A few hours after the official start of the summer solstice,the National Observatory of Outbound Tourism (ObservaTUR)releasedits 2024 Summer Report, the thirteenthstudy since this monitoring and analysis tool was established in 2018.
In this post, we’ve compiled the 10 most notable findings from the study:
94% of Spaniards will travel this holiday season, with 80% certain to do so and 14% very likely to do so
The outlook for the new season is excellent, with a significant increase in the desire to travel, although travel agents are tempering the enthusiasm and pointing to signs of stabilization in certain areas
Travelers are concerned about rising prices, but the anticipation of the upcoming season and the excitement of travel are driving their decisions, even if it means shortening their stays, increasing their budgets (which have risen by €51 per person to €677), and seeking out new, emerging destinations
The desire to relax and unwind—the most important factors when planning a vacation—is likely to lead to an increase in the number of people willing to take out a loan to finance their trip; 3 out of 10 would now consider doing so, something they had ruled out in 2023
It also appears that bookings are being made earlier than usual, with 41% of travelers having already made a reservation: virtually all those planning to travel during this period have already finalized some of the key details of their trip
The travel patterns of domestic travelers have solidified yet again this year, with the preferences identified in previous studies remaining consistent: vacations are planned with a partner (76%); August (38%) and July (29%) remain the most popular months; and domestic destinations are once again the top choice for nearly two-thirds of the population, despite the increase in international travel.
The hotel continues to grow, while the rise of vacation rentals is slowing down, and private cars—despite remaining the most commonly used mode of transportation—are becoming less prevalent
Meanwhile, air travel is matching its record figures from 2023 and cementing its position as the second-most popular mode of transportation; rail travel is gaining momentum and reaching a new all-time high
Domestically, the top destinations this holiday season will be the Mediterranean coast, Andalusia, and the Cantabrian region; travel agents also expect a surge in interest in island beaches. Visits to European capitals and cultural tours across the continent are the most popular international destinations
Sun-and-beach vacations are by far the most popular choice among domestic travelers (42%), and account for twice as many as the second most popular option, cultural tourism
For more information, the report is now available on the ObservaTUR website
