According to the Europ Assistance (EA) holiday barometer, 61 percent of Austrians are planning a vacation again this year; in 2020, only 41 percent of Austrians traveled due to the pandemic. The study also says that on average Austrians spend € 2,088 on travel. The average for Europe is 1,556 euros. And the fastest growing trend in Austria right now is spontaneous vacations.
When asked about vaccination, 76 percent of the participants in the Austrian study said they would definitely get vaccinated. 63 percent are in favor of a cross-border vaccination certificate, 39 percent are willing to quarantine for vacation.
As a precautionary measure against coronavirus, 66 percent of Austrians surveyed can currently imagine a vacation only in their own country, 29 percent have already decided to spend their summer holidays at home – in Austria. 23 percent want to go to Italy, 14 percent to Croatia and 10 percent to Greece.
Spontaneous vacations boom
There have never been as many last-minute orders as this year. At the time of the survey, 37% had booked a fixed trip. 63 percent plan to travel with their partner this year, 16 percent with friends, and 12 percent alone. Two-thirds take a car, 25 percent take a plane, and 16 percent take a train. The respondents prefer the car because of its convenience and reduced risk of infection. 52 percent go to a hotel, 22 percent book apartments, 21 percent plan to use their own home or the apartment of relatives.
Different situation with reservations in the regions
The number of bookings in Austria is growing. While some regions are already fully booked, others still offer accommodation for those looking to travel.
Overall, about 58 percent of accommodations that can be booked online in Austria are still available for booking in July, up from 55 percent available in August. Least of all options for vacation in the Tyrolean Oberland (Oberland). In July, about 39 percent of accommodation can still be booked here. The situation is similar in Tannheimer Tal: 34 percent in July and 30 and 39 percent are available in August and September, respectively. Carinthia, Ötztal, Bregenzerwald and Salzkammergut are also gradually filling up.
From July 1, Austria will lift additional restrictions. The curfew will be lifted and restaurants will be open again at night. In the catering industry, the obligation to wear an FFP2 mask for employees will now also be abolished.