Brussels, 05/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - According to a Eurobarometer survey, 72% of citizens of the European Union went on holiday in 2011, and more than 80% of them said that they would do the same in 2012, either by going on short trips, or taking longer holidays. The survey also showed that more citizens chose to remain in Europe for their holidays in 2011 and a higher number again said that they would do the same in 2012. “The European tourism sector has performed well and it even grew in 2011. Our data underline that this sector will improve further in 2012, confirming that travel and tourism are powerful economic drivers for the European recovery”, said Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship.
The survey highlights eight trends: (1) the majority of EU residents are confident travellers, who prefer arranging their holidays by themselves: 53% of Europeans booked their holidays on the internet and 49% did not go for a package option; (2) but they still rely on recommendations from family and friends about where to go. Word-of-mouth was relevant to 52% of EU travellers; (3) travelling is mostly done by car and motorbike, accounting for 78% of travel, considerably higher than in 2010 (44%). However, 2011 also saw a slight increase in the use of aeroplanes compared to 2010 (46% compared to 39% in 2010); (4) nights are spent mostly in hotels or rented accommodation (54% of those who went on short trips, and 60% of them who spent at least four nights away); (5) European travellers seek rest and recreation (48%), a higher figure than 2010 (36%); (6) they value natural beauty and quality service: more than 50% of EU residents would return to the same place for its natural characteristics; (7) 72% of Europeans travelled in 2011 (same proportion as in 2010). Spain was the most-visited country by foreign European tourists in 2011 (11%), followed by Italy (9%); (8) Europeans will continue to travel in 2012: 73% of respondents stated that they would not give up their holidays despite the crisis. (IL/transl.fl)