2023-05-24 15:03:00
Despite the crisis, the Belgians will not cut corners on their holidays, it is a fact. But where and how will they go? Europ Assistance provides answers to this question via its major annual barometer. Overview.
Travel intentions and duration
”70% of Belgians say they will go on a trip this summer, a small decrease of 1 point compared to 2022. As a reminder, last year saw a sharp increase following the Covid-19 crisis. The current rate is one of the highest in recent years, we learned. Short-term vacations (maximum 1 week) remained at the 2022 level (39% of travellers) while 2-week vacations increased by 4 points (38%). Holidays of 3 weeks or more are down 4 pts (23%).”
The crisis still weighs on the holidays
If the Belgians are enthusiastic regarding the idea of leaving and are ready to put money into it, some have still had to choose not to leave. “Among Belgians who say they are not going on vacation this summer (30%), the main reasons cited are financial (76%, i.e. 12 points more than in 2022).”
Destinations and types of stay
”77% of Belgians say they spend their summer holidays in Europe, i.e. 2 points less than in 2022. Destinations such as Asia or the Middle East have increased by one point (10%). North America attracts 2% of travelers (-1 pt). Among the most popular destinations for Belgians, we invariably find France (29%, -1 pt), Belgium (26%, -1 pt), Spain (18%, -4 pts), Italy (13%, +2 pts) and the Netherlands (8%, -1 pt)”, specifies the barometer.
For accommodation, hotel stays are becoming fashionable once more. “They are regaining their popularity before the coronavirus crisis (51%, +4 pts), as well as vacation rentals in houses or apartments (34%, +5 pts). 18% of holidaymakers choose to stay with friends, family or in their second residence.”
The average budget… is decreasing!
It’s quite surprising given the context, but it also proves that Belgians change certain habits in order to be able to leave. “The average Belgian holiday budget for this summer (i.e. the average of all types of household composition) fell by 4.7% (following a 15% increase last year) to stand at 2 €182 (vs. €2,289 in 2022). Note that this year, the lowest holiday budgets (< 1 000 €) sont légèrement plus nombreux qu’en 2022 (24 %, +3 pts) alors que les budgets vacances les plus élevés (> €2,500) are down (27%, -3 pts).”
Also, inflation has a direct impact on the holidays of Belgians. “This factor influences around a quarter of Belgians in their choice of the number of destinations or the type of accommodation (26%), the distance of the trip (24%), or the budget devoted to activities and outings (21%).”
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