Renewed interest in pre-corona travel destinations and packages

With country after country lifting corona measures and even virologists looking positively at summer, Belgian travelers are increasingly confident that most restrictions, testing and quarantines will soon be behind us. The high number of bookings recorded by TUI Belgium in January clearly shows that the Belgian is once again planning a carefree summer vacation. All-inclusive resorts, by far the preferred choice of many families until before corona, are back. Even city travel, which has been hardest hit by the pandemic, has started to pick up steam again.

TUI, the largest travel organization in Belgium, looks back with satisfaction on January bookings, traditionally a strong booking month for the summer season. The number of bookings for July and August remained somewhat hesitant until December, but in January – and especially the last 2 weeks – there is wind in the sails. Now that more and more countries are removing or even abolishing corona measures and virologists are also confidently waiting for summer, TUI is registering even more bookings every day than in January of the peak year 2019. And the Belgian again follows his true preference when determining his holiday destination.

About seven in ten Belgians book all-inclusive holidays, usually at resorts with plenty of options for families. Due to the need to have your own controlled bubble, this holiday formula has been somewhat avoided for the past 2 years, but for summer 2022 the economy all-in formula will be back.

Spain is again the most popular destination in January with 35% of reservations. The Costas have a status quo compared to January 2019, but the Balearic Islands recorded a growth of 5% last month. The Canary Islands are the absolute leader with a growth of 16% compared to January 2019.

Greece is also doing very well: one in four Belgians who book holidays by plane will travel to a Greek island this summer. Greece is a very popular destination in many European countries. As a result, many hotels will be full quickly and the possibility of last minutes is practically ruled out.

The most spectacular news, however, is the return of Turkey with no less than 20% more bookings than in January 2019. The Turkish Riviera, known for its high quality all-in resorts with excellent value for money, is even the best-booked destination of the entire TUI offer.

Many Belgians wanted to experience their holidays close to home during the corona period and booked a driving holiday in Belgium or a neighboring country. This trend continues to this day. France remains the most popular destination with 30% of bookings, but Austria is recording the strongest growth with 20% market share.

City trips are also being rediscovered, and the classic cities of southern Europe are particularly marked this summer. London, which was once in the top 3, is still struggling due to the UK’s strict corona measures and mandatory international passport following Brexit.

The Belgian also spends more on his summer holidays. For a stay by plane, the average budget per person is €1,330, up 8% compared to 2019. A budget of €450 is planned for a stay by car, 20% higher than in 2019. And a city ​​trips can also cost an average of €400, or 12% more than three years ago.

The main departure month is July, followed by May.

Top 5 Airline Holidays (Country)

1. Spain
2. Greece
3. Turkey
4. Egypt
5. Tunisia

Top 5 Airplane Vacations (Destinations)

1. Turkish Riviera (Antalya)
2.Rhodes
3. Tenerife
4. Crete
5. Gran Canaria

Top 5 Driving Holidays (Country)

1.France
2. Austria
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Germany

Top 5 driving holidays (destinations)

1.Tyrol
2. Costa Bravac
3. Lake Garda
4. Languedoc Roussillon
5. Provence

Top 5 city trips

1. Rome
2.Paris
3. Barcelona
4. Valencia
5. Lisbon

Related Articles