New research from the European Travel Commission (ETC) found 77% of Europeans are keen to travel between April and September this year, with many planning to head to Mediterranean hotspots like Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Respondents to the ETC’s latest Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel report from the UK were among the most optimistic about taking a trip, with more than 80% saying they intended to travel.

More than half of those surveyed said they plan to visit another European country. According to the research, sun and beach trips are the most popular option for the coming months (22%), while interest in city breaks (15%) and holidays by the water or coast (15%) also remains steady.

The survey, conducted in March 2022, found travel sentiment is strong despite the rising cost of living and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Interest in eastern European destinations is unaltered, reflecting the limited impact of the war on intra-European travel to date.

At the same time, even though there is more certainty around travel, only 25% of holidaymakers have fully booked, indicating an opportunity for the travel industry to target last-minute travellers this summer.

As Covid travel restrictions are eased and most Europeans are vaccinated, flexibility in cancellation policies (14%) and freedom from restrictions (13%) are now the top factors boosting respondents’ confidence in planning their next trip.

Among the respondents, 17% said they were still worried about quarantine measures and another 15% about possible changes in travel restrictions, but around 67% acknowledged that strict health protocols gave them a sense of safety and peace of mind to enjoy their trip. 
 
ETC president Luís Araujo said: “Our report demonstrates that European confidence in travelling is growing now that Covid-19 has largely become a fact of life. New uncertainties on the horizon, namely the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rising cost of living, are presenting challenges for the travel sector.

“However, ETC is pleased to see that in spite of these uncertainties, appetite for travel is still on the rise and the European tourism sector remains resilient.”