The Austrians' suitcases remained stowed in the closet long enough due to the pandemic, now they are being packed again. The Europ Assistance (EA) holiday barometer - a representative study that was carried out on behalf of the Europ Assistance Group in fourteen countries with a total of 14.000 respondents in May - clearly shows that 61 percent of Austrians are planning a holiday again this year, compared to 2020 Due to the pandemic, only 41 percent, compared to 70 percent in the previous year. 80 out of 100 respondents say they want to save this year. On average, Austrians spend 2.088 euros on travel, which is 21 percent less than in the previous year. Only holidaymakers from Switzerland are donated (2.442 euros), the European average is 1.556 euros.

When asked about vaccination, 76 percent of the Austrian study participants stated that they would definitely be immunized. 63 percent are in favor of a cross-border vaccination certificate, 39 percent are ready to go into quarantine for vacation. Tracking with an app was absolutely rejected by 23 percent of those surveyed. There are concerns about data protection and handling when it comes to vaccination records.

These results are plausible for Besim Akinci, CEO of Europ Assistance Austria, because: “Travel is and will remain a basic need. I see a lot of catching up to do in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. But it can increasingly be assumed that travel and vacation behavior will change. People long for more depth and transparency. Travel should bring real added value, become more ecological and radiate more individuality. Hotels with adequate infrastructure will continue to be in demand, but sustainable, digital and higher quality offers are the order of the day. "

Longing for the beach is great

As a corona precautionary measure, 66 percent of the Austrians surveyed can only imagine taking a vacation in their own country, 29 percent have already decided on a summer vacation in Austria this year. 23 percent of Austrians want to go to Italy, 14 percent to Croatia and 10 percent to Greece.

The development for city tourism looks less positive this year, because every second Austrian wants to spend at least one vacation on the beach and 59 percent want to go to the countryside or the mountains. The range of world trips and cruises is limited and in little demand.

Spontaneous vacations are booming 

There have never been so many last-minute bookings as this year. At the time of the survey, 37 percent of Austrians had booked a fixed trip. 63 percent plan to travel with their partner this year, 16 percent with friends and 12 percent alone. Two thirds take the car, 25 percent the plane and 16 percent the train. Respondents favor the car because of its convenience and the reduction in the risk of infection. 52 percent go to the hotel, 22 percent book an apartment, 21 percent sleep with family, friends or have their own vacation home. 9 percent prefer camping.

International comparison

The international comparison of the EA holiday barometer proves that preferences differ from country to country. This shows, for example, that every second American would like to travel again this year, in Europe it is 57 percent. While 41 percent of respondents in Germany (-21 percentage points compared to the previous year) said they would go on vacation in 2021, 67 percent book in Italy (+6 percentage points compared to the previous year) and in Poland with 66 percent (+5 percentage points compared to the previous year) last year) as many as never before.

Overall, fewer bookings are currently being made than before the pandemic, the reasons are complex: Around a third of the Europeans surveyed stated that they could not afford the vacation. The fear of infection (26 percent), restrictions on site (27 percent) and the worry of having to be in quarantine (19 percent) were mentioned most frequently. Furthermore, 16 percent want to save. This is also reflected in the average spending. If Europeans spend an average of 1.556 euros and Americans 1.878 euros, in Switzerland it is 2.442 euros. Poland is in last place with 869 euros (-9 percent compared to 2019). The Germans, as an important nation for Austrian tourism, come to 1.843 euros (-25 percent compared to 2019).

81 percent of Europeans surveyed who are planning a vacation in 2021 are ready to be vaccinated. 10 percent are still thinking about it, and only 9 percent categorically rule out vaccination. In Great Britain it is 92 percent, in Italy 88 percent, in Spain 87 percent and in China even 96 percent who are considering vaccination.

Review 

In 2020, the trips were even more subdued. 41 percent of Austrians traveled despite the pandemic (2019 front runner with 70 percent), in France 51 percent planned a vacation, in England only 29 percent. The situation in the USA was similar. Only a third traveled there. Country-specific, there were also clear differences in terms of destination. While in Austria 55 percent stayed in their own country, it was 94 percent of Italians and only 36 percent of Belgians. The Europeans stayed mainly within the EU, which was due to the restricted air traffic. On average, only 5 percent of holiday trips were taken outside the EU.