However, the energy crisis, which is reflected in particular by soaring fuel prices, is dampening the enthusiasm of many vacationers.
Nine out of ten Belgians will return to vacation this year, whether in Belgium or abroad, according to the online survey carried out in early April among a representative sample of more than 2,400 people. Only 18% of the population, half the number compared to 2021, still say they are concerned about the virus.
plane and train
This year, the plane and the train are almost as popular as before the pandemic. Half of Belgian holidaymakers thus fly away with peace of mind, without fear of being contaminated in the air, whereas at the height of the crisis, only 29% of Belgians – i.e. half as many as before the pandemic – dared take the plane. “Distant destinations like the United States, Turkey and Tunisia are on the rise again,” observes Touring.
Vacationers are also returning to the train and seem to want to take it as often as before the crisis to go on vacation.
Nevertheless, the car remains the most popular means of transport for almost seven out of 10 Belgians, notes Touring. “For 2% of them, it is even entirely electric. Speed, the route itself and flexibility are decisive,” explains the mobility organisation.
For two out of five Belgians, however, high fuel prices influence the choice of travel destination and means of transport. Thus, affordability is, after sun and heat, the most important criterion for choosing where to get away.
The organization still indicates that 10% of Belgians will not go on vacation this summer. Nearly half of them will have to do without it for budgetary reasons.