Fewer domestic holidays in the upcoming months
“The need to go on a foreign destination is big". Domestic holidays are less popular due to the increase of possibilities to travel without much restrictions to a foreign destination.”
Results from the Holiday Monitor show that fewer Dutch prefer a domestic holiday (29%), compared to last year (39%). Results are similar in Germany (32% versus 43%) and the UK (39% versus 47%). European destinations are most popular. Jos Vranken (NBTC): “The need to go on a foreign destination is big”. Domestic holidays are less popular due to the increase of possibilities to travel without much restrictions to a foreign destination.”
Earlier this year, NBTC outlined expectations for the full year from two scenarios: stabilization versus a decline of about 7%. “Based on the new results of the Holiday Monitor, we assume that domestic tourism, based on Dutch people, will go abroad more. This means that almost 24 million Dutch overnight guests take a holiday in their own country. In addition, we expect to receive more international guests this year.
The prognosis varies between +48% and +90%. Based on this measurement from the monitor, this appears to be moving in the direction of the bandwidth. Uncertainty surrounding the war Ukraine and effects on price levels and purchasing power should not increase further. The return of international guests is welcome and encouraging, but even the upper end of the forecast is below the level of before the pandemic. There is no full recovery yet.” explains Jos Vranken.
2 in 5 people with holiday plans have yet to book
Compared to the previous measurement in the same period last year, the number of holiday bookings has also increased – in addition to the holiday plans. Jos Vranken: “Even though there are more bookings, an average of 40 percent of residents from all countries indicate that they still need to book.
This is especially true for residents from France (45%), Germany (42%) and the Netherlands (41%). It is still uncertain whether residents with holiday plans will actually book. On average, two thirds of these residents are orientating themselves. In order to convince these ‘floating bookers’ it is important to dispel their doubts, for example through flexible cancellation conditions and by emphasizing being able to travel safely and reliably to and in the Netherlands.”