Greece at its zenith. Spain and Italy at the top. Come-back of Tunisia and Morocco. United States flop. The hits of your stays in 2022.
This summer, three out of four French people plan to take a vacation. The highest rate of the last fifteen years according to the 21st annual vacation barometer established by Ipsos for Europ Assistance. Unsurprisingly, France remains the favorite destination for 56% of holidaymakers. However, unlike 2020 and 2021 when, due to the pandemic, Julyists and Augustians had favored our coasts and terroirs, foreign countries are once again popular.
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First and foremost, Europe with the Mediterranean countries – Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain – then, a little behind, Tunisia and Morocco which are recovering. Tube of the summer, Greece, which prances at the top of the destinations: + 68% of attendance compared to 2019 in the barometer of the profession. The country offers, it is true, a unique choice with many classic islands – Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos -, but also new ones like Tinos, very popular this summer, Sifnos or a ghost, Rhodes, which refuel in July-August; without forgetting mainland Greece: Peloponnese, Mount Olympus, Athens. “It is one of the rare destinations to offer a unique cultural experience while offering seaside resorts suitable for relaxation and idleness. It is also undeniable that the French are very fond of Greek cuisine”, testifies the CEO of Promovacances-Fram, Alain de Mendonça.
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This country of 10 million inhabitants could see landing between 8 and 10 million tourists in 2022, including 700,000 to 1 million French. Closer, Spain is up very sharply (+80% in turnover in June compared to 2019). And for July and August, Italy, where all the regions are in demand – with Puglia as a hit – is regaining its splendour.
The Maghreb is also on the rise. “In a context of inflation and rising travel prices, the French are also turning to Tunisia, which offers the best value for money, especially for all-inclusive stays,” continues Alain de Mendonça. The price, which includes all the services – full board, activities, room services – can remain under 400 euros per week. Forget therefore the Islamist attacks like that of Sousse in 2015. In this context, Morocco, which launched its operation Marhaba – “welcome” in Arabic – to attract Moroccans from Europe and the French, also seduces.
For its part, Asia only tempts very few tourists because access conditions remain very restrictive. Thailand thus saw its attendance drop by 50% compared to 2019. As for the United States, the destination is downright shunned. The dollar experienced, it must be said, an increase of more than 15% against the euro. And in Times Square, the scoop of ice cream sells for between 5 and 10 dollars.