MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi Observatory – the Association of Italian Tour Operating – shows the positive trend of vacation bookings around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and notes diversified buying behaviors, preferences and trends.There is a 12 percent increase in revenues compared to 2023 for bookings with departures from Dec. 18, 2024 and returns by Jan. 12, 2025. This growth compares with last year’s good performance, despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability.Advance bookings (Advance bookings) made more than 90 days before departure, accounted for 60 percent of the total, confirming an entrenched behavior.Inflation has affected the cost of package tours, albeit less than in previous years, with cost increases ranging from 3 to 9 percent. The average price of packages stands at 2,400 euros per person although values vary widely depending on the type of trip: they range from 1,400 euros for a trip to Egypt, the Canary Islands or Cape Verde to 3,400 euros for a long-haul trip to the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean. For itinerant and Tailor-made long-haul trips, one spends an average of 3,900 euros per person. For vacations in Italy, costs start at 700 euros per person for short stays, while weekly vacations in the mountains exceed 2,500 euros per person. For European destinations, they range from 800 euros for city breaks with included experiences to 1,800 euros for trips to Northern Europe. To counter the impact of inflation, the use of consumer credit is growing, particularly through the “Buy Now, Pay Later” formula, chosen mainly by the middle class, while the incidence is lower in the upper scale.The average length of vacation is 8.2 days with a range of 6 to 11 days. Six days are spent skiing in the mountains, or visiting Europe and the Emirates, 8 days for beach stays, and 11 days for tours and itinerant travel.A common trait across all segments is the increasing focus on insurance protections as an added value, especially for long-haul destinations or in those that require more protection. Travelers are showing greater awareness toward insurance coverage, and companies are responding with more comprehensive and targeted products, guaranteeing safety and peace of mind.Travelers’ preferences range from individual trips, city/tour and sea combinations, customized or group tours, mountain and beach vacations with direct flights and packages that include pre-bookable excursions, with a growing and strong demand for experiential tourism. Italy: Trentino is confirmed as the first choice, followed by Valle d’Aosta; Europe: city breaks, enriched by experiences together with Scandinavia and its offer of snow activities record an increasing demand; Mid-range: the Red Sea, with iconic resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam, takes back the scene recording a growth of about 35 percent during the holiday period. It remains the top-selling foreign destination for tour operators and one of the most popular among Italians, thanks to value for money, proximity, direct flights and the beauty of the seabed. Although volumes have not yet returned to the levels of winter 2022-23, the recovery from last year is evident and marks a definite return to normalcy. The UAE also continues to maintain its appeal; attracting both beach stays and cruise offerings. The Canary Islands and Cape Verde complete the picture, representing good alternatives for those looking for warm weather vacations with excellent connections and quality services.Long haul: for beach stays, the Maldives stand out, followed by Zanzibar, Kenya and Thailand, which continue to attract Italian travelers thanks to the combination of beautiful sea, favorable climate and high-quality facilities. For cultural and itinerant tours, destinations in the Far East (India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand) stand out, flanked by African destinations such as Morocco, Egypt and South Africa and South America particularly Argentina, which offer authentic experiences and tailor-made itineraries. There is also significant growth, especially for a higher segment of customers, toward tailor-made trips, designed to meet specific needs and offer maximum customization. New York, in particular, continues to record a good volume of bookings, confirming it as one of the most popular cities for the holidays, particularly for the iconic countdown to the New Year in Times Square. Emerging Destinations: Saudi Arabia and Colombia, both experiencing growing interest, along with the opening of new all-inclusive resorts and direct flights that enrich and facilitate the offer for the Italian public.Although the summer will be decisive in defining the annual trend, volumes are expected to grow by 5-7% in 2025, with solid tourism demand confirmed by the first winter data; however, uncertainties related to geopolitical tensions and inflation remain, which could affect the sector. Among the most popular destinations are expected to be the Red Sea, Maldives, East and East Africa, as well as emerging destinations such as Saudi Arabia and Colombia. In the summer, the game will be played mainly on the Mediterranean and Italy.Italians’ preferences are constantly evolving, but the common denominator remains the search for authentic, safe and well-structured experiences that only organized tourism, strong in the protections, guarantees and skills, inherent in the sector, can ensure, in addition to the variety of destinations and innovations in the offer. “Bookings for Christmas and New Year’s Eve show growth for all our members, with an average increase of 12 percent. This positive trend, supported by Advance booking, is also confirmed in the other winter months and attests to Italians’ trust in organized tourism,” comments Pier Ezhaya, President of ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi. “Despite inflation and geopolitical uncertainties, the sector continues to respond with targeted solutions that favor both complex itineraries to distant destinations and relaxing stays at the seaside. The future sees us committed to innovative and effective training plans essential to address the profound social and technological changes on the horizon. Organized tourism remains central for those seeking authentic, safe and certified experiences; we look forward to 2025 with confidence, ready to innovate and meet new market challenges.”
– Photo press office ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi –
(ITALPRESS).
