This Easter season, travel agencies report a notable rise in bookings, with expectations ranging from a 40% to 50% increase over the previous year. Despite ongoing global tensions and raising prices, hospitality experts in the sector are optimistic about steadier demand and a broader recovery in international travel. Agents who serve foreign visitors to Spain are already noting clearer signals of inbound traffic, particularly from France, the United Kingdom, and the Benelux countries. The Association of Institutional Specialized Travel Agencies, known as Acave, released this analysis after surveying its partner organizations. Analysts from Acave describe Easter as a clear inflection point for many travel businesses, signaling a budding comeback across the industry. Among respondents, a substantial portion anticipates gains exceeding 50%.
Marti Sarrate, representing Acave, described the current moment as one where demand for travel appears resilient while supply expands, with more flight options and a greater variety of hotel rooms available. Relative to 2019, Easter bookings are projected to reach roughly 60% to 70% of pre-pandemic turnover, and full recovery to those levels is not expected until 2024.
The survey highlights that 11% of agencies observed no impact from the war in Ukraine, while 72% report a slower pace in bookings despite a lack of cancellations. However, 10% of agencies have already faced cancellations in recent weeks and express greater concern. On the influence of the pandemic on travel decisions, 58% continue to view it as a factor, whereas 52% believe it is no longer a decisive consideration.
Goals
For domestic trips, Spaniards show a preference for the Canary Islands, followed by coastal destinations in Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. There is also a clear shift toward urban tourism, events linked to traditional Easter celebrations, and rural getaways that emphasize outdoor activities and family time.
When looking at international destinations, Spaniards favor European capitals, with strong interest also emerging in Mediterranean and North African routes such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. A notable portion of reservations targets the United States, especially New York, with additional demand in Latin American and Asian markets. The survey indicates buyers expect travel to rise by about 30% to 40% compared with the 2021 campaign. While expectations are positive, travelers remain cautious due to ongoing uncertainties. About 15% of agencies reported no impact from the Ukraine conflict, while 57% noted a slowdown or halt in travel bookings.
Cancellations
Cancelations attributed to war and price pressures account for 28% of agency decisions. In terms of pandemics, 57% still see some influence on travel choices, while 43% consider it no longer critical. Market signals point to a mix of 70% international reservations and 30% domestic ones. Leading origin markets are France, the United Kingdom, and the Benelux, followed by Scandinavian countries, Portugal, and the United States, in that order. Acave serves as the employers’ association for statewide travel agencies in Catalonia, representing around 450 partner companies and roughly 1,000 sales points across Spain.