ITB Poll: Global Desire to Travel Solid Despite Covid-19

Photo Source: EC – Audiovisual Service

Covid-19 may still be here, but according to the latest poll published by ITB Berlin and carried out by IPK International, people worldwide are eager to travel no matter what with Greece being among the top destinations of choice for 2022.

More specifically, 80 percent of respondents worldwide surveyed said they were planning international trips over the next 12 months. 

At the top of their wish lists, sun and beach holidays, city breaks and holidays close to nature in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Greece.

South Aegean Tourism Initiative

Europeans’ intentions to travel abroad are now almost 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, 70 percent for US travelers and over 60 percent for Asians.

However, Covid is still creating concern among those polled, who also expressed their discontent over the management of travel during the pandemic.

Nearly 90 percent who have recently traveled abroad said planning was difficult and complicated citing unclear or changing information combined with poor communication of guidelines on the part of the destinations.

The survey goes on to note a growing interest in holiday trips with 81 percent of those seeking to travel abroad planning holiday trips over the next 12 months. According to analysts,  intentions for holidays have risen steadily since the beginning of 2021. However, plans to visit friends and relatives abroad have declined, while intent for business trips abroad is stable.

Photo Source: EC – Audiovisual Service

Overall, safety beats price among those polled, who are still concerned about infection rates. 

The ITB Berlin – IPK International Covid-19 survey examines the global impact of the pandemic on international travel behavior and is based on the findings of representative interviews across 18 markets.