According to the Europ Assistance (EA) holiday barometer, this year 61 percent of Austrians are planning a holiday again; in 2020, due to the pandemic only 41 percent of Austrians traveled. The study also stated that on average, Austrians spend 2,088 euros on travel. The European average is EUR 1,556. Spontaneous vacations are the most popular now.
When asked about vaccination, 76 percent of the Austrian study participants stated that they would definitely be immunized. 63 percent are in favor of a cross-border vaccination certificate, 39 percent are ready to go into quarantine for vacation.
As a corona precautionary measure, 66 percent of the Austrians surveyed can only imagine taking a vacation in their own country, 29 percent have already decided on a summer vacation in Austria. 23 percent want to go to Italy, 14 percent to Croatia and 10 percent to Greece.
Spontaneous Vacations Are Booming
There have never been so many last-minute bookings as this year. At the time of the survey, 37 percent had booked a fixed trip. 63 percent plan to travel with their partner this year, 16 percent with friends and 12 percent alone. Two-thirds take the car, 25 percent the plane and 16 percent the train. Respondents favor the car because of its convenience and the reduced risk of infection. 52 percent go to the hotel, 22 percent book an apartment, 21 percent sleep in their family’s apartment.
Different Situation in Regions
Bookings are picking up in Austria. While some regions are already very fully booked, others still have room for improvement for those wishing to travel.
Overall, around 58 percent of the accommodations that can be booked online in Austria are still free in July, compared with 55 percent in August. The fewest choices are in Tyrolean Oberland. Around 39 percent of the accommodations can still be booked here in July. The situation is similar in the Tannheimer Tal with 34 percent in July and 30 and 39 percent in August and September. Carinthia, Ötztal, Bregenzerwald and Salzkammergut also gradually converge.
Starting on July 1, Austria will relax more restrictions. The curfew will be lifted, restaurants will be open at night again. In the catering industry, the obligation to wear an FFP2 mask will now also be waived for employees.