Fewer Belgians plan to go on holiday this summer, according to the holiday barometer presented on Tuesday by Europ Assistance. Still, the desire for a summer break remains strong, despite inflation putting a strain on vacation budgets.
Aside from financial pressures, global warming and geopolitical tensions also influence holiday plans. 65% of Belgians affirmed plans to travel this summer – 5% less than in 2023, according to the survey carried out by Ipsos between 27 March and 22 April 2024.
Europ Assistance analysts report that plans to holiday abroad are now at the same level as before the Covid-19 pandemic. "Just after the pandemic, a greater number of Belgians wanted to enjoy their 'new-found freedom' to travel again. This trend has now returned to normal."
Nearly four in five Belgians say they are enthusiastic about taking a break, though about one in three have been obliged to limit their plans due to reduced purchasing power.
Environmental concerns also factor into holiday plans, with Belgians increasingly mindful of their carbon footprint and more hesitant to visit destinations prone to heatwaves. Armed conflicts and the rise of extremism in certain democracies also influence vacation decisions.
The Durbuy Kayak in Durbuy, a small tourist town in the Ardennes. Credit: Belga
34% of respondents plan short holidays of up to one week (-5% since 2023); 41% plan holidays of two weeks (+3%). 25% of respondents are looking forward to a holiday of three weeks or more (+2%).
With regard to destinations, 68% of Belgians plan to spend their summer holidays in Europe, with France (27%), Belgium (20%), Spain (17%) and Italy (12%) being the preferred destinations. While French-speaking Belgians generally opt for France and Italy, Dutch speakers prefer to stay in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany or Greece.
58% of Belgians choose to spend their holidays on the coast (+2%) while 28% will opt for city breaks (+3%). 22% plan to visit mountain regions while 18% say they will avoid "mass tourism" areas.
Related News
- 'A good year for travel': Surge in Belgians booking summer holidays early
- Sick on holiday? Lost days can soon be recuperated
Over a quarter (28%) of Belgians plan their holidays two to four months before departure, while just under (24%) make plans between four and six months before departure. Hotel reservations (54%) and independent accommodation – such as Airbnb (31%) – remain popular.
For households that already know their holiday costs, average expenditure is €2,736. This makes Belgians the fourth-biggest holiday spender in Europe, behind Switzerland, the UK and Germany. The European average holiday budget for 2024 is €2,446.
Finally, 26% of working Belgians plan to work during part of their holidays.
