Overall international bookings for flights to Europe during Q1 2016 are down by -0.9%. Intra-European travellers will still be affected by latest events in Q1 2016. Central & South America have reduced their volume, as many countries have devalued their currencies and are subject to uncertainty concerning political stability.
The latest results from the Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer produced by European Cities Marketing and ForwardKeys reveal that, during Q4 2015, all international arrivals maintained their level with only a 0.7% decrease following Paris attacks from November 13th, while long haul travels in Europe stayed on the right track.
During Q4 2015 long haul arrivals grew despite Paris attacks…
During the fourth quarter of 2015 long haul travels into Europe grew by +3.1%. Travellers from North America, and Asia & Oceania rose strongly (+3.5% and +6.9% respectively) fostered by strong dollar and the emerging markets in Asia – Pacific (APAC). On the other hand, Intra-European flows decreased by -2.7% due to Paris attacks on November 13th, the Brussels lockdown and the eroded relationship between Russia and Turkey. This noticeably hindered the tourism sector.
…However international bookings to Europe for Q1 2016 are slightly declining
Overall international bookings for flights to Europe during Q1 2016 are down by -0.9%. Intra-European travellers will still be affected by latest events in Q1 2016. Central & South America have reduced their volume, as many countries have devalued their currencies and are subject to uncertainty concerning political stability.
Paris bookings in Q1 2016, significantly affected (-16.9%), may have been transferred to Madrid and Barcelona, up by +24.1% and +32.1% respectively. Madeira and Dubrovnik are also seeing more advanced bookings in comparison to Q1 2015.
PARIS FOCUS
Thomas Deschamps, Statistical Research Manager at Office du Tourisme et des Congres de Paris commented: “Despite the attacks, Paris remained the second largest destination for long haul travels in Q4 2015. Following these kinds of terrorist attacks, tourism recoveries usually occur rapidly. After the 9/11 attacks, New York has regained a ‘normal’ tourists number the following spring. In Madrid, the 2004 bombings had no impact on tourist numbers. Each situation is unique, but it’s quite reassuring in the sense that it demonstrates resilience from tourists about the terrorist threat.”
Standard profile for long haul trips to Europe during Q4 2015: long-term bookings, solo travellers, 1-8 days
Stays in Europe between 6 and 13 nights are growing faster, but stays up to one week still represent 55% of total stays in Europe in Q4 2015. 42% of total bookings were issued more than 2 months in advance. This is in line with the increase on long haul trips from North American, and Asia & Pacific.
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.
