Today’s tourism is characterised by mass tourism and travel almost exclusively abroad. But today, the tourism economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the measures that have been adopted to limit the spread of the virus.
This is perhaps the embodiment of the “Travel Revenge” phenomenon, a travel frenzy that could occur when health conditions permit. Hotels.com, revealed in a recent study that 27% of French people consider 2020 to be a “lost year” in terms of travel. At the same time, more than one in five French people (21%) are ready to take revenge and get out their suitcases to travel as much as possible in 2021.
(Re)discovering France…
To some extent, the escapades will be local. In this study*, 49% of respondents plan to travel to France in the medium term (within 7 to 12 months) and 40% in the long term (in more than 1 year). And although it will eventually coexist with the desire to travel elsewhere, the craze for local destinations is set to last, predicts Booking, “as these trips are easier to organise, safer and often more respectful of the environment”.
… and nature
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of recommendations for holidays that allow people to enjoy nature (44%) and simple pleasures such as hiking (94%), fresh air (50%) and relaxation (33%), has risen sharply on Booking.com, says the platform. The survey also shows that 70% of French travellers want to enjoy more time spent outdoors or with their families. More than half of those surveyed (57%) will be looking for more rural and off-the-beaten track experiences to reconnect with nature.
We invite you to visit our Holiday Rental page to book one of our residences, where you can enjoy some incredible moments surrounded by nature with your family.
A summer with a local flavour
The advancement of the vaccination campaign, will help to have a promising 2021 summer season for some tourism businesses. Outdoor activities will be the most popular, as they were last year. On the other hand, large cities, deprived of much of their usual activities, will have to wait for the return of international tourists and the weakening of the pandemic for a real revival.
In addition, neighbouring countries such as Spain, Italy and even Greece are expected to be the favourite destinations this summer. However, it will be necessary to take into account the health measures of each country, which will be more or less strict. In addition, going abroad can also bring back the virus. For this reason, the option of spending your holidays in your country of origin is one of the most popular.
The health pass, the grail of the recovery?
With just a few weeks to go before the start of the summer season, the desire to travel is becoming more and more pressing among people. A European health pass, allowing travel in the EU without a PCR test, should be available by the end of June, announced Clément Beaune, the Secretary of State for European Affairs.
Indeed, the health pass will first be used in France, on a national scale, at the beginning of June for access to large gatherings (festive, or sporting or cultural events exceeding 1,000 people). Then, at the end of June, for travel within the European Union. Moreover, “The health pass is not an additional obligation, but an additional opportunity,” said ClĂ©ment Beaune. It will allow us to travel anywhere in the European Union, from Paris to Berlin and from Madrid to Rome.
This is a real positive point that will allow European citizens to travel freely in Europe with their health pass.
From a local point of view, the inhabitants of France will be able to go to festivals, concerts and much more. For example, the biggest French festival: Les Vieilles Charrues. Indeed, this one will take place, but in a modified way. The site will be redesigned, but above all a sanitary passageway will be required for access.
Moreover, the 7th edition of the Avignon festival will also take place. From 7 July to 31 July 2021, the organisers will be delighted to welcome you to the capital of the Vaucluse department. On the programme: dance, exhibitions, screenings, theatre and much more.
What about slow tourism?
At the dawn of a renewal in the tourism sector, slow tourism fits perfectly into the evolutionary process. Indeed, it represents a healthier, safer and more economical movement. The global pandemic we have experienced has allowed it to evolve. As we have already said, we are going to have a summer with a local flavour.
Slow tourism is totally in line with this, as the essence of it is to consume locally, meet the locals and above all have a positive impact on the environment. For more information on slow tourism, please read our article on slow tourism.
Moreover, the summer of 2021 may once again be overshadowed by the coronavirus. As a result, people will prefer to stay in their home country for the holidays.
In addition, foreigners wishing to spend their holidays in France will also be able to travel freely throughout the country. Moreover, PCR tests will be free for foreigners coming to France according to the monthly travel magazine GEO.
A desire to escape mass tourism and reconnect with nature to recharge their batteries and forget, for a summer, the coronavirus.
Sources
Find the complete Booking study*.
*Survey commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have taken at least 1 business or leisure trip in the last 12 months and plan to travel again in the next 12 months (if/when travel restrictions are lifted). A total of 20,934 people from 28 countries were surveyed (including 999 from the USA; 496 from Canada; 497 from Mexico; 997 from Colombia; 999 from Brazil; 499 from Argentina; 995 from Australia; 499 from New Zealand; 999 from Spain; 996 from Italy; 996 from France; 999 from the UK; 996 in Germany; 498 in the Netherlands; 499 in Denmark; 499 in Sweden; 498 in Croatia; 1001 in Russia; 498 in Israel; 997 in India; 994 in China; 499 in Hong Kong; 497 in Thailand; 496 in Singapore; 499 in Taiwan; 997 in South Korea; 500 in Vietnam; and 995 in Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.