this Travel Agencies to wait increase in bookings for this Easter between 40% and 50% compared to last year. Despite the war in Ukraine and rising prices Slowed down the booking rate of Spaniardsprofessionals in the tourism industry optimists with perceived improvement and increased international mobility. The arrival of passengers from France, the United Kingdom and the Benelux can be clearly perceived by the arriving agents (those responsible for providing services to foreigners visiting Spain). Association of Institutional Specialized Travel Agencies (cave) reported this Wednesday this analysis of the expected trend, based on a survey conducted among its partners. According to Acave analysts, Easter this year is clearly marked as “the beginning of a comeback for most companies in the industry.” 42% of the respondents took the expected increase above 50%.
Marti Sarratehead caveevaluated the current situation in a context where it is perceived that “people want to travel” at a time when there are more flight offers and more open hotels. Compared to 2019, Easter bookings will reach 60% or 70% of pre-pandemic level turnover, so 2019 figures are not expected to improve until 2024.
The survey shows that 11% of agencies consulted did not notice any impact due to the war in Ukraine, while 72% confirms that booking rates have slowed despite no cancellations. However, 10% of agents have already registered cancellations in recent weeks and are a little more worried. Regarding the acceptance of the pandemic in their travel decision, 58% still believe it has impacted, while 52% believe it is no longer a critical factor.
Goals
For national destinations, the Canary Islands are preferred by the Spaniards, followed by those from the peninsula’s coasts such as Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia. Likewise, there is a significant increase in urban tourism, tourism related to traditional Easter events, and rural tourism due to the increase in outdoor and family activities.
Similar international destinationsSpaniards prefer to travel to European capitals. There is also strong demand in destinations on the African continent, especially in Mediterranean arc countries such as Egypt, Tunisia or Morocco. Many reservations are also registered for the United States (New York) and, to a lesser extent, Latin American and Asian countries. According to the survey, buyers’ agents expect an increase of between 30% and 40% on average compared to the same 2021 campaign. Despite good expectations, it was noted that travelers were wary of uncertainty. While 15% of the agencies did not see any impact from the war in Ukraine, 57% recorded a slowdown or even a halt in the speed of their travel bookings.
cancellations
28% of agencies were canceled due to war and price increase. When asked about the pandemic, 57% still believe it influences their travel decision, while 43% believe it is no longer a critical factor. According to the markets, the survey detects a proportion of 70% international and 30% national reserves. By country, the most important markets of origin will be in this order: France, the United Kingdom and the Benelux, followed by the Scandinavian countries, Portugal and the United States, by a significant distance.
Acave is the employers’ association of statewide travel agencies based in Catalonia, the most representative in Spain, covering 450 partners and nearly 1,000 sales points throughout Spain.