EXCLUSIVE
Despite the coronavirus, do the French plan to go on vacation this summer and in the next? The answer is yes, even if caution remains in the short term, according to an Ipsos survey for Europ Assistance carried out in 11 countries and unveiled on Friday by Europe 1 and Le Parisien . Thus, 87% of those questioned are probably or certainly thinking of going on vacation by the end of 2020, compared to 81% on average at European level.
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In this particular context, the holidays will last at least two weeks for almost half of the French, and the seaside remains their preferred destination (41%), according to the study. "There is a real desire and a real need for a vacation after this difficult period. Of course, it may not be right away and not this summer for everyone. But we want to take some fresh air and want to to travel ", explains Sarah Duhautois, deputy director of the Ipsos team which carried out this study in 11 European countries.
Confidence in a recovery in global tourism
Respondents also seem to have confidence in a recovery in global tourism in the coming months. 47% of French people who have planned a vacation want to go abroad this fall: 29% in Europe, and 18% outside. This need to go outside national borders is increasing over time. "From March 2021, 59% of French people choose abroad rather than France for their main trip (including 31% in Europe and 28% outside) for a period of at least 1 week (74%)", according to the study.
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"We see that the further we advance in time, the more travel intentions will be directed towards distant journeys for which we are going to take the plane," warns Sarah Duhautois. "We can consider that this summer is a parenthesis, and that in the long term the habits of the French will return quickly. Of course, everything will depend on what will happen in relation to the coronavirus at the French level and at the global level", she warns.