INTERVIEW
The summer vacation budget of the French is rising sharply this year. According to a study unveiled by Europe 1 Thursday, the French expect to spend 1,502 euros on average per household for their summer holidays. A budget that has not been so high for eight years. "The French who go to a paying accommodation, whether the hotel or camping, have a budget up this year, 7% compared to 2018," says Europe 1 Didier Arino, the director of the cabinet Protourism in the origin of this study.
"What lies behind these numbers is a slight drop in unemployment and an increase in purchasing power, and it is found directly in tourism," he explains to the microphone of Matthieu Belliard. "When the French have the opportunity to go on holiday more, they do it, it's a vital need!"
In France, theme destinations
This summer, the French "plan to leave ten days" on average, adds Didier Arino. At the top of the ranking of popular destinations: Spain, Italy, Portugal, as well as the Maghreb countries. "Spain is a little down in volumes this year, to the benefit of the Maghreb - Morocco, Tunisia - but also Turkey.These destinations have good value for money, and there is also less fear terrorist risk, "notes the director of the firm specializing in tourism studies.
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If the international destinations progress this year, the French destinations remain privileged, like Brittany, the south of the Atlantic frontage or the Aude. "These are the themes that work very well too, such as wine tourism in Bordeaux and Jura, but also theme parks," notes Didier Arino.
A holiday not without sacrifice
However, if 66% of French people go on vacation year-round, a third remains in his main place of residence. "For budgetary reasons mainly, but also professional or health", details Didier Arino.
And even among those who are able to afford a holiday, some do so at the price of financial sacrifices: "10% are borrowing to go on vacation, it is not trivial.There are those who also seek formulas in best price". In the same way, more and more French leave outside the high season, in June and September, when the rates are down.