“The Austrians are tired of the pandemic, they want to get out,” said Helga Freund, managing director of the Ruefa travel agencies and board member of the Verkehrsbüro Group. It is based on the results of the “Ruefa Reisekompass” survey conducted by Marketagent.
According to this, 84 percent are planning a holiday in 2022 for which – on average – 18 days and a budget of 1550 euros are planned. “All roads lead to Europe – and Austria, only every fifth person wants to go on holiday abroad,” explained Ruefa Managing Director Michele Fanton. Wearing masks at airports and during flights, uncertainties when entering the country or the sword of Damocles of quarantine would contribute to travelers looking to be closer. Cruises are still in less demand.
More cars, fewer flights
As a means of transport, the private car is growing massively. 66 percent want to travel by car (49 percent said so in 2020), the plane is losing (26 instead of 45 percent), the train is becoming more interesting (19 instead of 12 percent). However, it must be taken into account that the 1,500 Austrians were surveyed online before the outbreak of the Ukraine war and the associated increase in energy and fuel prices. It is not yet possible to estimate how much travel will become more expensive as a result. In any case, price increases should not be passed on to bookings that have already been made. “The earlier you book, the cheaper you get your vacation,” advises Fanton, who sees little chance of success for a last-minute bargain hunt in June and July.
As the desire to travel expands again, domestic tourism can be expected to return to pre-Corona levels.
By the way: the Austrians who love to travel the most are the Upper Austrians. (believe)
Source: Nachrichten
