leaving protected whatever the destination, including the closest destinations or where we feel (erroneously) safe” he commented Carsenzuola.
