Christmas and New Year, vacation time. According to a survey conducted by the Milan Chamber of Commerce, half of the Milanese (and Lombards in general) have decided to leave during the holidays. Only a ninth of the sample interviewed (about 800 people) decided to leave even before Christmas Eve, while most of the departures, about 20%, are concentrated in the days after Christmas.
The destinations chosen for these days of relaxation are mainly Italian (35%). About 20% of those who leave the region will go to the mountains, while one in ten will go to the seaside. For those who have chosen to leave Italy, the main destinations will be the great European capitals; only one in a hundred chose the United States or tropical islands.
As in 2015, business for travel agencies is confirmed again this year. First destination is the sea, for one out of two agencies. Very present this year however, as mentioned, the mountain in the wishes of those who will leave; you book on the snow in Trentino and Val d'Aosta. According to what emerges from the survey, as regards the European capitals chosen as a destination, London is at the top of the list.
It is mainly couples who book, given the high costs that families are necessarily forced to bear. The average duration of trips during the Christmas holidays varies between 5 and 7 days, for a total cost of around €1000.
“Also this year the Christmas holidays were preceded by a terrible attack. This strengthens the choice not to go too far, to stay in Italy. As far as agency bookings are concerned, they remain in line with past years - said Luigi Maderna, president of Fiavet Lombardia, the regional association of travel agencies adhering to Confcommercio Milan, Lodi, Monza and Brianza - For those who stay in Italy, we choose above all the mountains, also of international appeal. Abroad, the reservations already made in the previous period have been confirmed: a cultural trip to European capitals, the United States or a break in the warm seas”.
The Chamber of Commerce of Milan will make the service available to travelers (accessible only online) SolviOnline.com through which it will be possible to manage disputes between travelers and airlines, travel agencies and hotels.
