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European travel intentions point to ‘more positive’ spring-summer

Europeans are progressively interested in trips during the second quarter of 2021 as Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out, new research reveals.

The proportion of people willing to travel during the spring grew by 20% compared to the last European Travel Commission (ETC) survey in November, with one out of three respondents now stating this intention.

The number planning to travel in the next six months increased slightly from 49% to 52% despite continuing lockdowns and tighter restrictions on movement.

These two figures point to a more positive outlook for spring-summer, while only 12% of respondents consider taking a trip in January-February 2021, according to the ETC.

Quarantine measures, rising Covid-19 cases at the destination and falling ill while on holiday continue to be top concerns for 15%, 14% and 14% of Europeans with short-term travel plans respectively.

Travel within Europe is now the top choice as more respondents are willing to take a trip to another European country (40%) than travel domestically (36%). 

Leisure is the primary purpose for almost 63% of those planning to travel in the short-term, while visiting friends and relatives is the main motive for another 21%. Business travel accounts for just 9% of respondents.

More than half (52%) of Europeans now say they are willing to travel by air, compared to 49% in September.

Simultaneously, a lower percentage of respondents (17%) consider that flying poses the greatest risk to their health, down from 20% in September 2020. 

ETC claims the report proves that strict health and safety protocols build trust and peace of mind and make travel more enjoyable.

As many as 67% of respondents feel safe and relaxed enough to enjoy their trip when strict protocols are in place.

Only 22% of Europeans believe such measures can to some degree spoil the travel experience, while another 11% say it makes no difference.

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