• For the time being, stays abroad are strictly regulated.

    But when the restrictions are lifted

    ,

    the need to travel is likely to be felt among the French who can afford it.

  • According to a study by the hotel group

    Ascott Limited, published in March, among the most coveted destinations for the French after Covid-19 are Spain, the United States, Ireland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

  • The readers of

    20 Minutes

    also

    told

    us about their dreams of escape.

After a complicated year punctuated by travel restrictions, they dream of escape.

In their dreams for life after Covid-19, the French already imagine themselves suitcases in hand to explore the world.

According to a study by the hotel group

Ascott Limited published in March, among the destinations that our compatriots would like to discover or revisit in a few months outside France, is first Spain, then the United States, Ireland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

Results which show the desire of some to plan "trips to neighboring countries", explains Philippe Mettey, vice-president of sales and marketing at Europe Ascott Limited. "We can assume that the uncertainties that weigh lead to choose destinations accessible by train or car," he continues. This is the case with Lennie, who answered our call for witnesses, and who dreams of Spain and Italy: "After the coronavirus is over, when normal life resumes, I would like to travel to a hot country. I would like to walk in the streets where the crowd walks among friends. I would like to sit over a coffee in a bar by the sea without worrying about staying to a certain time because of a curfew. I would like to go back to my old life, go out to a disco, meet young people,make new acquaintances… ”, she explains. In Europe, many of us want to visit big cities: “After long months without shows, restaurants, museums, we were able to identify a real desire to rediscover the big capitals. The desire to rediscover exceptional places (museums, historical monuments) is there, ”emphasizes Philippe Mettey.

"The Great American West, I've been dreaming about it for years"

But besides Europe, the American dream is still very present among the French, like Gérard: “The Great American West, I have dreamed of it for years. The health crisis made me understand the importance of travel and the need for a total change of scenery ”. Ditto for another of our readers: “I want to go back to the United States. My last trip was in October 2019 and I admit that I miss this country. Usually I go there twice a year ”. Michele, she plans to return to New York "To see the squirrels in Central Park, walk in Times Square, see people again, listen to music in the New York subway, stroll in the streets". This enthusiasm for Uncle Sam's country does not surprise Philippe Mettey: “This destination has always been very popular on the French market.This reflects the desire to escape after long months of travel restrictions ”.

Another trend: the desire for wide open spaces and nature destinations.

What prompts Daniel to imagine settling his suitcases in New Zealand: "We would like to go on a six-week road trip in order to discover everything about this country with its geography, flora, forests, and so diverse fauna".

Dominique, she still hesitates: "African adventure in Namibia for the great outdoors, or Yunnan / Tibet, or Guatemala?

".

And although it won't be hot, Annaick has made a very different choice: “I want to see the Northern Lights in Tomso, Norway.

I will land on a cleared site with a thermos of chocolate and I will take my eyes off it, bundled up in a plaid ”.

"When everything is over, I will be ready to go to Russia"

For her part, Josiane imagines more of a trip tinged with blue: “After going to the Leeward Islands and the Tuamotus in Polynesia and having fallen under their spell, we would like to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on

the Aranui 5

boat.

by going to the Marquesas, as soon as the health situation permits ”. The health crisis has allowed some French people whose work has not been affected to save money. This can also allow them to look far ahead, as is the case for Damien: "When everything is over, I will be ready to go to Russia, or Norway if possible next winter". And for those whose honeymoon has been postponed due to the health crisis, there is no question of traveling to a nearby country. For Ludovic and his wife, it will be "Tanzania and Zanzibar".

Our readers also evoke Canada, India, China, Namibia, Chile, Iran, Japan… Proof that in terms of tourism, everyone has their own fantasies.

But whatever the target destination, one thing is certain, according to Philippe Mettey: the French will not have the same requirements as before the Covid-19.

“The health crisis has changed the way people travel and book.

Today, customers are looking for establishments that have implemented drastic hygiene standards.

They also want a lot of flexibility, and cancellable and changeable rates are essential for confirming reservations for the coming months ”.

Changes that tour operators will have to take into account to attract tourists again.

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* Survey conducted with the Ascott opt-in database between January 21 and 27 - 950 respondents residing in France, between 18 and 65 years old.

  • Covid 19

  • Coronavirus

  • Tourism

  • Trip

  • Society