Travel assistance organisation Touring has reported a 12% increase in its interventions during the first two weeks of July compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
The company also observed a 6% jump in requests for medical and technical help from abroad.
Medical cases have increased by 20% in 2024, with Touring handling 747 so far this year compared to 622 in the corresponding period in 2023.
Technical interventions increased by 9%, going up from 1,920 to 2,100.
“These figures take us back to pre-COVID crisis levels,” Touring stated.
This surge in cases is linked to an increase in holidaymaker numbers, largely because of the many Belgians booking last-minute holidays due to poor weather at home in recent weeks.
The increase in medical cases is also attributed to high temperatures in southern Europe.
“This has resulted in an increase in infections and gastrointestinal issues among holidaymakers, due to the rapid deterioration of food and drinks in the heat. Also, many cases of dehydration have been observed, as travellers are not drinking enough water despite the high temperatures,” Touring explained.
Furthermore, rush departures without proper preparation resulted in a total of 159 individuals eventually being repatriated.
Most calls for medical assistance were from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, according to Touring.
