ETC: Traveler Interest in Visiting Greece Holding Strong

Photo source: ETC

Travel intentions for Europe and Greece are solid despite the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war found a market study released this week by the European Travel Commission (ETC).

More specifically, in its report titled “Exploring Consumer Travel Attitudes and Expectations to Drive Tourism Recovery Summer 2022”, the ETC found that Greece is among the Top 5 destinations in Europe winning over travelers who are making plans for their summer holidays.

According to the report, among interviewees planning to travel to a European destination this summer, the most popular destinations were Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Greece. 

In terms of interests, a significant segment of travelers said they would choose Greece for its nature and outdoor offerings. As highlighted in the study, the most popular destinations were those with tourism products related to culture and heritage, nature and the outdoors, and city breaks. Potential travelers also chose Spain and France as city breaks, and Germany and Italy for culture and heritage.

Additionally, according to the ETC’s  Long-Haul Travel Barometer released last month, more travelers from long-haul markets are also selecting Greece for their holidays this year.

Greece was also among the top countries visited for those who chose to travel abroad during the pandemic, the report found. 

In terms of travel intent, of the respondents, half said the likelihood of visiting a European country this summer was “extremely likely”. Factors that may affect their decision to travel include caution regarding Covid-19 guidelines, crowded conditions and need for travel insurance.

Lastly, with regard to attitudes towards travel to European destinations, 94 percent have a positive perception of Europe and European countries as tourism destinations; the Russia-Ukraine war makes some interviewees uneasy, but does not affect their perceptions of Europe as a tourism destination; and Mediterranean destinations such as Greece, Spain, France, and Italy are among those interviewees want to visit the most.