During first quarter of 2015, all international source markets grew by 1.3% compared to previous year, mostly driven by long-haul travellers (+5.2%). The Intra-European market (standing for 66% of all arrivals in Europe) slightly decreased by 0.5% (following the last quarter of 2014 with Russia and Ukraine collapsing).
The latest results from the Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer produced by European Cities Marketing and ForwardKeys highlight that international arrivals are still growing during first quarter of 2015, following the trend of 2014.
During first quarter of 2015, all international source markets grew by 1.3% compared to previous year, mostly driven by long-haul travellers (+5.2%). The Intra-European market (standing for 66% of all arrivals in Europe) slightly decreased by 0.5% (following the last quarter of 2014 with Russia and Ukraine collapsing). Africa was also in a negative trend this beginning of 2015 with a -4.9% decrease. North America might have been boosted by the favourable currency exchange and its better economy situation.
Asia & Oceania, who had solid growth acceleration since the beginning of 2014, are facing a slight slowdown during the first quarter of 2015 impacted by the Anti-Corruption programme in China. Nevertheless, both are still growing year over year by 10%, helped partly by a stronger CNY/EUR Exchange rate.
Short stays between 1 to 5 days predominate in first quarter of 2015, driven by the European market and the reduced number of long holidays’ dates. Solo and couple travellers remain the main part of the total arrivals (78%) but larger groups had a strong increase (+9.7% for 3 to 5 pax and +24% for 6+ pax).
Barcelona, Milan and Munich are the winners in terms of share and variation during first quarter of 2015 as they are the only cities present in both top 10 lists for growth and volume. They also received significant bookings for arrivals during second quarter of 2015; meanwhile, Budapest and Prague are consolidating their position with relevant growths.
All ECM members have exclusive access to the complete European Cities Marketing-ForwardKeys Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer with all the graphs and analysis.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
